Professor James Chin.

From town criers to bloggers. The history of how information passes from one person to the next can be traced back to the Roman empire if not sooner.

Over the years, communicating news to the masses has evolved dramatically. More so in the last 200 years. However, it reached break-neck speed with the mother-of- all inventions – the Internet.

With news being available to anyone, anywhere, almost as soon as it happens, the roles of media practitioners and communicators have changed perceptibly. With traditional newspapers still maintaining a stronghold over some, the advent of the Internet has allowed everyone to become a journalist of sorts.

Therefore, the question that most media folks should ask themselves is very simple- “Can we keep up?” and if the answer is yes, the next question will be- “How do we keep up?”.

With differing opinions on the possible answers, one seems to be the most plausible – education. Whatever the methodology one chooses, it is undeniable that keeping an open mind to learning might help you weather the change better if not completely inspire you to be the next Bob Woodward.

Keeping that in mind, a few like-minded media practitioners attended the recent Postgraduate Preview: Master of Communications and Media Studies, organised by Monash University’s School of Arts and Social Sciences. Hosted by the head of the school, Professor James Chin and aided by his colleague, Dr Yeoh Seng Guan, the session proved to be a lesson in change in itself.

Highlighting the need that those in the media industry should further develop their knowledge, intensify critical thinking, understand the ever-changing communications landscape and hone their already extensive experience, Professor Chin encouraged participants to take that one step further towards personal and professional enrichment. The added bonus for working adults was that this degree can be taken without a disruption to their professional life.

“The subjects in each semester delve into what is happening in the communicational landscape in terms of industry, content, text etc. We also help to understand and prepare for research work and how it can help you in the future, in relation to your own work or field of interest.

There are also the contemporary issues in Asia and in international communications that address the concerns that arise when communication itself (with the emergence of blogs, twitter and the rest) does not respect boundaries or privacy, practice ethics, and risk national security. Essentially we look at communications on an international and global level. Then, if you achieve a distinction average, you have the option of preparing a research thesis or you can finish up with an industry research project and the media, ethics and practice elective, ” added Dr. Yeoh.

With these subjects, one can be rest assured it was tailor-made to ensure its relevance and usefulness in today evolving media industry. It is specifically catered to students and working adults, with a view of deepening the understanding of their chosen profession in the local context as well as that of the region.

Dr Yeoh Seng Guan.