Q & A
Communication and journalism
CHALLENGING JOB: Journalism students shooting city images as part of their projects in Chennai. The glamour and challenge of the job has attracted students to join media studies.
I am a CBSE 10th standard student. I would like to pursue a career in the field of mass media communication. English and history are my favourite subjects. Please advise me which group or subject should I opt for higher studies.
ASWHINI SUDERSHAN
EMAIL
After Class X, you should choose humanities group or subject combinations covering history, economics and so on for higher secondary. Some higher secondary schools following the State syllabus offer journalism, English literature, communicative English and psychology subject combinations for Plus Two. This is a good option for higher study for those opting for a career in journalism or mass communication.
After Plus Two, you can try to secure admission to the integrated Masters degree programme in development studies, economics or English offered by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Otherwise, opt for a BA degree course with main and subsidiary subjects of your interest in any one of the recognised universities.
In India only a few universities offer journalism or mass communication as the main subject at the Bachelors’ degree level. One can specialise in mass communication or journalism at the Masters or postgraduate level after completing graduation in any discipline.
Since you have an ambition to choose a career in mass media communication or journalism, better opt for English literature, economics or Malayalam language and literature at the Bachelor’s degree level.
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has started a unique and innovative integrated five-year Masters degree programme for meritorious Plus Two students. The course is offered in three disciplines—development studies, economics and English studies.
The distinctive feature of this programme is that it allows students to choose their disciplines after getting a wide exposure to humanities and social sciences.
Students successfully completing this programme will have a range of career options to choose from, including academics, journalism and language training.
Admission to the programme is through the Humanities and Social Sciences Entrance Examinations (HSEE) conducted by IIT Madras. The programme has 30 seats—10 each for each discipline.
Plus Two holders with at least 60 per cent marks in aggregate are eligible to apply for ‘HSEE’. Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and differently-abled candidates require at least 55 per cent marks. For details, visit http://hsee.iitm.ac.in.
Mass communication
Bachelor’s degree, Masters degree and postgraduate diploma courses in journalism and mass communication provide knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines such as print or electronic journalism; development communication; communication research; advertising and public relations; and so on. Writing ability or aptitude; analytical mind; presentation skills; extensive reading habit; sense of observation; communication ability; presence of mind; and courage are some of the personal qualities required for a journalist.
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi is a leading institution offering quality education in the field of journalism. IIMC is an autonomous body funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and have a branch at Dhenkanal (Orissa).
IIMC conducts PG diploma courses in journalism (English and Hindi); radio and television journalism; advertising and public relations. Graduates in any discipline are eligible for admission. More details can be obtained from the web site www.iimc.nic.in.
EFLU courses
The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, offers MA media and communication and MA English (media and communication) courses. Meritorious graduates in English language and literature are eligible for admission.
In Kerala
In Kerala, the Department of Communication and Journalism, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 581 offers two-year fulltime Masters degree in communication and journalism (MCJ). Selection is based on an entrance test and merit in the qualifying examination. Science graduates with at least 55 per cent marks for Part III subjects and non-science graduates with at least 50 per cent marks in Part III are eligible to apply.
The School of Communication and Information Science of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, conducts a Master of Journalism and Communication (MJC) course on a self-financing basis. Meritorious graduates are eligible.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Calicut University, Thenhipalam, offers a two-year fulltime MCJ course.
Several universities in the country offer Masters’ or PG diploma courses in journalism or mass communication.
Press Club’s Institute of Journalism at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Kozhikode; Kerala Press Academy, Kochi; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram; Manorama School of Communication, Kottayam; and so on are conducting PG diploma courses in journalism for meritorious graduates in any discipline.
Job prospects
Those who successfully complete a Masters degree or PG diploma in journalism or mass communication can seek employment as journalist trainees, sub editors, reporters or correspondents in print and electronic media; as Assistant Information Officer, Public Relations Officer and so on in government departments. Opportunities are available with Internet or web portals too. Ph.D. holders or NET qualified candidates can get lecturer posts in colleges or universities.
GOPAKUMAR KARAKONAM
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