BA (Hons) in International Communication Studies with English Language and Literature

The English Language and Literature track of the International Communication Studies degree at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) equips students with advanced communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills valued in the global job market. Combining global media studies with in-depth exploration of linguistics, creative writing, and world literature, the programme develops the ability to interpret complex texts, evaluate ideas, and communicate with clarity and creativity. Delivered at the vibrant Malaysia campus, the curriculum balances academic rigour with practical application, preparing graduates for careers in media, education, translation, publishing, and international relations.

Academic Requirements

• A Level: BCC (excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies)

• IB Diploma: 24 points overall

• STPM: BC+C+ (excluding Pengajian Am)

• UEC: 3 B3s and 2 B4s (excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language)

• Australian Year 12: ATAR 78 (relevant subjects considered)

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD): 75% average across 6 subjects

• Canadian Secondary School Diplomas (other provinces): Assessed based on university requirements

• China (Gaokao + Senior High School Diploma):

  • 68% average in Gaokao (converted from 750 scale)

  • 70% overall in Senior High School Diploma

• India (CBSE/CISCE – Class XII):

  • 75% average from best 4 subjects

  • Excludes local language, Environmental Education, General Studies, and Physical Education

• Advanced Placement (AP): 4, 3, 3 in relevant subjects

• Local Diplomas:

  • Entry to Year 2 is case-by-case, typically requiring GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and strong grades in relevant subjects

• Local Foundation Programmes:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects

• Nottingham Foundation Programme: Successful completion required

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component)

• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall

  • Writing and Listening: minimum 19

  • Reading: minimum 20

  • Speaking: minimum 22

• PTE Academic: 71 overall (minimum 65 in each component)

• GCE A Level / AS Level English Language or Literature: Grade C

• SPM: CEFR level B2

• GCSE O-Level: Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (First Language): Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (Second Language): Grade B / 6

• MUET: Band 4.5

• UEC: Grade A2

• IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level): 4 points

• IB English B (Higher Level): 4 points

• IB English B (Standard Level): 5 points

• OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U): 75% (fast-track routes not accepted)

• CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X English:

  • 75% overall

  • Requires confirmation that English was the medium of instruction from Class X to XII

Additional Notes

• IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted

• IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted

• MUET results are valid for five years from the release date

• OSSD English must be completed through standard courses (credit exemptions and fast-track routes not accepted)

• CBSE/CISCE English results require an official confirmation letter verifying English-medium instruction throughout Class X to XII

Year 1 – Core Modules

• Beginners French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, or Spanish (full year)

• Culture and Society

• Introduction to Linguistics

• Media and Communications Theory

• Studying Literature

• Global Music Studies (optional)

Year 2 – Core Modules

• Intermediate French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, or Spanish (full year)

• Political Communication, Public Relations and Propaganda

• Researching Culture, Film and Media (full year)

• One literature module (from the School of English)

• One linguistics module (from the School of English)

Optional Modules:

• Community Interpreting

• Cultural Politics

• Introduction to Translation

• Reading Japanese Literature I

Year 3 – Core Modules

• Advanced French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, or Spanish (full year)

• Cultural, Film and Media Dissertation (full year)

• Digital Communication and Media

• Gender, Sexuality and Media

• Media and Conflict

• Modern British Fiction since 1950

• Patterns, Functions, and the Description of English

• Writing for the Media