Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Journalism & Mass Communication

About

The BA Journalism and Mass Communication – Media Production is a 3-year undergraduate programme spanning 6 semesters. It provides in-depth knowledge of journalism fundamentals, media ethics, and news-based media production skills. The curriculum offers a holistic, experiential, and globally relevant education in journalism and related fields, equipping students with practical expertise in reporting, anchoring, media production, and content creation.

Students gain hands-on experience in news reporting, multimedia storytelling, digital media production, and media technology. The programme covers a broad range of topics, including communication theories, media laws and ethics, development communication, and global media trends. Specialised courses, such as News Production for Television and Print, Podcast Production, and Documentary Production, provide students with a strong practical foundation.

The programme prepares graduates for careers in journalism, digital media, public relations, television and radio production, and corporate communication. With an industry-aligned curriculum, students gain valuable exposure through internships, live projects, and collaborations with media professionals.

Highlights

• Hands-on Training in Multimedia Journalism – Students develop expertise in digital journalism, news reporting, and multimedia content creation using industry-standard tools.
• Live Show Production and Anchoring – Training in television and radio broadcasting, including live reporting, anchoring, and media presentation techniques.
• Electives in Specialised Media Fields – Courses in Photojournalism, Civic and Crime Reporting, Political Journalism, and Podcast Production allow students to tailor their expertise.
• Internship and Industry Exposure – Opportunities for internships in leading news organisations, digital media platforms, and production houses.
• Graduation Project and Portfolio Development – A final capstone project showcasing skills in media production and journalistic storytelling.

Curriculum – Detailed Programme Structure

The BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme is designed to provide a comprehensive and industry-relevant education that blends theoretical insights with practical applications. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip students with the knowledge, technical expertise, and critical thinking skills required in the dynamic field of media and communication.

Key Modules and Phases of the Programme

The programme is structured across eight semesters, each introducing students to progressively advanced concepts and practical applications. It follows a well-defined learning path:

Foundation Stage (Semesters 1-2)

Students build a strong theoretical foundation in journalism and communication while developing essential skills in writing, reporting, and digital media production.

• Introduction to Journalism / Communication Theory – Understanding media landscapes and communication principles.
• News Writing & Production – Hands-on training in writing, editing, and producing news content.
• Media Laws and Ethics – Analysing the legal and ethical aspects of journalism.
• Digital Media Production – Learning multimedia storytelling and online content creation.

Specialisation and Practical Exposure (Semesters 3-4)

Students delve deeper into specialised fields such as broadcast journalism, public relations, and documentary production.

• Live Show Production – Practical training in live reporting and news anchoring.
• Photojournalism / Podcast Production – Developing visual and audio storytelling skills.
• Political Reporting / Opinion Writing – Enhancing analytical and persuasive writing abilities.
• Public Relations & Media Management – Understanding corporate communication strategies.

Advanced Industry Training (Semesters 5-6)

With a focus on global trends and emerging technologies, students undertake real-world projects and internships.

• Global Media Trends & Data Journalism – Exploring AI-driven journalism and data visualisation.
• Documentary Production – Crafting impactful documentaries on contemporary issues.
• Internship & Minor Projects – Gaining industry exposure through hands-on experience.

Research and Special Projects (Semesters 7-8)

The final phase emphasises research, technical expertise, and career readiness.

• Media Research Projects – Conducting in-depth studies on media-related topics.
• Media Economics & Dissertation – Understanding financial aspects of the media industry.
• Capstone Project in Data Journalism – Applying analytical and visualisation techniques to real-world reporting.

Industry Tools and Training

• Hands-on experience with software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and Audacity.
• Workshops on news writing, investigative journalism, and fact-checking.
• Practical exposure in live reporting, podcast production, and digital content creation.
• Internship opportunities with leading media houses, PR agencies, and digital media firms.

This programme ensures that students graduate with the skills and confidence to thrive in journalism, content creation, media strategy, and emerging new-age media careers.

Programme Outcomes (POs)

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will:

Develop Strong Journalism and Reporting Skills

• Master the art of news gathering, writing, and editing for print, digital, and broadcast platforms.
• Learn to conduct investigative journalism with ethical and legal considerations.
• Gain expertise in multilingual reporting and translation for diverse audiences.
• Enhance research skills to develop compelling content across print, web, and multimedia platforms.
• Navigate challenging situations with journalistic integrity, reporting news stories that matter.

Enhance Digital Media and Production Expertise

• Acquire hands-on experience in digital storytelling, video production, and podcasting.
• Learn mobile journalism techniques to create high-quality news content using smartphones and portable devices.
• Develop skills in post-production, including video and audio editing for various media platforms.
• Dive deep into digital media production, mastering video editing, audio production, and social media storytelling.
• Become a multimedia journalist equipped to work in new-age journalism.

Master Anchoring, Presentation, and Communication Skills

• Gain confidence in public speaking and on-camera presentation for television and live reporting.
• Learn voice modulation, articulation, and professional delivery for news anchoring and radio broadcasting.
• Enhance storytelling techniques to engage audiences effectively.
• Train to thrive as an anchor, confidently engaging audiences on any news channel or platform.

Understand Media Laws, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues

• Develop a thorough understanding of press laws, intellectual property rights, and journalistic ethics.
• Learn to critically analyse the media’s role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions.
• Understand global media trends, contemporary issues, and their impact on journalism.
• Weave the tapestry of society and culture into your projects, giving voice to diverse perspectives.

Beyond Journalism: Explore Advertising, PR, and Corporate Communications

• Immerse yourself in the world of Advertising, PR, and Corporate Communications, mastering industry-relevant skills.
• Understand the business side of media, including branding, corporate communication, and content monetisation.
• Develop skills applicable to roles such as journalist, news producer, public relations specialist, media strategist, and more.

Build Practical Experience through Internships and Live Projects

• Work with leading news agencies, production houses, and digital media companies to gain real-world exposure.
• Create a professional portfolio with news reports, documentaries, and multimedia projects.
• Collaborate with industry experts through workshops, masterclasses, and guest lectures.
• Connect with experienced media professionals through guest lectures, internships, and industry expert mentorships.
• Build a robust network supporting career growth and opening doors to exciting opportunities.

NEP-aligned Interdisciplinary Curriculum

• A curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, integrating interdisciplinary learning for a comprehensive journalism education.
• Hone writing skills across online, print, and broadcast formats, becoming a versatile communication professional.

Career Prospects

• Reporter
• Content Writer
• Video Editor
• Sub-Editor
• Photojournalist
• Video Journalist
• News Producer
• Input Editor
• Content Creator
• Radio Jockey
• Radio Content Creator
• Podcast Producer
• Public Relations Officer
• Corporate Communication Officer
• Public Policy Consultant
• Content Research Analyst
• Spokesperson
• Page Designer

Why choose NCU for this programme?

• The BA Journalism and Mass Communication – Media Production at The NorthCap University goes beyond conventional Mass Communication, equipping students with future-ready skills.
• Focus on Digital Media Production, including mobile journalism and rapid content creation for Reels, YouTube, and short videos.
• Hands-on training in live show production using OBS software and multi-camera setups to enhance expertise.
• Comprehensive curriculum covering Cinematography, Editing, Photography, Sound, Podcast Production, and Data Journalism.
• Integration of ethical journalism with multi-platform storytelling to ensure graduates are versatile and industry-ready.
• Prepares students to meet the evolving demands of media and communication industries.