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M-A-JOURNALISM-MASS-COMMUNICATION in General at Guru Nanak Dev University Regional Campus, Jalandhar
Jalandhar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is General at Guru Nanak Dev University Regional Campus, Jalandhar Jalandhar?
This M.A. Journalism & Mass Communication program at Guru Nanak Dev University Regional Campus, Jalandhar, focuses on equipping students with essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the dynamic media industry. It addresses the growing demand for skilled media professionals across traditional and new media platforms in the Indian market, covering areas from reporting to digital content creation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into journalism, public relations, advertising, or digital media. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill for career advancement in media and communication. Individuals passionate about storytelling, social impact, and strategic communication will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India as journalists, content creators, PR specialists, advertisers, and media researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4.5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry demands for versatile communicators, preparing students for roles in media houses, corporate communications, and digital agencies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Communication Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding core theories of communication and mass media, historical context, and ethical frameworks. Actively participate in classroom discussions and seek clarity on concepts like media effects and societal impact, which form the bedrock of media studies.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Media Asia, Journal of Communication), reputed textbooks, online lectures
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for critical thinking and analytical skills, highly valued in research, media analysis, and ethical journalism roles, giving you an edge in interviews.
Develop Core Media Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on practical skills like news writing, basic reporting, editing, and digital media tools. Practice regularly by writing for college magazines, creating short social media content, and familiarizing yourself with software like MS Office and basic graphic design tools for effective communication.
Tools & Resources
College media labs, local newspapers/magazines, Canva, basic video editing apps
Career Connection
Early proficiency in these hands-on skills makes you job-ready for entry-level positions in print, online content creation, and basic media production, shortening your learning curve post-graduation.
Cultivate Critical Media Consumption- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, regularly consume diverse forms of Indian and international media – newspapers, news channels, digital platforms, and social media. Critically analyze content, identify biases, and understand media trends to develop a nuanced perspective on the industry.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news apps (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), media analysis blogs, academic discussions
Career Connection
This practice sharpens your analytical abilities and media literacy, preparing you for roles in media research, content curation, and opinion-making, and helps you identify niche areas for specialization.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Production Work- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in radio and TV production exercises, digital photography assignments, and web journalism projects. Seek opportunities to produce short films, documentaries, podcasts, or online news reports, honing your technical skills and teamwork in a media environment.
Tools & Resources
University''''s media studio, NLE software (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve), DSLR cameras, audio recorders
Career Connection
Hands-on experience builds a robust portfolio, essential for securing internships and jobs in broadcasting, film production, or digital content creation, demonstrating practical competence to employers.
Network and Seek Industry Exposure- (Semester 3-4)
Attend media workshops, seminars, and guest lectures organized by the department or other institutions. Connect with alumni and industry professionals through LinkedIn or professional events. Seek short-term internships or volunteer for local media events to gain real-world insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry conferences, local media houses, university career cell
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorships, and future job opportunities. Industry exposure helps understand current trends and expectations, making you a more desirable candidate for placements.
Develop Niche Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on specializing in areas like Public Relations, Advertising, or Development Communication through elective projects or extra-curricular activities. Understand their unique strategies, ethical considerations, and target audiences. Practice designing campaigns or communication strategies for real or hypothetical scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (e.g., HubSpot Academy for PR/Marketing), case studies, industry reports
Career Connection
Developing niche skills makes you highly employable in specific sectors of the communication industry, such as corporate communications, brand management, or NGO advocacy, aligning with India''''s diverse market needs.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Media Project- (Semester 4)
Leverage your final semester for a significant project work (dissertation, documentary, news portal, PR campaign) that demonstrates your integrated skills. Focus on rigorous research, effective execution, and a professional presentation to showcase your capabilities to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, research databases, advanced production software, presentation tools
Career Connection
A well-executed project acts as a powerful resume builder and interview talking point, proving your ability to conceptualize, manage, and deliver professional media output, directly impacting placement success.
Intensify Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placements, mock interviews, and resume building workshops. Research target companies, understand their communication needs, and tailor your portfolio accordingly. Practice articulating your skills, experiences, and career aspirations clearly and confidently.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, online interview practice platforms, professional resume builders
Career Connection
Dedicated placement preparation increases your chances of securing desirable job roles in top media and communication firms immediately after graduation, aligning your skills with industry requirements.
Build a Strong Digital Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Curate all your best academic and extra-curricular work – articles, photographs, videos, audio clips, PR plans, website designs – into a professional online portfolio. Use platforms like Behance, LinkedIn, or personal websites to showcase your diverse skills and demonstrate your capabilities to recruiters.
Tools & Resources
Behance, LinkedIn profile, personal website builders (e.g., WordPress.com, Google Sites)
Career Connection
A compelling digital portfolio is indispensable in the media industry, serving as your creative resume and directly influencing hiring decisions for roles in content creation, digital marketing, and multimedia journalism.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. with 50% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade points (45% for SC/ST). OR A candidate who has passed B.A. with 50% marks in Journalism & Mass Communication as an elective subject (45% for SC/ST).
Duration: 4 Semesters / 2 Years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJMC 101 | Introduction to Mass Communication | Core | 4 | Communication concepts and process, Theories and models of mass communication, Role of media in society and democracy, Forms and functions of mass media, New media and challenges |
| MJMC 102 | History of Media | Core | 4 | History of Indian press, Growth of radio and television in India, Media during freedom struggle, Post-independence media landscape, Press Commissions and Media Regulations |
| MJMC 103 | Print Journalism | Core | 4 | News concepts and values, News reporting and sources, Feature, editorial and column writing, Interview techniques and ethics, Structure of a newspaper/magazine |
| MJMC 104 | Communication Research | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of research, types of research, Research design and methods, Data collection techniques (survey, interview), Content analysis, historical research, Statistical analysis and report writing |
| MJMC 105 | Computer Application for Media | Practical | 2 | Operating system, MS Office, Internet applications and tools, Graphic design software (e.g., Photoshop), Page layout software (e.g., InDesign), Digital imaging and editing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJMC 201 | Reporting and Editing | Core | 4 | Advanced reporting techniques, Investigative and specialized reporting, News editing principles and techniques, Headline writing, captioning, proofreading, Newsroom organization and workflow |
| MJMC 202 | Television Production | Core | 4 | Basics of TV production, Camera operations and lighting, Audio for television, Video editing techniques (non-linear), Scriptwriting for TV |
| MJMC 203 | Radio Production | Core | 4 | Radio as a medium, types of programs, Radio scriptwriting and formatting, Voice culture and modulation, Sound recording and editing, Community radio concepts |
| MJMC 204 | Advertising | Core | 4 | Introduction to advertising, types of advertising, Advertising agencies and functions, Media planning and selection, Creative strategy and execution, Consumer behavior and advertising ethics |
| MJMC 205 | Digital Photography | Practical | 2 | Basics of digital camera operation, Composition and lighting techniques, Digital image editing software, Photojournalism and ethics, Event and portrait photography |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJMC 301 | Public Relations | Core | 4 | Concept and evolution of Public Relations, Tools and techniques of PR, Corporate communication, internal and external PR, Crisis communication and management, Media relations and PR ethics |
| MJMC 302 | Media Laws and Ethics | Core | 4 | Constitutional provisions for media, Press laws: Defamation, Copyright, Contempt, Broadcasting codes and regulations, Cyber laws and social media regulations, Media ethics and accountability |
| MJMC 303 | New Media and Web Journalism | Core | 4 | Digital media landscape, convergence, Online journalism and citizen journalism, Social media in news and communication, Blogging, vlogging, podcasting, SEO, web analytics, digital ethics |
| MJMC 304 | Development Communication | Core | 4 | Concept of development and communication models, Role of media in national development, Health and environmental communication, Rural and agricultural communication, Communication for social change and advocacy |
| MJMC 305 | TV & Radio Production | Practical | 2 | Advanced video camera handling, Multi-camera setup, studio operations, Audio mixing and sound effects, News package production, documentary basics, Radio drama and feature production |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJMC 401 | Communication for Social Change | Core | 4 | Theories of social change communication, Advocacy and behavior change communication, Participatory and community-based communication, Social marketing and campaign design, Case studies in social change initiatives |
| MJMC 402 | International Communication | Core | 4 | Models of international communication, Global media flows and media imperialism, Role of international news agencies, Cross-cultural communication challenges, Media in conflict and diplomacy |
| MJMC 403 | Event Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to event management, types of events, Event planning, logistics, and budgeting, Marketing and promotion of events, Sponsorship and fundraising for events, Risk management and event evaluation |
| MJMC 404 | Project Work | Practical | 4 | Defining research problem and objectives, Methodology design and data collection, Analysis and interpretation of findings, Dissertation/project report writing, Presentation and viva voce |
| MJMC 405 | Online Media Production | Practical | 2 | Website design and content management (CMS), Social media content creation and strategy, Podcast and webcast production, Live streaming techniques and platforms, Digital analytics and audience engagement |
