I want to pursue higher studies in Journalism and Mass Communication after Plus Two. Please tell me about the leading institutes that offer courses in Journalism and its job prospects.
ADITHYAN P.
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After Plus Two, go for an undergraduate course in any discipline, preferably Journalism/Mass Communication, English or Malayalam Literature and then do a master’s programme in Journalism and Mass Communication or related course. Apart from universities and colleges, the Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (
Graduates in any discipline can join MA course in Journalism or Postgraduate Diploma course in Journalism/related subjects.
A revolution in communication, following the convergence and integration of communication technologies, has had its impact on Journalism and Mass Communication. With the advances in this field, many Indian universities have transformed Journalism courses into Mass Communication courses, equipping students to find jobs in media, public relations and academic institutions.
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The qualities required for a journalist are a flair for writing, presentation and communication skills, extensive reading, analytical mind, a keen sense of observation, presence of mind, and courage.
Premier institutes The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, offers 10-month Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism in English and Hindi. Graduates in any discipline who clear an entrance test and interview are eligible for admission.
The IIMC has campuses in Kottayam (Kerala), New Delhi, Dhenkanal (Orissa), Aizwal, Amravati (Maharastra) and Jammu. Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Patna, Lucknow, Guwahati, Kolkata and Nagpur are among the test centres. Journalism course in English has 184 seats. The fee is Rs.50,000.
The institute also offers a postgraduate course in Radio Journalism on its New Delhi campus. There are 46 seats. Graduates or those appearing for the final-year degree examinations can take the test. Visit www.iimc.gov.in for details.
University courses The English and Foreign Languages (EFL) University offers Master of Communication and Journalism. The course content includes scripting for Radio and Television, English for Writing in Newspapers, Business Writing, Oral Communication and Presentation Skills, Educational Technology, Multimedia, Visual Communication, Media in Communication and so on. Visit www.efluniversity.ac.in for details.
The Department of Communication and Journalism on the Karyavattom Campus of the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, offers Master of Communication and Journalism (MCJ) course. Selection is based on the marks obtained in the entrance test and the qualifying degree examination. Graduates with at least 55 per cent marks in Part III of science subjects and 50 per cent in the case of other subjects may apply.
The School of Communication and Information Science of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, offers a self-financing Master of Journalism and Communication (MCJ) course.
Graduates in any discipline are eligible for admission.
Devaswom Board College, Keezhoor, Kottayam, offers an MCJ course.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of the University of Calicut offers an MCJ course. Farook College Kozhikode; St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakkuda; SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayur, Malappuram, — all affiliated to the University of Calicut — offer MCJ courses.
Don Bosco College, Angadikkadavu, Kannur, affiliated to the University of Kannur, offers an MCJ course.
The Amrita School of Communication offers an MA course in Mass Communication for graduates in any discipline. ( >www.amrita.edu )
The University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai; Bharathiar University, Coimbatore; Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Pondicherry University, Puducherry; and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, offer Journalism and Mass Communication programmes.
Central universities The Central University of Haryana ( >www.cuharyana.org ) offers Master of Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) course.
The Central University of Jammu ( >www.cujammu.ac.in ) offers MA in Mass Communication and New Media. The Central University of Tamil Nadu ( >www.cutn.ac.in ) offers MA in Media and Communication.
Admission to all these Central universities are on the basis of a Common Entrance Test (CUCET).
The Amrita School of Arts and Science, Kochi, offers Master of Journalism and Mass Communication. ( >www.amrita.edu/asas/kochi )
(The list is only indicative).
PG diploma The Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, offers a Postgraduate Diploma Course in Journalism with specialisation in Print, New Media, Television and Radio. Graduates in any discipline are eligible to appear for an entrance test for selection. Visit www.asianmedia.org for details.
The Kerala Press Academy, Kakkanad, Kochi; the Institutes of Journalism run by the Press Clubs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Kozhikode; the Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM), Kottayam; and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, offer PG Diploma courses in Journalism. Graduates are eligible for admission.
Job prospects Those who pass these courses can find job opportunities in print and electronic media or news portals. Other job opportunities include those of Information Officers or Public Relations Officers in government and private sectors. \They can also join the Indian Information Services.
Those who have a Ph.D. and cleared the National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Assistant Professor may choose research and teaching.
Freelance journalism opportunities can be found in print and electronic media.