Changing Perception

We are now living in a digital communication era in which everything runs in a fast-
speed way until it feels like no distance and time difference. Internet has changed the way
human beings communicate each other; starting with Short Message Service (SMS), e-mail,
and then various types of social media which are becoming more and more popular among
young people. As the information and communication technology advances, case-law relating
to freedom of expression occurs, for instance, defamation on Twitter, identity theft, bullying
and pornography. In Indonesia, the government legitimated Electronic Information and
Transaction Laws as the legal basis of digital communication in 2008 and it has specifically
become the main stand to defend digital journalism in Indonesia.

Communications studies have always been a passion of mine and journalism studies
in particular, has interested me for most of the time. I studied communication and journalism
at Padjadjaran University since 2005 and graduated cum-laude on 2011. On the process of
pursuing undergraduate study, I found that Indonesia puts forward the freedom of expressions
which has changed from time to time. To have a better understanding of media role in
society, I should have extensive intellectual capacity, as well as strong educational
background. Therefore, I would like to pursue master degree study at University of Glasgow,
majoring Media, Communications & International Journalism. This program has a perfect
combination of the latest advancement in media, communications, audience theories, as well
as research methodologies along with editorial skills that are required for the journalist in the
modern era. By studying Media, Communications & International Journalism at University of
Glasgow, I will keen to develop academic interest in the field of media and communication
studies and develop my journalism skills.

The Media, Communications & International Journalism (MSc) program will last for
12 months for full-time study with 4 core studies and 2 optional studies – such as economics,
criminology, human rights, sociology, and politics with the core study is about the role of the
media in society – followed by dissertation and research project. Both are taught by members
of the Glasgow Media Group, which has international reputation for pioneering research
methods in media and communications. Seminars, lectures and workshop will be the main
teaching methodologies at the University of Glasgow.
 The 4 core studies at the Media, Communications & International Journalism (MSc)
program, as follows:

1. Media, Communications and Journalism: Criticism and Theory

2. Methods of Social Research
3. Practical News Journalism
4. Researching Audiences and the Media.

Through studying in master degree level, I look forward to pursue a career in the field
of government the Ministry of Communication and be part of agent of change in the media
industry in Indonesia. I would also like to contribute myself by becoming an educator and
researcher at high-education level. I would like to develop skills in print, online, and
broadcast journalism which are the essentials for a career in the industry. I want to contribute
myself for the change by studying relevant field of study to present situation in Indonesia
where digital communication is built massively. I confidently believe that the skills that I will
develop by studying in the master degree level, will highly relevant in my future endeavor.

Flashing back to the year of 2011, when I first started working in the broadcasting
media industry, I had to face the fact that conventional media started to changed themselves
into convergent media. Radio is no longer merely about broadcasting, it is required website
streaming, audio podcast and social media content to fulfill customers’ demand and to
compete in the business. When I worked as Social Media Writer and becoming online
journalist for Ardan Group Radio Management, despite having no formal education
background in social media, I used literature from internet as supplementary to enrich myself
– in other words, I am a voracious autodidact of digital media.

Furthermore, my writing skill and knowledge in journalism studies become the

greatest strength in dealing with my work. Nevertheless, I found that some of the theories I
learned at college did not see eye-to-eye with the actuality. While internet was causing
information chaos, the national media in Indonesia grow greatly. In my sixth year working in
digital communication field especially in social media, I feel the need of contributing in
improving digital media system and journalism in Indonesia.

Hence, I wish to develop thorough comprehension towards new media

communication and journalism studies, as well as the ability in compiling and giving
recommendation which is applicable for today’s situation. I aim to acquire a practical
experience and legitimated recognition for my skill in media, communication and journalism
by completing the formal school majoring Media, Communications, and International
Journalism (MSc) at the University of Glasgow, which has been the pioneer research
excellence and included at the top 100 universities in the world. University of Glasgow is the
fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. They have diverse and growing
student population with more than 25.000 students from almost 130 countries.

Sheisa Sastaviana Sudrajat