Department of Journalism and Communication Adapts to Digital Transformation and Industry Demands

The Department of Journalism and Communication has achieved steady growth in student admissions and research output in recent years. Dr Crispy TONG Suk-chong, Head of Department, attributes this success to the close collaboration between faculty members and industry practitioners, which enables the Department to keep abreast of industry developments and align its curriculum with career opportunities. To meet evolving industry demands, the Department updates its curriculum and actively integrates digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and programming.

Curriculum Renewal and Future Plans

The Department currently offers two programmes: the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism and Mass Communication (BA-JMC) and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media Design and Immersive Technology (BA-MDIT). Both programmes emphasise the application of digital technologies. The BA-MDIT programme has introduced new subjects, such as creative programming and AI in Media Design, and students received international awards over the past year, while the BA-JMC programme has also added courses to address the industry’s growing demand for digital competencies.

The Department is also preparing to launch the Master of Arts in Creative Media and Cultural Innovation. In addition to digital technologies, the programme will incorporate cultural studies, providing students with comprehensive interdisciplinary training.

Knowledge Transfer and Research Contributions

In the area of knowledge transfer, Dr TONG has led a research project entitled “Reviewing Digital Technology-Driven Marketing Communications and Future Research Directions: A Cross- Disciplinary Dialogue Between Academics and Practitioners”. The project engages industry professionals and organises seminars that enable practitioners to gain insights from academic research. The Department has also developed a teaching manual for secondary schools.

In addition, Mr Edgar SO Kai-chi, Associate Professor of Practice, conducted a study titled “Journalistic Framing Practices: Exploring Framing Production of Medical News Reporting in Hong Kong “. Through interviews with medical journalists, the research examines the relationship between medical and health new reporting practices and the wider community.

Departmental Distinctiveness and Industry Connections

Dr TONG noted that the Department maintains strong connections with the industry. Faculty members with professional experiences closely monitor industry developments and help provide internship opportunities for students. Meanwhile, a majority of them focus on academic research, particularly in digital media-related fields, and are committed to transferring research findings into practical applications.

The Department welcomes three new faculty members in the 2027/28 academic year. One will contribute to the BA-MDIT programme, specialising in VR/AR, media design, AI, and social robotics. Another, with a background in film studies, will teach film and television production while conducting research on digital games. The third, an Associate Professor, will focus on teaching and research in digital journalism and communication.