In today's era of rapid technological progress, effective communication of technology is crucial for linking advanced research with the broader public. With deeper scientific investigations and rapid technological progress, the demand for skilled science and technology communicators is growing. Governments and companies alike need international, interdisciplinary experts who understand global technological trends, science communication principles, and possess scientific literacy, a global outlook, and strategic insights.
In response, Tsinghua University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore launched the “Tsinghua-NTU Global Science Communication Dual Master's Degree Program” (the Tsinghua-NTU Program) in 2024.
Both Tsinghua University and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are leading institutions in the field of communication studies globally. In the QS World University Rankings, NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information consistently ranks first in Asia and is among the top five worldwide. In the 2024 Times Higher Education China Subject Ratings, Tsinghua University's Journalism and Communication program received an A+ grade.
“The Tsinghua-NTU Program is an innovative collaboration between both universities aimed at advancing global science and technology communication. It is a strong partnership in journalism and communication education. The program offers students top-quality learning resources, various development opportunities, and a competitive interdisciplinary advantage worldwide,” emphasized Professor Qing’an Zhou, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University.
(World Ranking of NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information)
Crafting a Global Curriculum for Tomorrow's Communicators
The Tsinghua-NTU Program combines the strengths of both universities to create an interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum. The core courses emphasize the application and dissemination of emerging technologies, strategic communication for tech companies, public science outreach of new technologies, and international communication of scientific and technological advancements.
Tsinghua University offers foundational courses for the program, including Social Network Analysis, Communication Research Methods, and Social Computing, providing students with a solid methodological foundation. Additionally, specialized core courses such as Science Communication, Public Communication of Science and Technology Opinion, and Strategic Communication for Technology Enterprises are offered, integrating advanced theories with practical experience to enhance students' professional capabilities comprehensively.
Nanyang Technological University offers courses such as Digital Media Governance, Information Mining and Analysis, and Information Visualization for the Tsinghua-NTU Program, ensuring curriculum continuity between the two institutions. Building on this, NTU also provides a series of specialized practical courses, including Strategic Public Relations Management, Branded Content Marketing and Campaigns, Digital Marketing Transformation, and Strategic Branding for Leaders.
This teaching philosophy, closely aligned with industry trends, allows students to receive a professional education that combines theoretical depth with practical value, establishing a strong foundation for their development as future leaders in science and technology communication. Additionally, the Tsinghua-NTU Program's interdisciplinary training approach creates a vibrant and varied learning setting, enabling students from diverse academic disciplines to share their professional insights and expertise.
Liang Chen, Associate Professor at Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication and the Director of the Tsinghua-NTU Program, explained that the program targets not only applicants with a basic background in journalism and communication but also those from interdisciplinary fields such as science and engineering, public administration, business management, or specialized technological expertise. The Tsinghua-NTU Program promotes close collaboration among students from diverse disciplines, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of how science, technology, and communication converge and interact in today's society.
(In 2024, Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication and NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information signed the program agreement.）
Fostering Cross-Cultural Dialogues in a Globalized World
The Tsinghua-NTU Program was launched by Professor May Oo Lwin, who is now the Vice Provost of Nanyang Technological University, during her time as Dean of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. Reflecting on the importance of this partnership, she said: “This innovative program provides a unique dual-cultural immersive learning experience at two top-tier universities—Tsinghua University and Nanyang Technological University—giving students essential knowledge and skills that go beyond academics. Here, students will acquire the competencies to succeed in a connected world, improve their cross-cultural communication, and develop a deep understanding of how to make a positive global difference through education.”
The Tsinghua-NTU Program admits students from China and around the world, creating a diverse, multicultural learning community where Chinese and international students study together. In September 2025, it welcomed its first group of six international students. At the same time, admissions for Chinese students have started, aiming to enroll 10 Chinese and 10 international students for the 2026 academic year.
Liang Chen stated, “A truly cross-cultural environment goes beyond cultural boundaries, enabling students to exchange insights and communication skills through idea-sharing, which makes classroom and campus life lively and enriching.”
After their first year of study and campus life at Tsinghua University, students will transfer to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. This move enhances the program’s emphasis on cross-cultural education. Singapore, as a multicultural financial hub, offers students an excellent environment for collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds. This setting enables students to apply classroom learned knowledge to real-world scenarios and quickly understand the essentials of cross-cultural communication.
The Tsinghua-NTU Program’s international aspect is highlighted through short-term exchange courses available globally via Nanyang Technological University. Students have the opportunity to study at renowned European institutions in countries like France and Italy, focusing on advanced subjects like digital media governance. These experiences provide students with firsthand insight into different media systems and governance approaches under diverse political and cultural contexts. They also have the chance to analyze the unique strategies and innovative approaches countries use to respond to the digital revolution.
Preparing Graduates for Leadership in Science and Technology Communication
Nanyang Technological University has assembled a strong faculty team for the Tsinghua-NTU Program. The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at NTU brings together internationally acclaimed scholars in science and technology communication, focusing on research areas like new media, strategic communication, and science communication. These scholars have long been engaged with cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence and autonomous driving, producing outstanding research results and a significant academic impact. Currently, the school has six Fellows of the International Communication Association (ICA), highlighting its leadership in global communication research.
In addition to high-quality academic guidance, the program provides students with advanced research and laboratory resources, effectively integrating learning with application. Students have access to Tsinghua University’s Bloomberg Lab and Future Media Lab, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including data mining terminals, eye trackers, and EEG devices, enabling them to engage with the latest media technologies and practical methodologies.
Internships are a required part of the Tsinghua-NTU Program. Tsinghua University has established strong partnerships with renowned media outlets and technology firms, both locally and globally, providing students with a diverse range of internship opportunities. Whether working at top media organizations or leading tech companies, students acquire practical experience that directly supports their career growth in science and technology communication, according to Liang Chen.
Meanwhile, both institutions invite industry experts to teach, bridging academic research and professional practice. These experts, from well-known global companies and organizations, also offer students chances for extracurricular internships and practical experience. This industry-academia partnership ensures students develop both solid theoretical knowledge and essential practical skills. By leveraging strategic collaborations with leading industry players and government agencies, students in the Tsinghua-NTU Program gain comprehensive exposure to key initiatives in innovative fields like artificial intelligence, digital health, and environmental sustainability.
After three years of specialized study and practical experience across two countries and universities, graduates will contribute to creating an objective and rational global conversation on technology, enhance public scientific literacy, support Chinese and international tech companies in developing strategic communication plans for international collaboration, and ultimately foster global technological progress and innovation.
Student Reporters: Huaizhi Han, Qinlan Qiu
