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B-A in Mass Communication Journalism at AKSHARA COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND COMMERCE
Ranga Reddy, Telangana
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About the Specialization
What is Mass Communication & Journalism at AKSHARA COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND COMMERCE Ranga Reddy?
This Mass Communication & Journalism program at Akshara Degree College For Women focuses on equipping students with essential skills for the dynamic Indian media landscape. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of traditional and new media, addressing the evolving demands of journalism, advertising, public relations, and electronic media production. It prepares students for diverse roles in a rapidly growing industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about storytelling, news dissemination, and public engagement, seeking entry into the media and communication sectors. It also caters to individuals with a creative bent and strong analytical skills, aspiring to become journalists, content creators, PR professionals, or advertisers. Candidates who have completed their 10+2 education and meet the college''''s age criteria are suitable.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various India-specific career paths, including news reporting, editing, public relations management, advertising campaign development, and digital content creation. Entry-level salaries in these fields typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals in major Indian media houses and PR firms. The program fosters skills applicable to print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate News Literacy & Basic Reporting Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read diverse newspapers, watch news channels, and follow online news portals to understand current affairs and different journalistic styles. Practice writing simple news reports and features based on local events or college activities.
Tools & Resources
Leading Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), news apps (Inshorts), local community events, college magazine
Career Connection
Builds fundamental understanding of news, improves writing, and provides practical exposure essential for entry-level journalism roles.
Master Foundational Communication Technologies- (Semester 1-2)
Become proficient in basic computer skills including MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for content creation and presentation. Learn to use online research tools and professional email etiquette for academic and professional communication.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, academic databases, institutional email
Career Connection
Essential for any media professional, enabling efficient content production, data organization, and professional correspondence.
Engage in Peer Learning & Communication Exercises- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss media theories and current events. Actively participate in debates, group discussions, and presentations to enhance verbal communication and critical thinking. Organize small-scale campus communication events.
Tools & Resources
Peer groups, college debating societies, communication workshops, campus events
Career Connection
Develops interpersonal skills, confidence, and teamwork crucial for collaborative media environments and public facing roles.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Specialized Media Production Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to create content using photography, radio, and basic video tools. Volunteer for college media projects, learn editing software, and experiment with visual storytelling and audio production.
Tools & Resources
DSLR cameras, audio recorders, free editing software (Audacity, DaVinci Resolve Lite), college media clubs
Career Connection
Builds a practical portfolio in specific media formats, making graduates more competitive for roles in photojournalism, radio programming, and early-stage TV production.
Understand Media Ethics & Law through Case Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond textbook knowledge, analyze real-world Indian media cases involving ethical dilemmas and legal implications (e.g., defamation, privacy, RTI). Participate in seminars or workshops on media law and responsible journalism.
Tools & Resources
Media law journals, news archives, Press Council of India reports, guest lectures by media lawyers
Career Connection
Cultivates a strong ethical foundation and legal awareness, crucial for responsible journalism and avoiding professional pitfalls in a regulated industry.
Intern in Print or Local Broadcast Media- (Semester 3-4)
Secure short-term internships with local newspapers, community radio stations, or small-scale TV channels. Focus on understanding newsroom operations, reporting routines, and content flow.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, local media houses, online internship platforms (Internshala)
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, industry contacts, and helps in applying classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, boosting employability.
Advanced Stage
Build an Industry-Ready Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 5-6)
Consolidate all practical work (reports, photos, videos, PR campaigns) into a professional online portfolio or website. Actively engage on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, showcasing skills and projects.
Tools & Resources
WordPress, Behance, LinkedIn, personal website builders
Career Connection
Essential for showcasing capabilities to potential employers, establishing a professional brand, and increasing visibility in the competitive media job market.
Undertake Capstone Projects and Research- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a specialization-relevant final year project (e.g., producing a short documentary, developing an advertising campaign, conducting media research). Apply advanced skills and critical thinking to a comprehensive project.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, college library, research databases, media production equipment
Career Connection
Demonstrates mastery of specialized skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to deliver high-quality, professional-level work, highly valued by recruiters.
Network with Professionals & Attend Industry Events- (Semester 5-6)
Attend media conferences, workshops, and guest lectures by industry veterans. Actively seek out networking opportunities with journalists, PR professionals, advertisers, and digital media experts to gain insights and potential leads.
Tools & Resources
Industry events (FICCI Frames, India Today Conclave), professional associations (PRCI, AAAI), alumni network
Career Connection
Expands professional contacts, provides mentorship opportunities, and can directly lead to internship or job offers, fostering career growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate (10+2) pass or equivalent from a recognized board, Age Limit: 22 years
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC - 1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental pollution, Social issues and the environment |
| MIL - 1 | Modern Indian Language (Telugu/Hindi/Urdu/Sanskrit/Arabic/Persian/Functional English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Language comprehension, Grammar, Basic communication skills, Literary forms, Cultural context of language |
| General English - 1 | General English - 1 | Compulsory Language | 4 | Reading comprehension, Vocabulary and grammar, Paragraph and essay writing, Letter writing, Introduction to functional English |
| DSC - 1A | Introduction to Mass Communication | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Nature and process of communication, Types of communication, Mass communication and its characteristics, Theories of mass communication, Media literacy, Functions and effects of mass media |
| DSC - 2A | Introduction to Journalism | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Concept of news, News values, Sources of news, Elements of news, Principles of reporting, Interview techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC - 2 | Basic Computer Skills | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Fundamentals of computers, Operating system concepts, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet basics, Email communication, Digital literacy |
| MIL - 2 | Modern Indian Language (Telugu/Hindi/Urdu/Sanskrit/Arabic/Persian/Functional English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced language comprehension, Grammar and composition, Literary analysis, Critical thinking, Cultural expressions |
| General English - 2 | General English - 2 | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced reading strategies, Critical analysis of texts, Public speaking, Group discussions, Report writing, Listening skills |
| DSC - 1B | History of Media | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Evolution of communication, History of print media in India, History of radio in India, History of television in India, Growth of new media, Milestones in Indian media |
| DSC - 2B | Reporting and Editing for Print Media | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | News gathering techniques, Types of reporting, Principles of editing, Headline writing, Page layout and design, Feature writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC - 1 | Media Ethics & Law | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Ethical theories in media, Media accountability, Press Council of India, Laws related to media (defamation, copyright), Right to Information Act, Self-regulation mechanisms |
| General English - 3 | General English - 3 | Compulsory Language | 4 | Argumentative writing, Creative writing, Presentation skills, Official correspondence, Professional communication, Critical reading |
| DSC - 1C | Photo Journalism | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Basics of photography, Camera handling and techniques, Composition techniques, Photo editing software, Ethics in photojournalism, Visual storytelling |
| DSC - 2C | Radio Journalism | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Characteristics of radio medium, Radio news production, Scriptwriting for radio, Voice culture and delivery, Radio programming, Audio editing basics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC - 2 | Communication for Development | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Development communication models, Role of media in development, Health communication, Environmental communication, Communication campaigns, Participatory communication |
| General English - 4 | General English - 4 | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced writing skills, Research paper writing, Interview skills, Group discussions, Public speaking, Business communication |
| DSC - 1D | Television Journalism | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Characteristics of television medium, TV news gathering, Scripting for television, Anchoring and reporting, Studio production, Visual communication |
| DSC - 2D | Advertising | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Introduction to advertising, Types of advertising, Advertising agency functions, Advertising campaign planning, Ethics in advertising, Media planning |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE - 1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective | 4 | Varies based on student''''s choice from other disciplines offered by the college |
| DSE - 1A | Public Relations | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Introduction to public relations, PR tools and techniques, Corporate communication, Crisis communication, Media relations, PR campaign planning |
| DSE - 1B | Event Management | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Principles of event management, Event planning process, Budgeting and marketing, Logistics and operations, Risk management, Sponsorship and fundraising |
| DSE - 2A | Electronic Media Production | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Video production techniques, Camera and lighting, Audio recording, Non-linear editing, Post-production workflow, Studio operations |
| DSE - 2B | New Media Technologies | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Digital media landscape, Social media platforms, Web development basics, Mobile journalism, Digital content creation, Cyber laws |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE - 2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective | 4 | Varies based on student''''s choice from other disciplines offered by the college |
| DSE - 3A | Research Methodology in Media | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Research approaches, Data collection methods, Content analysis, Survey research, Report writing, Ethics in research |
| DSE - 3B | Media Management | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Media economics, Marketing media products, Media ownership and policy, Human resources in media, Legal aspects of media, Media entrepreneurship |
| DSE - 4A | Documentary Production | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Genres of documentary, Scriptwriting for documentary, Cinematography techniques, Sound design, Post-production and distribution, Interview techniques for documentary |
| DSE - 4B | Online Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective (Elective) | 4 | Principles of web journalism, Multimedia reporting, Hypertext and interactivity, Social media for news, Citizen journalism, SEO for news |
