The majority of journalists and media managers in Cambodia do not have sufficient training in their field. Many expressed their desire for more opportunities to engage in advanced academic studies in their field. Recognising this need, RUPP and the Royal Government of Cambodia established the Department of Media and Communications in 2001.

The first Bachelor of Arts in Media Management course began in September 2001, with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which provided staff, aided in curriculum development and provided related materials, the Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), which provided help with curriculum development and provided expert lecturers, Ohio University (USA), which helped with staff development and the DAAD, which provided the DMC with management staff.