

B-A-HONS in Journalism at University of Delhi


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Journalism at University of Delhi Delhi?
This B.A. (Hons.) Journalism program at the University of Delhi focuses on equipping students with essential skills for the dynamic media landscape. It encompasses traditional print, broadcast, and new media, with a strong emphasis on ethical practices and societal impact. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands of the Indian media industry, fostering critical thinking and journalistic integrity.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative and inquisitive 10+2 graduates passionate about news, storytelling, and public affairs. It suits aspiring journalists, media researchers, content creators, and public relations professionals. Individuals seeking a robust foundation in media theory and practical skills, and those aiming for careers in Indian newsrooms, digital media houses, or communication firms, will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including reporter, editor, sub-editor, content writer, broadcast journalist, social media manager, and PR executive. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-15 LPA. Growth trajectories lead to senior editorial roles, media management, or specialized journalism, aligning with industry demand for skilled communicators.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Communication & Reporting Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding foundational concepts of communication theories, news values, and basic reporting techniques. Practice writing news reports, features, and developing interview skills. Engage with course readings and actively participate in discussions to build a strong theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, News Portals (The Hindu, Indian Express), Journalism Textbooks, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for any journalistic role, ensuring accuracy and ethical reporting. This stage directly prepares students for entry-level reporting and content creation positions.
Develop Foundational Digital Literacy- (Semester 1-2)
Familiarize yourself with basic digital tools for research and content creation. Learn to use word processors, presentation software, and understand the basics of online search and digital ethics. Explore introductory photo and audio editing software for practical applications.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, Basic photo/audio editing apps (e.g., Canva, Audacity), Online tutorials
Career Connection
Digital proficiency is non-negotiable in modern media. Early adoption of these tools provides a competitive edge for digital content roles and future-proofs skills.
Engage with Current Affairs & Media Critically- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond academics, regularly read diverse news sources (English and regional), watch news debates, and critically analyze media coverage. Join college media clubs or societies to discuss current events and develop your analytical perspective on media practices.
Tools & Resources
Multiple news apps/websites, Public policy journals (e.g., Economic & Political Weekly), College media societies
Career Connection
A deep understanding of current affairs and critical media consumption is vital for informed journalism, strengthening interview performance and analytical writing for future roles.
Intermediate Stage
Cultivate Specialized Reporting & Production Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively choose DSEs that align with your interest (e.g., Broadcast, Photojournalism, Data Journalism). Pursue workshops or online courses to gain hands-on experience in video editing, graphic design, or data visualization specific to journalism. Seek opportunities for practical projects.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Premiere Pro/DaVinci Resolve, Canva/Infogram, Excel/Google Sheets for data, Online journalism courses (e.g., Coursera, Knight Center)
Career Connection
Specialized skills differentiate candidates in the job market, opening doors to specific roles like TV reporter, photojournalist, or data analyst in media organizations.
Seek Internships & Build a Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Actively apply for summer or short-term internships at local news agencies, NGOs, or digital media startups. Document all your work, including articles, photos, videos, and research papers, to start building a comprehensive portfolio. Network with industry professionals through college events.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., WordPress, Behance)
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities, often leading to pre-placement offers. A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical abilities to recruiters.
Participate in Competitions & Live Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in inter-college journalism competitions, documentary festivals, or communication challenges. Collaborate with peers on live reporting assignments or create a college-level digital magazine/podcast. This applies theoretical knowledge and hones teamwork skills.
Tools & Resources
College cultural/media fests, Student-run media initiatives, Local community projects
Career Connection
Participation showcases initiative, problem-solving, and practical application of skills, making candidates more attractive for roles that demand creativity and immediate contribution.
Advanced Stage
Intensify Research & Dissertation Work- (Semester 6-8)
For Honours with Research, dedicate significant effort to your research project/dissertation. Choose a relevant, impactful topic, conduct rigorous research, and ensure high-quality academic writing. Regularly consult with your supervisor and seek feedback from peers.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), Statistical software (if applicable)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates analytical prowess and deep subject knowledge, beneficial for academic careers, research-oriented roles, or specialized reporting.
Focus on Career Development & Placement Preparation- (Semester 6-8)
Attend placement workshops, mock interviews, and resume-building sessions organized by the university. Tailor your resume and cover letter for specific job roles. Practice aptitude tests and group discussions, and research potential employers in the Indian media landscape.
Tools & Resources
University Placement Cell, Online aptitude platforms, Industry job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn Jobs)
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation significantly increases chances of securing desired roles. Understanding industry expectations helps align skills with job requirements.
Develop a Personal Brand & Network Strategically- (Semester 6-8)
Establish a professional online presence through LinkedIn and a personal website showcasing your portfolio. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and alumni events to network with senior journalists, editors, and media professionals. Seek mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Personal website/blog, Industry events, Alumni network
Career Connection
A strong personal brand and network are crucial for long-term career growth, opening doors to advanced opportunities, collaborations, and leadership roles in the competitive Indian media sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 or its equivalent examination with an aggregate of 40% marks.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 1 | Introduction to Communication | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Introduction to Communication, Types and Process of Communication, Mass Communication, Communication Theories, Models of Communication |
| DSC 2 | Introduction to Journalism | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Journalism, Role and Responsibilities of a Journalist, Media Landscape in India, Types of Journalism, Journalistic Ethics |
| DSC 3 | Reporting and Editing for Print | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | News and News Values, Reporting Techniques, Structure of News Story, Editing Principles, Print Media Formats |
| VAC 1 | Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties | Value Added Course | 2 | The Constitution of India, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Organs of Government, Local Self-Government |
| SEC 1 | Communication in Everyday Life | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Types of Communication, Barriers to Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Public Speaking |
| AECC 1 | Environmental Science/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Environmental Studies Basics, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Pollution and Waste Management, Communication Principles, Language and Comprehension |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 4 | History of Media | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Evolution of Print Media in India, Radio and Television History, Cinema and New Media Development, Key Personalities in Indian Media, Media''''s Role in Indian Nationalism |
| DSC 5 | Broadcast Journalism | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Introduction to Broadcast Journalism, Radio News Production, TV News Production, News Anchoring and Reporting, Broadcast Media Ethics |
| DSC 6 | Photojournalism | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Basics of Photography, Photojournalism Ethics, Types of Photojournalism, Photo Editing and Captioning, Visual Storytelling |
| VAC 2 | Digital Citizenship | Value Added Course | 2 | Understanding Digital Citizenship, Online Safety and Security, Digital Footprint and Privacy, Cyber Ethics and Etiquette, Responsible Use of Technology |
| SEC 2 | Professional Communication | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Business Communication, Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interview Skills, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion Techniques |
| AECC 2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Advanced Reading and Writing, Formal Correspondence, Report Writing, Critical Thinking and Analysis, Academic Presentation Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 7 | Media and Society | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Media Effects Theories, Media Representation, Gender and Media, Media and Social Change, Globalization and Media |
| DSC 8 | Advertising and Public Relations | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Principles of Advertising, Advertising Campaigns, Public Relations Concepts, PR Tools and Strategies, Ethics in Advertising and PR |
| DSC 9 | Media Laws and Ethics | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Indian Media Laws, Press Council of India, Defamation and Libel, Copyright and Intellectual Property, Right to Information, Media Ethics and Self-Regulation |
| GE 1 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| VAC 3 | Ethics and Culture | Value Added Course | 2 | Understanding Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Cultural Diversity, Cultural Relativism, Indian Ethos and Values |
| SEC 3 | Data Journalism | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Data Journalism, Data Collection Techniques, Data Cleaning and Analysis, Data Visualization Tools, Storytelling with Data |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 10 | New Media | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Evolution of New Media, Social Media Platforms, Online Journalism, Citizen Journalism, Web Technologies for Media |
| DSC 11 | Rural Reporting | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Understanding Rural India, Issues in Rural Areas, Techniques of Rural Reporting, Development Journalism, Case Studies of Rural Media |
| DSC 12 | Communication Research | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Introduction to Research Methods, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Data Analysis Techniques, Research Ethics |
| GE 2 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| VAC 4 | Emotional Intelligence | Value Added Course | 2 | Understanding Emotions, Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Motivation and Empathy, Social Skills Development |
| SEC 4 | Digital Marketing for Journalists | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing Strategy, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, Web Analytics for Journalists |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE 1A | Development Communication | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concepts of Development, Theories of Development Communication, Role of Media in Development, Participatory Communication, Case Studies in Development |
| DSE 1B | Global Media | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Global Media Landscape, International Communication Theories, Media Imperialism, Global News Flow, Cross-Cultural Communication |
| DSE 1C | Specialized Reporting | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Investigative Reporting, Science and Health Reporting, Business and Financial Reporting, Sports Reporting, Crime and Legal Reporting |
| DSE 2A | Media Management | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Media Industry Structure, Business Models in Media, Financial Management for Media, Marketing and Branding Strategies, Human Resources in Media |
| DSE 2B | Event Management | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Introduction to Event Management, Event Planning and Design, Marketing and Promotion of Events, Logistics and Operations, Event Budgeting and Evaluation |
| DSE 2C | Documentary Filmmaking | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | History of Documentary Films, Documentary Styles and Formats, Pre-Production and Research, Filming Techniques, Post-Production and Editing |
| GE 3 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| DISS/PROJ 1 | Dissertation/Project Work I | Project | 2 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Methodology Selection, Data Collection Planning, Initial Project Implementation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE 3A | Data Journalism (Advanced) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Advanced Data Collection, Statistical Analysis for Journalists, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Ethical Issues in Data Journalism |
| DSE 3B | Peace Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Conflict Reporting, Role of Media in Conflict, Principles of Peace Journalism, Case Studies of Conflict Coverage, Ethical Dilemmas in Reporting Conflict |
| DSE 3C | Citizen Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept of Citizen Journalism, Tools and Platforms for Citizen Journalists, Crowdsourcing and User-Generated Content, Impact of Citizen Journalism, Ethical Challenges |
| DSE 4A | Radio Production | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Radio Programme Formats, Scriptwriting for Radio, Sound Recording Techniques, Audio Editing Software, Radio Journalism Production |
| DSE 4B | TV Production | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Television Studio Operations, Camera Techniques for TV, Lighting and Sound Design, Video Editing Principles, Non-Linear Editing Software |
| DSE 4C | Web Design for Journalists | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Basics of Web Design, HTML and CSS Fundamentals, Content Management Systems (CMS), User Experience (UX) Principles, Designing for Digital Storytelling |
| GE 4 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| DISS/PROJ 2 | Dissertation/Project Work II | Project | 2 | Advanced Data Analysis, Report Writing and Structure, Presentation of Findings, Project Implementation and Refinement, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE 5A | Media Ethics and Governance | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Ethical Theories in Media, Media Accountability Mechanisms, Regulatory Frameworks, Self-Regulation in Media, Global Media Governance |
| DSE 5B | Public Opinion and Survey Research | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept of Public Opinion, Survey Research Methods, Questionnaire Design, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis for Public Opinion |
| DSE 6A | Media Entrepreneurship | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Business Plan Development, Funding Strategies for Media Ventures, Marketing for Media Startups, Legal Aspects of Media Business, Innovation in Media Industry |
| DSE 6B | Cross-Cultural Communication | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Fundamentals of Culture, Theories of Cross-Cultural Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication across Cultures, Cultural Stereotypes and Prejudices, Global Communication Strategies |
| OE 1 | Open Elective (from any discipline) | Open Elective | 4 | |
| RP/INT | Research Project/Internship | Project/Internship | 10 | In-depth Research Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Practical Industry Exposure, Professional Skill Development |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE 7A | Global Media and International Relations | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Media''''s Role in International Affairs, Diplomacy and Public Opinion, Conflict and Peace Reporting, Global Governance and Media, Case Studies in International Media |
| DSE 7B | Strategic Communication | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Communication Planning and Strategy, Crisis Communication Management, Corporate Communication, Public Affairs and Lobbying, Advocacy and Social Change Campaigns |
| DSE 8A | Science and Environmental Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Science Communication Principles, Reporting Environmental Issues, Ethics in Science Reporting, Risk and Crisis Communication, Policy and Advocacy Journalism |
| DSE 8B | Cultural Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept of Culture and Media, Arts and Entertainment Reporting, Lifestyle and Fashion Journalism, Critique and Review Writing, Cultural Policy and Media |
| OE 2 | Open Elective (from any discipline) | Open Elective | 4 | |
| MP/DISS | Major Project/Dissertation | Project | 10 | Advanced Research Methodology, Comprehensive Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Defense and Presentation, Scholarly Publication Readiness |




