Bachelor of Arts (Journalism & Communication Studies)

Overview

Rationale

Generally, communication and information transfer are central to the development of modern society. Communication technologies are part of society’s everyday economic, cultural, and political life. Thus, as mass media communication becomes essential in modern society, with a growing recognition that the study and practice of communication and the various ways it is affects society is vital, and as the world shifts to knowledge-based economy, excellence in journalism and communication training becomes key in the advancement of society. The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Media and Communication Studies degree programme provides excellence in practical and comprehensive training suited to the current demands of knowledge and information networked society. It addresses the needs of current students and the media and communication industry in the present times, but with keen focus on the future. The programme is intended to equip students with requisite knowledge and skills to excel in society and professionally.

Philosophy

The programme subscribes to the notion that human capital development through training and research is vital to Kenya’s development agenda. This aligns with the philosophy of the University of Nairobi. It offers an excellent mix of communication, journalism and media knowledge, skills and competencies for a career in communication, journalism and media.

Objectives

The programme aims to equip the student with foundational, scientifically derived, and practical knowledge, understanding and skills of communication in its widest meaning in mediated, group, interpersonal, mass, and intercultural forms.The specific objectives of the programme are to:

Provide students with technical knowledge and skills in various areas including communication, journalism and media.
Provide an education that prepares students for a wide scope of career opportunities.
Develop competent graduates with the right skills and knowledge to perform in contemporary complex and volatile global communication, journalism and media environments.

Contact of Support Persons

Chairman,

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication,

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences,

University of Nairobi

P.O. Box 30197-00100,

NAIROBI

Main Campus,

Education Building,

3rd Floor, Room 302,

Tel: +254 020 4913208

Cell: +254 757 115431

Email: soj@uonbi.ac.ke

Exams Regulations

a) The Common University and School examination regulations shall apply.

b) Candidates will sit for examinations at the end of each semester. Candidates must attend the prescribed courses of study in accordance with University regulations and those of the School, before being permitted to sit for examinations.

c) All end-of-semester examinations shall consist of a Two-hour paper for each course unit taken in the semester.

d) Continuous Assessment Tests (CATS) shall constitute 30% of the total marks in a given unit. The School shall develop procedures for CAT(s).

e) Each course unit shall be graded out of an examination of 100 marks, and the pass mark shall be 40% for each unit. These marks shall be translated into the following grades:

100-70% = A

69-60% = B

59-50% = C

49-40% = D

39-0% = E

f) A candidate who fails any end-of-semester examination paper on first attempt shall be allowed to re-sit and pass the failed papers in the next academic year.

g) Subject to regulation (f) above,

i. A candidate who fails up to a maximum of Three (3) courses in any one semester shall be allowed to proceed to the next semester and re-sit the failed units in the next year. However, if the failed units are prerequisites for other advanced courses, the candidate MUST pass them before being allowed to register for the advanced units. The maximum mark that a candidate can get after re-sitting shall be 40% of the total marks.

ii. A candidate required to re-sit a course unit may opt to retake it (register, attend lectures, submit coursework and sit final examination again when it is next on offer). Such a course shall be graded out of 100 marks.

iii. A candidate who has failed six or more course units after three (3) unsuccessful attempts on each of the units concerned shall be discontinued.

Structure

Schedule of intakes

January, May and September

Course duration and structure

Course duration

1. 1. The programme shall be covered in a minimum of eight (8) and a maximum of twelve (12) semesters for both full-time students and part-time students from the date of registration.
  2. Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours and shall be covered within a semester of 15 weeks.
  3. Each student shall be required to complete the prescribed courses in each respective semester and academic year of study.

1. 1. No student shall proceed to a subsequent academic year without completing the courses of the preceding lower academic year.

1. 1. The students’ attachment/internship shall be evaluated and assessed by the faculty who shall visit the student (s) at their /attachment/internship location at least twice during their internship period.
1. 1. Course structure
1. 1. The programme shall consist of coursework, examination, attachment and final project.
  2. The programme comprises a total of forty [40] course units that a student should study and pass to qualify for the award of the degree.
  3. Students shall select an area of specialisation in either: Print, Broadcast and Digital Media; Public Relations; or Development Communication during their second semester of the third year of study.
  4. The students shall undertake an industrial attachment/ internship of at least three months (equivalent to 2 courses) after the third year and completion of a research or professional project during the fourth year of study.
  5. The Department reserves the right to advise on course selection for elective courses.
  6. Undergraduate projects shall be done under the guidance of a supervisor(s) allocated based on their knowledge of the topic, research methodologies, and any other technical expertise.
  7. To enhance linkages and networking, industry visits and academic fieldwork shall be done at least once (preferably in the third year) or before students graduate.

COURSE UNITS OFFERED

Code	Title	Contact Hours/Week
Year 1: Semester I
Common Course
CMC3101	Information sourcing andpresentation	1x3
CMC3103	Introduction to Communication, Leadership and Development	1x3
CMC3105	Communication technologies	1x3
CMC3107	Communication, Culture and Society	1x3
CMC3109	Aspects of language use for Journalists	1x3
	Total	15
Semester II:
CMC3102	Introduction to Data Journalism	1x3
CMC3104	Introduction to Broadcast and Digital Technology	1x3
CMC3106	Communication and Philosophy	1x3
CMC3108	Fundamentals of Mass Communication	1x3
CMC3110	Communication and Sustainable Development	1x3
	Total	15
Year II: Semester I
CMC3201	News Writing and Reporting	1x3
CMC3203	Introduction to Research Methods in Communication	1x3
CMC3205	Communication Theories	1x3
CMC3207	Fundamental of photography	1x3
CMC3209	Principles of Management in Communication	1x3
	Total	15
Year II: Semester II
CMC3202	Development Communication	1x3
CMC3204	Introduction to Radio, Television and Film Production	1x3
CMC3206	Fundamentals of Public Relations and Advertising	1x3
CMC3208	Print and Multimedia Production	1x3
CMC3210	Communication Research	1x3
	Total	15
Year III: Semester I
CMC3301	Scripting for Radio and Television	1x3
CMC3303	Media Laws and Ethics	1x3
CMC3305	Communication Projects Management	1x3
CMC3307	Online Journalism	1x3
CMC3309	Entrepreneurship for communicators	1x3
	Total	15
Year III: Semester II
Development Communication
CMC3302	Monitoring and Evaluation of Communication Projects	1x3
CMC3304	Audio-Visual Production and Editing	1x3
CMC3306	Statistical Methods in Communication	1x3
CDC3308	Communication and Development Practice	1x3
CDC3310	Industrial Attachment	1x3
	Total	15
Public Relations
CMC3302	Monitoring and Evaluation of Communication Projects	1x3
CMC3304	Audio-Visual Production and Editing	1x3
CMC3306	Statistical Methods in Communication	1x3
CPR3308	Public Relations Theory and Practice	1x3
CPR3310	Attachment	1x3
	Total	15
Print, Broadcast and Digital Media
CMC3302	Monitoring and Evaluation of Communication Projects	1x3
CMC3304	Audio-Visual Production and Editing	1x3
CMC3306	Statistical Methods in Communication	1x3
CJS3308	Editorial and Opinion Writing	1x3
CJS3310	Industrial Attachment	1x3
	Total	15
Year IV: Semester I
Development Communication
CDC3401	Communication Policy	1x3
CDC3403	Social and Behaviour Change Communication	1x3
CDC3405	Resource Mobilization and Grants Writing	1x3
CDC3407	Health Communication	1x3
*Electives (choose one)*
CDC3409	Communication, Democracy and Governance	1x3
CDC3411	Communication and Gender	1x3
	Total	15
Public Relations
CPR3401	Public Relation Techniques and Strategies	1x3
CPR3403	Strategic Public Relations Management	1x3
CPR3405	Public Relation Research, Measurement and Evaluation	1x3
CPR3407	Integrated Marketing Communication	1x3
CPR3409	Public Relations in the Digital Age	1x3
	Total	15
Print, Broadcast and Digital Media
CJS3401	Investigative Journalism	1x3
CJS3403	Feature Writing and Production	1x3
CJS3405	Graphic Design and Animation	1x3
CJS3407	Media Convergence	1x3
CJS3409	Screen Writing	1x3
	Total	15
Year IV	Semester II
Development Communication
CDC3402	Communication for Crisis and Conflict Resolution	1x3
CDC3404	Community Mobilisation and Advocacy	1x3
CDC3406	Participatory Communication and Development	1x3
CDC3408	Designing Information and Education Materials	1x3
CDC3412	Project	1x3
	Total	15
Public Relations
CPR3402	Communication for Crisis and Conflict Management	1x3
CPR3404	Corporate Communication	1x3
CPR3406	Advertising and Consumer Behaviour	1x3
CPR3408	Lobbying and Advocacy	1x3
CPR3412	Project	1x3
	Total	15
Print, Broadcast and Digital Media
CJS3402	Specialised Writing	1x3
CJS3404	Advanced-Data Journalism	1x3
CJS3406	Content Production for the web	1x3
CJS3408	Documentary Production	1x3
CJS3412	Project	1x3
	Total	15

MODE OF DELIVERY

Face-to-face mode

This shall be the interactive mode of instruction consisting of lectures, discussions, presentations, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, case studies, fieldwork, practicums, studio projects, individual and group consultations, independent studies, guest speakers, field visits, industry visits, and field research.

1. Open, distance, and e-learning mode

This will be offered using a multi-media approach that includes self-instructional print and electronic study materials. This will include interactive study materials and both synchronous and asynchronous modes of learning. Online teaching and learning shall be offered through the Learning Management Systems (LMS) of the University of Nairobi.

1. Blended learning mode

This will combine both face to face and online learning approaches

Admission Requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum admission requirement

i. The common regulations for admission requirements for Undergraduate degrees at the University of Nairobi shall apply.

ii. Subject to regulation (i) above, eligible candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication Studies shall be:

1. 1. Holders of KCSE with a mean grade of C+ and a minimum of C+ in English, Kiswahili or its equivalent.
  2. Holders of KCSE with a minimum aggregate of C plain or equivalent; or KCE Division II or equivalent; or EACE Division II or equivalent, with a minimum of C+ in English or Kiswahili and a Diploma or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution in Kenya and or its equivalent.
  3. Holders of KCSE with C plain or equivalent, with a minimum of C+ in English or Kiswahili. In addition, the applicantmust also have a Diploma or equivalent from a recognised post-secondary institution in Kenya or its equivalent
  4. Holders of the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) with a minimum of two (2) principal passes and one subsidiary pass, and a minimum of a credit pass in English or Kiswahili at the KCE level.
  5. Holders of a degree from a recognized university or its equivalent.
Credit transfer and exemptions
1. The common regulations for credit transfer and exemptions of the University of Nairobi shall apply.
2. A student may seek credit transfer or exemptions for up to one-third of the total taught course units if they are equivalent to those offered by the University of Nairobi and were taken at an equivalent level of study from an institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
3. A student seeking credit transfer or exemptions shall send a formal application to the Academic Registrar through the Chairman, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, justifying the request, and attaching relevant supporting documents.
4. Grades for transferred course units shall be entered in the candidate’s transcript while the exempted course units shall be entered as ‘exempt’.
5. Credit transfers in case of exchange students shall apply only to specific Memoranda of Understanding or Agreements signed in advance between the University of Nairobi and the collaborating universities/institutions for joint programmes.
6. A student admitted under 3.1.2 (ii) and (iii) and whose diploma(s) are directly related to this programme, for instance, a Diploma in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Radio Production, Film Production, Development Communication, Project Management etc., and whose course training duration is two (2) years or more from both government and private institutions such as public and private universities, Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and other Diploma issuing public and private institutions will join the programme at second year, the first semester. Such candidates shall not be exempted from doing any course units in the Third and Fourth years of study.
7. Exemption from studying any course unit shall be based on proven evidence of course content having been covered adequately at the diploma level with a minimum “B” or credit score, for technical, practical subjects.
8. Those seeking exemption shall pay an exemption fee as approved by the University Senate.

Careers

Attachment Opportunities

News Media Outlets: Nation Media Group, Royal Media, Standard Group, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, K24, Kenya New Agency, only to mention afew.

Careers In Journalism and Communication Studies

Upon graduation with Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication Studies degree, a graduand may pursue the following career opportunities:

Development Communication Practitioner
Film Producer and Director
Data Journalist
Public Affairs Coordinator
Public Relations Consultant
Public Relations Specialist
Public Speaking Coach
Broadcast journalist
Editorial assistant
Magazine features editor
Magazine journalist
Newspaper journalist
Political risk analyst
Press sub-editor
Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
Web content manager
Writer
Brand strategist
Content marketing manager
Editor
Event planning
Human resources manager
Journalist
Marketing coordinator
Copywriter
News anchor
Product marketing manager
Public relations
Reporter
Social media manager
TV presenter
Web producer
News Organizations
Non Governmental Organizations
Corporate Communications
Production companies

Fees and Funding

NEW B.A IN JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES FEE STRUCTURE AS FROM SEPTEMBER 2023

Tuition Fees	20,000			Per Unit
Examination Fees	1,000			Per Unit
Sub-Total	21,000.00
No. Of Units	SEM. 1	SEM.2,4,6,8,10		SEM.3,5,7,9
4	114,750	86,250		109,750
5	135,750	107,250		130,750
Other Charges
Once	Caution Money		5,000
Per Year	ICT Services		7,000
	Medical		6,500
	Activity		2,000
	Library		4,000
	Student ID		1,000
	Student Organisation		1,000
	Broadcast Studio Services		2,000
Per Semester	Registration		2,250
Subtotal			30,750.00
Total			957,000.00

OLD ONGOING FEE STRUCTURE