SG · Bachelor's
National University of Singapore
BA (Hons) Communications and New Media
National University of Singapore
Course Overview
NUS's Department of Communications and New Media at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is Singapore's leading undergraduate programme in digital media, communication theory, and interactive media design. NUS is ranked #8 globally (QS 2025: tied #1 in Asia) and Communications and New Media specifically sits among the world's top 40 communication departments.
The four-year Honours programme is structured around five tracks: Communication Management & Strategy; Interactive Media Design; Cultural Studies in Asia; Games & Interactive Design; and Journalism (the Honours specialisation). Sri Lankan students who want a media degree with rigorous academic backing — rather than a vocational craft school — choose NUS over the production-heavy BFAs in the US. The programme is heavy on research, theory, and Singapore-as-Asian-media-hub case studies.
Singapore's post-study work landscape is the most predictable in Asia: graduates qualify for the Employment Pass (S$5,000+ monthly salary, 2024 floor) which converts to PR after 2+ years. Singapore's media industry is dense — MediaCorp, SPH Media, Channel News Asia, plus regional Asia-Pacific HQs of Netflix, TikTok, Meta, Google, plus boutique digital agencies (Mirum, Wunderman Thompson, Edelman APAC).
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan A/Ls: AAB minimum — three good passes including English Literature, Languages, or a humanities subject preferred. Cambridge International / Edexcel A-Levels at AAB.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 38+ points with 6,6,6 at Higher Level.
- check_circle SAT 1450+ (or ACT 32+) as an additional signal for international applicants.
- check_circle Personal statement (1,000 words) on motivation for Communications and New Media at NUS.
- check_circle NUS-specific online application via the Office of Admissions portal.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in Writing).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 93 Overall (min 22 in Writing).
- check_circle Cambridge English C1 Advanced: 185 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification (A/Ls, IB, Cambridge International, Edexcel) was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium streams qualify with an MOI letter from the school.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (SGD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, with MOE Tuition Grant) | SGD 40,500 | Rs. 9,720,000 |
| Tuition Fee (without Tuition Grant) | SGD 57,000 | Rs. 13,680,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Singapore) | SGD 14,000 | Rs. 3,360,000 |
| Student Pass + Insurance + Establishment | SGD 1,500 | Rs. 360,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment (with MOE Grant) | SGD 56,000 | Rs. 13,440,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
MOE Tuition Grant recipients must serve a 3-year work bond in Singapore (any Singapore-based employer) — effectively a guaranteed post-study work pathway. Without the grant, Sri Lankan grads still qualify for the Singapore Employment Pass (SGD 5,000+ monthly, 2024). NUS Communications grads place into MediaCorp, SPH Media, Meta APAC, TikTok, Google APAC, plus regional ad agencies (Edelman, Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson). Singapore starting media salary SGD 48,000–62,000.
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