

BA-MASS-COMMUNICATION-SIMC-PUNE in General at Symbiosis International University (SIU)


Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is General at Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune?
This B.A. (Mass Communication) program at Symbiosis International University, Pune, focuses on equipping students with comprehensive skills across journalism, advertising, public relations, film, and digital media. In the dynamic Indian media landscape, this program offers a holistic understanding of communication theories and practical applications, preparing graduates for diverse roles in a rapidly evolving industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative and inquisitive fresh graduates seeking entry into the vibrant media and communication industry in India. It also suits individuals passionate about storytelling, media analysis, and public engagement, offering a solid foundation for those aiming for a career in reporting, content creation, brand building, or media research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as journalists, content writers, PR executives, advertising professionals, filmmakers, or social media managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and practical skills vital for growth in Indian media houses, digital agencies, and corporate communication departments.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Communication & Media Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core communication theories, media history, journalism basics, and introductory advertising/PR concepts. Actively participate in class discussions, analyze current news, and engage with diverse media content daily. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses on communication.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Academic journals, News apps (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), NPTEL, Media blogs
Career Connection
Strong theoretical understanding forms the bedrock for all media roles, enhancing analytical skills crucial for reporting, content strategy, and media research.
Develop Practical Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Hone your written and oral communication by regularly writing news reports, features, and essays. Practice public speaking and presentation skills through college clubs or debates. Engage in basic photography and creative writing exercises to build foundational content creation abilities.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Creative writing prompts, Basic photo editing apps (e.g., Snapseed), College debate societies
Career Connection
Essential for all media roles, from a journalist interviewing sources to a PR professional drafting press releases or an advertiser writing copy.
Build a Strong Media Network- (Semester 1-2)
Attend college seminars, guest lectures by industry veterans, and local media events. Connect with seniors, professors, and visiting faculty. Start following leading Indian media personalities and organizations on LinkedIn to understand industry trends and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network, Industry workshops/webinars, SIMC events
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for internships and future job prospects, providing insights into different media fields and potential mentors.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Hands-on Production & Design Experience- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in radio, television, and graphic design workshops. Learn and apply skills in audio/video editing, camera operation, and design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator). Volunteer for college media productions or student films to get practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, Audacity, College studio equipment, Local media houses for internships
Career Connection
Direct practical skills are highly valued in production, content creation, digital media, and advertising roles, making you job-ready for entry-level positions.
Explore Specialization through Electives & Projects- (Semester 5)
Carefully choose your discipline-specific electives in Semesters 5 and 6 based on your career interests (e.g., Film, Broadcast Journalism, PR, Advertising). Undertake mini-projects, create portfolios, and start building a body of work relevant to your chosen area.
Tools & Resources
Portfolio websites (e.g., Behance, personal blog), Specialized software for chosen field, Guidance from elective faculty
Career Connection
Focused specialization helps you stand out, demonstrating expertise and passion to potential employers in specific media sectors.
Seek Industry Internships & Live Projects- (Semester 4-5)
Proactively seek out internships during summer breaks with media organizations, PR firms, advertising agencies, or production houses. Engage in live projects offered by the department or through external collaborations. Document your learning and build a strong professional resume.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Industry contacts, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, practical skill application, networking opportunities, and often lead to pre-placement offers.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Media Techniques & Research- (Semester 6)
Deep dive into advanced journalism techniques (investigative, data journalism), digital PR analytics, or advanced film studies as per your chosen elective. Conduct thorough media research for your dissertation/major project, applying sophisticated methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Advanced software for data analysis or media production, Research databases, Academic mentors
Career Connection
Demonstrates expertise in specialized areas, preparing you for roles requiring advanced analytical, research, or technical media skills.
Build a Professional Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 5-6)
Consolidate all your best work (articles, designs, videos, campaigns, research papers) into a professional online portfolio or website. Actively maintain a strong professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn, showcasing your skills and achievements.
Tools & Resources
Personal website builder (e.g., WordPress, Wix), Behance, LinkedIn, Professional headshots
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing your capabilities to recruiters, significantly boosting your chances of securing desired roles.
Prepare for Placements & Career Launch- (Semester 6)
Actively engage with the college''''s placement cell. Attend mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and group discussions. Research target companies and practice aptitude tests. Start applying for entry-level roles or explore entrepreneurial ventures in the media sector.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell, Career counselors, Interview prep platforms, Company websites, Job portals (e.g., Naukri.com, TimesJobs)
Career Connection
Strategic and early preparation maximizes your chances of securing excellent placement opportunities or successfully launching your own media startup immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed Standard XII (10+2) or equivalent examination from any recognized Board with minimum 50% marks (45% for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes). English should be a compulsory subject. Admission through Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) followed by Personal Interview and Written Ability Test (PI-WAT).
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 150 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-MC-C1-01 | Introduction to Communication | Core | 3 | Communication theories, Process and barriers of communication, Types of communication, Mass Communication models, Communication ethics |
| BA-MC-C1-02 | Introduction to Journalism | Core | 3 | Concept and history of journalism, News values and elements, Reporting techniques, Journalistic ethics, Types of journalism |
| BA-MC-C1-03 | History of Media | Core | 3 | Evolution of print media, History of radio and television, Growth of new media, Indian media landscape, Media and social change |
| BA-MC-C1-04 | Basics of Photography | Core | 3 | Camera types and functions, Elements of composition, Lighting techniques, Digital image editing, Photojournalism basics |
| BA-MC-A1-01 | Media & Cultural Studies | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | Culture and media relationship, Representation and ideology, Popular culture analysis, Global media flows, Audience studies |
| BA-MC-S1-01 | Communication Skills | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Oral and written communication, Presentation skills, Listening and non-verbal communication, Interpersonal communication, Group discussions |
| BA-MC-E1-01 | English Literature | General Elective (GE) | 2 | Literary genres, Critical analysis techniques, Prose and poetry forms, Drama and narrative structures, Key literary movements |
| BA-MC-O1-01 | Research Methodology | Open Elective (OE) | 2 | Types of research, Research design, Data collection methods, Data analysis basics, Report writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-MC-C2-01 | Media Laws & Ethics | Core | 3 | Indian Constitution and media, Press and broadcast laws, Cyber laws and regulations, Media ethics principles, Self-regulation in media |
| BA-MC-C2-02 | Reporting & Editing | Core | 3 | News gathering and interviewing, Feature and opinion writing, Copy editing techniques, Headline writing, Principles of layout and design |
| BA-MC-C2-03 | Introduction to Public Relations | Core | 3 | Definitions and history of PR, Tools and techniques of PR, PR strategies and campaigns, Crisis communication, Ethics in PR |
| BA-MC-C2-04 | Introduction to Advertising | Core | 3 | Advertising principles, Types of advertising, Advertising appeals and strategies, Media planning and buying, Creative advertising process |
| BA-MC-A2-01 | Digital Marketing | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | SEO and SEM strategies, Social media marketing, Content marketing, Email marketing, Web analytics basics |
| BA-MC-S2-01 | Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Storytelling elements, Scriptwriting fundamentals, Dialogue and character development, Poetry and prose forms, Creative writing for media |
| BA-MC-E2-01 | Psychology | General Elective (GE) | 2 | Foundations of psychology, Human behavior and cognition, Personality theories, Social psychology concepts, Motivation and emotion |
| BA-MC-O2-01 | Financial Accounting | Open Elective (OE) | 2 | Accounting principles, Financial statements, Journal entries and ledgers, Balance sheets, Cost accounting basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-MC-C3-01 | Radio & Audio Production | Core | 3 | Radio formats and programming, Scripting for radio, Audio recording techniques, Sound editing and mixing, Podcast production |
| BA-MC-C3-02 | Television Production | Core | 3 | TV formats and genres, Scripting for television, Camera operation and lighting, Video editing software, Post-production workflow |
| BA-MC-C3-03 | Event Management | Core | 3 | Event planning and logistics, Budgeting and sponsorship, Event marketing and promotion, Risk management, Types of events |
| BA-MC-C3-04 | Graphic Design | Core | 3 | Principles of design, Typography and color theory, Layout and composition, Image manipulation, Design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop) |
| BA-MC-A3-01 | Film Appreciation | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | History of cinema, Film genres and movements, Elements of film language, Film criticism, World cinema overview |
| BA-MC-S3-01 | Professional Communication | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Business correspondence, Report writing, Meeting etiquette, Public speaking, Intercultural communication |
| BA-MC-E3-01 | Sociology | General Elective (GE) | 2 | Social structure and institutions, Culture and socialization, Deviance and social control, Social change theories, Introduction to Indian society |
| BA-MC-O3-01 | Entrepreneurship | Open Elective (OE) | 2 | Startup ecosystem, Business plan development, Funding and investment, Marketing for startups, Legal aspects of business |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-MC-C4-01 | Corporate Communication | Core | 3 | Corporate identity and image, Stakeholder communication, Internal communication strategies, Corporate social responsibility, Reputation management |
| BA-MC-C4-02 | Introduction to Film Studies | Core | 3 | Film history and theory, Narrative structures in cinema, Cinematography and mise-en-scène, Editing and sound design, Auteur theory |
| BA-MC-C4-03 | Content Creation & Curation | Core | 3 | Content strategy development, Copywriting for various platforms, Visual content creation, Content distribution and promotion, Content performance analysis |
| BA-MC-C4-04 | Media Research | Core | 3 | Quantitative and qualitative research, Survey design and sampling, Content analysis, Audience research methods, Ethical considerations in media research |
| BA-MC-A4-01 | Visual Communication | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | Semiotics of images, Visual rhetoric, Infographics and data visualization, Storyboarding and visual narratives, Designing for different media |
| BA-MC-S4-01 | Foreign Language | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Basic grammar and vocabulary, Conversational phrases, Cultural aspects of the language, Reading comprehension, Simple sentence formation |
| BA-MC-E4-01 | Political Science | General Elective (GE) | 2 | Political systems and ideologies, International relations, Public policy analysis, Governance and democracy, Indian political thought |
| BA-MC-O4-01 | Digital Storytelling | Open Elective (OE) | 2 | Transmedia storytelling, Interactive narratives, VR/AR in storytelling, Web series production, Podcasting and audio narratives |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-MC-C5-01 | Advanced Journalism | Core | 3 | Investigative journalism, Photojournalism and visual storytelling, Broadcast journalism techniques, Data journalism, Convergence journalism |
| BA-MC-C5-02 | Brand Management | Core | 3 | Brand identity and positioning, Brand equity and value, Brand communication strategies, Brand extension and rejuvenation, Indian brand case studies |
| BA-MC-C5-03 | Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) | Core | 3 | Concept and elements of IMC, Advertising and PR integration, Sales promotion and direct marketing, Digital IMC strategies, Campaign planning and execution |
| BA-MC-DSE5-01 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Option A: Film Production) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Cinematography principles, Film direction techniques, Video editing advanced, Sound mixing and design, Scriptwriting for films |
| BA-MC-DSE5-01 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Option B: Broadcast Journalism) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | News reporting for broadcast, Anchoring and presenting, Field production and ENG, Live broadcasting techniques, Documentary filmmaking for TV |
| BA-MC-DSE5-01 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Option C: Public Relations & Corporate Affairs) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Media relations management, Stakeholder engagement, Lobbying and advocacy, Reputation and image management, Advanced crisis PR |
| BA-MC-DSE5-01 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Option D: Advertising & Marketing Communication) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Campaign planning and execution, Advanced copywriting, Consumer behavior insights, Brand strategy development, Digital advertising strategies |
| BA-MC-DSE5-02 | Discipline Specific Elective II (Choice from DSE options above) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Topics related to selected DSE option |
| BA-MC-GE5-01 | Gender Studies | General Elective (GE) | 2 | Gender roles and stereotypes, Feminist theories, Patriarchy and societal structures, Gender and media representation, LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy |
| BA-MC-OE5-01 | Public Policy | Open Elective (OE) | 2 | Policy analysis frameworks, Policy formulation process, Policy implementation and evaluation, Role of media in public policy, Governance and public administration |
| BA-MC-PJ5-01 | Industry Internship / Project | Project | 4 | Practical industry exposure, Application of theoretical knowledge, Project report writing, Professional skill development, Networking in industry |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-MC-C6-01 | Documentary & Short Film Production | Core | 3 | Documentary forms and history, Pre-production for documentaries, Production and shooting techniques, Post-production for non-fiction, Distribution strategies for short films |
| BA-MC-C6-02 | Media Entrepreneurship | Core | 3 | Business models in media, Startup funding and investments, Innovation in media industry, Market analysis for media ventures, Legal and ethical aspects of media business |
| BA-MC-DSE6-01 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Option A: Advanced Film Studies) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Global cinema trends, Genre studies in depth, Advanced auteur theory, Film and society critical analysis, Experimental and avant-garde cinema |
| BA-MC-DSE6-01 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Option B: Investigative & Data Journalism) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Advanced research methods for investigation, Source verification and fact-checking, Data visualization for journalism, Ethical dilemmas in investigative reporting, Public interest journalism |
| BA-MC-DSE6-01 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Option C: Digital PR & Social Media Analytics) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Social media strategy for PR, Influencer marketing, Measurement and evaluation in digital PR, Online reputation management, Content optimization for social media |
| BA-MC-DSE6-01 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Option D: Experiential Marketing & Sales Promotion) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Event marketing and brand activations, Guerrilla marketing tactics, Loyalty programs and consumer engagement, Retail promotions and merchandising, Creating brand experiences |
| BA-MC-DSE6-02 | Discipline Specific Elective IV (Choice from DSE options above) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Topics related to selected DSE option |
| BA-MC-OE6-01 | Environmental Studies | Open Elective (OE) | 2 | Ecosystems and biodiversity, Pollution and environmental degradation, Climate change impacts, Sustainable development goals, Environmental policy and advocacy |
| BA-MC-PJ6-01 | Dissertation / Major Project | Project | 6 | Research proposal development, Literature review and theoretical framework, Methodology and data analysis, Thesis writing and presentation, Independent research in media studies |




