Introduction to Journalism
Journalism is a form of communication, but it’s distinct from other forms. It is unique because it’s a one-way message or story from the journalist to the audience. It’s most unique because the message isn’t the journalist’s personal story or subjective thoughts. Instead, the journalist's personal story or subjective thoughts about something that happened or is happening based on his or her observations and discoveries. This type of storytelling forms journalism.
Basically, Journalism is the occupation of reporting, writing, editing, photographing or broadcasting news or of conducting any news organisation as a business.
Introduction to MA Journalism
MA Journalism is a Post-Graduate programme which focuses on aspects of journalism in modern India. The MA Journalism is a 2-years post-graduate programme that is divided into 4 semesters. The course is an extension of BA Journalism and provides in-depth knowledge about reporting techniques, journalists, traditions and ethics of journalism in India.
The course prepares the students for the journalist roles in media and journalism. The sole purpose of the course is to produce trained journalists and professionals in the field of media.
Eligibility for MA Journalism
The students who have completed their graduation in any stream with 50% aggregate from any recognised university are eligible to apply for MA Journalism.
Admission Procedures
The eligible students can join the MA Journalism course by two modes of admission, the first one is merit-based admission and second one is direct admission.
1. Merit-Based Admission
There are many reputed educational institutions that conduct institution-based entrance exams for admission to MA Journalism course. All the colleges will have a limited number of merit seats and entrance exams are conducted for the students for these limited seats. The students who qualify the entrance exams are allotted merit-seats and are given admission. The main reason for institution-based entrance exams is to select the right candidates from the flock of non-serious ones. The fees are also nominal for merit-based admissions.
2. Direct Admission
The students can also get admission to MA Journalism course by another mode called direct admission. Under this mode the students are given direct admission to desired colleges under management quota. The main advantage of this mode is that the students are given special privileges where they are not required to appear for any institution-based entrance exam for admission. Another benefit is that the students can choose their desired colleges and book their seats in advance even before the college starts. The interested students can contact the educational advisory centres for more details about direct admission.
Course Curriculum for MA Journalism
The students of MA Journalism will be studying the following subjects in their course curriculum
| Sl. No. | Subjects of Study |
|---|---|
| 1 | Advertising & Corporate Communication |
| 2 | Communication research |
| 3 | Development Communication |
| 4 | Development of Media |
| 5 | Electronic Media |
| 6 | Interactive Communication Skills |
| 7 | Inter-Cultural Communication |
| 8 | Principles of International Communication |
| 9 | Media Law and Ethics |
| 10 | Media Management |
| 11 | Media Productions |
| 12 | Media Research |
| 13 | Media Writing |
| 14 | New Technologies in Media Application |
| 15 | Principles of Mass Communication |
| 16 | Reporting and Editing |
| 17 | Production Portfolio |
| 18 | Public relations |
| 19 | Fiend Based Assessments |
Career and Scope for MA Journalism
MA journalism students have plenty of options to choose from in terms of their career. One can choose to work as correspondent, News Analyst, Blog Writer, Radio Jockey, Programme Presenter, feature writer, video jockey, etc.
The interested students can take up a PhD programme to take up research in the field of journalism. The students if they are interested in in-depth study of the subject then they can join the M.Phil programme. The students if interested in teaching can join colleges as lecturers to take up teaching in journalism subjects.
Job Roles Available for MA Journalism students
Some of the important job roles available for MA Journalism students are:
- Correspondent
- News Analyst
- Radio Jockey
- Journalist
- TV Anchor
- News Reporter
- News Reader
Earning Potential
The MA Journalism students can easily earn around 5 lakhs to 7 lakhs per annum. The experienced professionals can earn around 6 lakhs to 8 lakhs per annum.
Top Organisations hiring MA Journalism students
Some of the top organisations hiring MA Journalism students are:
- NDTV
- Times Now
- The Indian Express
- The Deccan Chronicle
- Deccan Herald
- The Week Magazine
- The Outlook Magazine
Final Sentences
The MA Journalism students can find ample job opportunities in the field of journalism. They can join newspaper agencies, television channels, magazine agencies. The demand for the skilled professionals in the field of journalism is more when compared to other areas. The industry pays decent salaries and also offers excellent growth opportunities for the skilled journalists. The students with a passion to become a journalist can join the MA Journalism course.