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M-A in Journalism Mass Communication at Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
Solan, Himachal Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Journalism & Mass Communication at Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan?
This Journalism & Mass Communication program at Shoolini University focuses on equipping students with essential skills for the dynamic media landscape. It covers traditional journalism, digital media, advertising, and public relations, reflecting the evolving Indian industry needs. The curriculum emphasizes practical exposure and theoretical foundations, preparing graduates for diverse roles across various media platforms.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative graduates passionate about storytelling, news, advertising, or public relations. It suits freshers aspiring for a career in media as well as working professionals seeking to enhance their digital media expertise. Individuals interested in societal impact through communication and those looking to transition into a vibrant industry will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in India as journalists, content writers, PR executives, advertising professionals, or digital media strategists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry demands for skilled communicators, offering strong growth trajectories in Indian media houses and corporate communication departments.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Media Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding the foundational theories of communication, news values, and ethical reporting. Regularly read diverse news sources and critical media analyses to build a strong theoretical base and cultivate an analytical mindset. Engage actively in classroom discussions and seek clarifications on complex media concepts.
Tools & Resources
Official textbooks, Reputable news portals (The Hindu, Indian Express), Academic journals on communication studies
Career Connection
A robust understanding of media fundamentals is crucial for any media professional, forming the bedrock for effective reporting, strategic communication, and ethical decision-making in future roles.
Develop Practical Reporting & Editing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in practical labs focusing on news writing, reporting, and editing. Take up every opportunity to write news stories, conduct mock interviews, and practice editing copies. Seek feedback from faculty and peers to refine your journalistic craft, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and accuracy.
Tools & Resources
University media lab resources, Grammarly, AP Stylebook (online), Local news assignments
Career Connection
Proficiency in reporting and editing is a direct entry skill for journalism roles. Strong practical skills ensure graduates are job-ready for print, digital, and broadcast newsrooms, accelerating their career progression.
Build a Digital Portfolio Early- (Semester 1-2)
Start collecting all your practical assignments, news reports, creative writing pieces, and any media projects from day one. Create a simple blog or a professional online portfolio (e.g., using WordPress or Behance) to showcase your work. This demonstrates initiative and practical skill application to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
WordPress.com, Behance, LinkedIn profile
Career Connection
An early, well-maintained digital portfolio is a powerful tool for internships and entry-level jobs, making your skills visible and tangible to Indian recruiters in a highly competitive media landscape.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Multimedia Production- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize university resources to gain hands-on experience in electronic media production, including radio, TV, and basic video editing. Experiment with scriptwriting, shooting, and post-production. Take initiative to create short films, documentaries, or podcasts, even for non-academic purposes.
Tools & Resources
University AV Lab, Adobe Premiere Pro/DaVinci Resolve (free version), Audacity
Career Connection
Proficiency in multimedia production is highly sought after in the digital media industry. These skills open doors to roles in broadcast, digital content creation, and social media management in Indian and global firms.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend guest lectures, workshops, and media summits organized by the university or local media bodies. Connect with speakers and industry veterans on platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in professional body events to expand your network and gain insights into current industry trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences, University career services
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for internships and placements in India''''s media sector. Strong connections can lead to mentorship, job referrals, and a deeper understanding of industry expectations, significantly boosting career prospects.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Form teams to work on mini-projects related to advertising campaigns, PR strategies, or digital content creation. Participate in inter-college media festivals, debate competitions, or article writing contests. Such experiences build practical skills, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Canva for design, Google Ads/Meta Business Suite (for simulation), Inter-college media fests
Career Connection
These experiences enhance your resume, demonstrate initiative, and provide concrete examples of your abilities during interviews, making you a more attractive candidate for various media roles in India.
Advanced Stage
Pursue Specialized Internships- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks) / Semester 4)
Identify an area of interest (e.g., digital marketing, investigative journalism, PR) and actively seek internships with reputable organizations. Gain practical exposure, understand organizational culture, and apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Focus on measurable contributions and building professional references.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs, University placement cell
Career Connection
A well-executed internship is often the fastest route to PPO (Pre-Placement Offer) or direct placement in Indian media companies. It bridges the gap between academic learning and industry demands, making graduates highly employable.
Develop a Niche Skillset- (Semester 4)
Leverage elective choices and personal projects to develop a specialized skillset, such as SEO content writing, data journalism, media analytics, or advanced video production. Obtain certifications in relevant software or platforms to further validate your expertise. This makes you stand out in the job market.
Tools & Resources
Google Analytics Academy, SEMrush Academy, Coursera/edX for specialized courses
Career Connection
Specialized skills are highly valued in India''''s competitive media industry. They enable graduates to target specific, high-demand roles, potentially leading to better compensation and faster career growth in niche areas.
Prepare a Comprehensive Portfolio & Resume- (Semester 4)
Before graduation, compile a professional resume highlighting your academic achievements, internships, projects, and specialized skills. Develop a refined online portfolio showcasing your best work. Practice mock interviews and aptitude tests to prepare for placement drives, focusing on communication and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Professional resume builders, LinkedIn Learning for interview skills, University career services for mock interviews
Career Connection
A strong resume and portfolio, combined with polished interview skills, are essential for securing coveted positions in Indian media houses, advertising agencies, or corporate communication departments, ensuring a smooth transition into employment.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC) from a recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMC501 | Principles of Journalism & Mass Communication | Core | 4 | Concepts of communication, Types of communication, Mass communication theories, Models of communication, Ethics in journalism |
| JMC502 | Reporting & Editing-I | Core | 4 | News values and elements, News reporting process, News gathering techniques, Types of reporting, News editing principles |
| JMC503 | Introduction to Media Research | Core | 4 | Research methods in media, Types of research, Data collection techniques, Sampling and analysis, Media research ethics |
| JMC504 | Media Laws & Ethics | Core | 4 | Indian media laws, Constitutional provisions for media, Press freedom and restrictions, Defamation and censorship, Ethical dilemmas in media |
| JMC505 | Practical Lab-I | Practical | 2 | News writing exercises, Basic reporting assignments, Editing practice sessions, Introduction to media software, Media content analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMC506 | Electronic Media Production | Core | 4 | Radio program production, Television content creation, Documentary filmmaking basics, Sound recording and editing, Video editing techniques, Scriptwriting for electronic media |
| JMC507 | Public Relations & Corporate Communication | Core | 4 | Public Relations theories, Corporate image building strategies, Media relations management, Crisis communication planning, Internal communication approaches, PR tools and campaigns |
| JMC508 | Advertising: Concepts & Principles | Core | 4 | Advertising theories and models, Advertising ethics and regulations, Advertising research methods, Functions of advertising agencies, Creative strategy development, Media planning and buying |
| JMC509 | Communication for Development | Core | 4 | Development communication models, Participatory communication approaches, Communication for social change, Health communication strategies, Environmental communication campaigns, Role of media in development |
| JMC510 | Practical Lab-II | Practical | 2 | Audio-visual production assignments, Scripting for various electronic media, Designing advertising campaigns, Developing PR campaign strategies, Media content production tools |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMC601 | New Media & Digital Journalism | Core | 4 | Digital media trends and impact, Online journalism practices, Social media for news and reporting, Multimedia content creation techniques, Web analytics and audience engagement, Citizen journalism and its role |
| JMC602 | Communication Theories & Models | Core | 4 | Classical communication theories, Contemporary theoretical frameworks, Critical and cultural studies, Audience theories and effects, Interpersonal communication models, Mass communication theories revisited |
| JMC603A | Photojournalism | Elective | 4 | Principles of photography, Camera operations and techniques, Photo editing software skills, Visual storytelling through images, Ethics in photojournalism, News photography assignments |
| JMC603B | Event Management | Elective | 4 | Event planning and conceptualization, Logistics and vendor management, Marketing and promotion of events, Sponsorship and fundraising, Risk management in events, Event execution and evaluation |
| JMC604A | Film Studies | Elective | 4 | History of cinema worldwide, Film genres and movements, Film analysis and criticism, Indian cinema evolution, Documentary films and their impact, Aesthetics of filmmaking |
| JMC604B | Media Management | Elective | 4 | Media economics and business models, Media marketing strategies, Media policy and regulations, Media ownership and consolidation, Strategic management in media, Innovation in media industry |
| JMC605 | Practical Lab-III | Practical | 2 | Digital content creation for web, Web publishing and platform management, Social media strategy implementation, Advanced photojournalism projects, Event planning simulations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMC606 | Dissertation / Project | Core | 8 | Research methodology application, Literature review and conceptualization, Data collection and analysis, Report writing and academic ethics, Project implementation and evaluation, Presentation and viva voce |
| JMC607A | Content Writing & Blogging | Elective | 4 | Content strategy and planning, SEO friendly writing techniques, Blogging and article writing, Copywriting for advertising, Creative writing for media, Content editing and proofreading |
| JMC607B | Documentary Production | Elective | 4 | Documentary research and ideation, Script development for documentaries, Production planning and budgeting, Shooting and cinematography techniques, Post-production and editing, Documentary ethics and distribution |
| JMC608A | Media Entrepreneurship | Elective | 4 | Business planning for media ventures, Setting up media startups, Funding and investment strategies, Marketing and branding media products, Innovation in media business models, Legal aspects of media entrepreneurship |
| JMC608B | Crisis Communication | Elective | 4 | Types of organizational crises, Crisis communication planning, Media handling during crisis, Reputation management strategies, Role of social media in crisis, Post-crisis recovery and learning |
| JMC609 | Practical Lab-IV / Internship | Practical/Internship | 2 | Advanced production software skills, Professional industry work experience, Implementation of media projects, Reporting and field assignments, Portfolio development and presentation |
