MA in Mass Communication and Journalism

MA in Mass Communication and Journalism at CJMC, Kathmandu

MA in Mass Communication and Journalism at the College of Journalism and Mass Communication (CJMC), Kapan, Kathmandu, is a two-year postgraduate program affiliated with Purbanchal University. The course follows a four-semester academic structure and accepts applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

The curriculum covers communication theory, journalism practice, reporting and editing, broadcast media, media law, research, photojournalism, electronic publication, advertising, public relations, multimedia, media management, project work, and thesis research.

Students also choose optional subjects in the final semester from areas such as development journalism, media and gender, science and environmental journalism, court reporting, public journalism, international communication, alternative media practices, and cyber publishing.

Quick Highlights

Course Overview

The MA in Mass Communication and Journalism combines advanced study of mass communication with practical and analytical areas of journalism.

Students begin with communication theory, modern journalism, reporting and editing, broadcasting, media law, and information systems. The later semesters expand into media research, photojournalism, electronic publishing, advertising, public relations, multimedia, regional media practices, media management, and specialized journalism subjects.

Project work appears across the program, while the fourth semester includes a thesis. This structure places academic research alongside professional journalism and communication subjects.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

The stated entry requirement does not limit applicants to a previous degree specifically in journalism or mass communication. Applicants from other bachelor-level academic backgrounds can meet the academic eligibility requirement.

Duration and Academic Structure

Duration: 2 years

The MA in Mass Communication and Journalism is divided into four semesters.

Teaching and learning are conducted in English and Nepali. Classes are scheduled to start in Magh each year, corresponding to January–February.

The academic structure moves from core communication and journalism study toward research, multimedia, media management, specialization, and thesis work.

Semester-Wise Curriculum

First Semester

The first semester establishes the postgraduate foundation in mass communication, journalism, broadcasting, law, and information systems.

Subjects include:

• Mass Communication: Theories & Practices — MCJ 501 MC

• Modern Journalism: Principles and Trends — MCJ 502 JOU

• Advanced Reporting & Editing — MCJ 503 JOU

• Broadcast Media: History and Modern Trends — MCJ 504 JOU

• Media Laws — MCJ 505 MC

• Fundamentals of Information System — MCJ 506 NUM

• Project I — MCJ 507 PROJ

Mass communication theory and journalism practice are studied together from the beginning of the program. Advanced reporting and editing develop the journalism component, while broadcast media and media law introduce institutional and regulatory aspects of media work.

The semester also includes an information systems subject and project work.

Second Semester

The second semester shifts toward media institutions, research, photojournalism, Nepali media development, and electronic publishing.

Subjects include:

• Mass Media Industry and Society — MCJ 521 MC

• News Products and Marketing — MCJ 522

• Research in Mass Communication — MCJ 523 MC

• Photojournalism: Principles and Practices — MCJ 524 MC

• Evolution of Nepali Media and Trends — MCJ 525 MC

• Advanced Concepts in Electronic Publications — MCJ 526 MC

• Project Work — MCJ 527 MC

Research in Mass Communication gives the semester a formal research component, while Evolution of Nepali Media and Trends places journalism study within the Nepali media context.

Photojournalism and electronic publication add visual and digital dimensions to the curriculum.

Third Semester

The third semester covers advertising, public relations, multimedia, regional media practices, project work, and a journalism specialization.

Subjects include:

• Mass Communication & Advertisement — MCJ 601 MC

• Mass Media and Public Relations — MCJ 602 JOU

• Multi-Media Application — MCJ 603 NUM

• Project Work III (Case Study)

• SAARC Media Practices and Institutions — MCJ 605 MC

• Print Journalism or Broadcasting Journalism — MCJ 606 JOU or MCJ 607 JOU

Students study both organizational communication areas and practical media applications during this semester.

The Print Journalism or Broadcasting Journalism component allows study to move toward one of the two specified journalism areas.

Fourth Semester

The fourth semester combines media management, thesis research, and optional subjects.

Core components include:

• Media Management — MCJ 611 MC

• Thesis — MCJ 612 MC

Students also select any two optional subjects from:

• Media and Gender — MCJ 613 MC

• Development Journalism — MCJ 614 JOU

• Science & Environmental Journalism — MCJ 615 JOU

• Court Reporting — MCJ 616 JOU

• Public Journalism Theory & Practices — MCJ 617 JOU

• International Communication and Comparative Journalism — MCJ 618 MC

• Alternative Media Practices — MCJ 619 MC

• Cyber Publishing — MCJ 620 NUM

The optional structure gives students room to study specific areas of journalism and communication while completing the thesis component.

Major Areas of Study

Across four semesters, students encounter a broad range of journalism and communication subjects, including:

• Mass communication theories and practices

• Modern journalism

• Advanced reporting and editing

• Broadcast media

• Media law

• Information systems

• Mass media industry and society

• News products and marketing

• Mass communication research

• Photojournalism

• Nepali media development

• Electronic publications

• Advertising

• Public relations

• Multimedia applications

• SAARC media practices

• Print journalism

• Broadcasting journalism

• Media management

• Development journalism

• Media and gender

• Science and environmental journalism

• Court reporting

• Public journalism

• International communication

• Alternative media

• Cyber publishing

• Project and thesis research

This academic range connects journalism practice with communication theory, media institutions, technology, research, and specialized reporting fields.

Research and Project Components

Research is integrated into several stages of the program.

The second semester includes Research in Mass Communication, while project work is incorporated across earlier semesters. The third-semester project takes the form of a case study, and the fourth semester includes a thesis.

These components give students opportunities to work with academic research, structured investigation, case-based study, and longer-form postgraduate research within mass communication and journalism.

Print and Broadcast Journalism

The third semester includes an option between Print Journalism and Broadcasting Journalism.

This allows students to engage with one of two major journalism formats within the academic structure. Broadcast-related study also appears earlier through Broadcast Media: History and Modern Trends.

CJMC’s practical media environment includes CJMC FM 106.0 MHz, which has operated with student involvement and serves as a workstation for practical study in broadcasting.

Photojournalism and Visual Media

Photojournalism is included in the second semester through Photojournalism: Principles and Practices.

CJMC also has the Anjelika Photo Studio with a darkroom. Photography students use the studio during practical classes for taking photographs and working with photo development and printing.

The college also maintains a video editing lab where students can edit documentary films as part of practical work.

Digital and Multimedia Study

Digital media appears at several points in the curriculum.

Students study Fundamentals of Information System in the first semester, Advanced Concepts in Electronic Publications in the second semester, and Multi-Media Application in the third semester. Cyber Publishing is also available as an optional subject in the fourth semester.

CJMC has a computer lab with software resources, internet access, and email facilities that can support computer-based academic work.

Media Research

Research is a substantial academic component of the course.

Research in Mass Communication introduces formal research study in the second semester. Project assignments provide additional research-oriented work, followed by a case study in the third semester and a thesis in the fourth.

Students therefore encounter research at more than one stage rather than only during the final semester.

Journalism in Social and Institutional Contexts

The optional subjects show that the program examines journalism beyond routine reporting.

Media and Gender addresses communication in relation to gender. Development Journalism and Science & Environmental Journalism connect reporting with development and environmental subjects. Court Reporting focuses on a specialized reporting setting, while International Communication and Comparative Journalism expands the academic scope beyond national media.

Alternative Media Practices and Public Journalism Theory & Practices provide additional ways of examining how journalism operates in different public and media environments.

Admission Process

CJMC conducts admissions according to the academic calendar of Purbanchal University.

Eligible applicants can collect the admission form and related brochure from the CJMC office during the stated office hours of 7:00–10:00 am.

The admission process includes:

• Submission of the admission application

• Publication of the list of candidates eligible for the entrance examination

• Issuance of entrance examination ID cards

• Selection of candidates

• Completion of admission within the specified period

• Admission from the waiting list when seats remain vacant

The MA in Mass Communication and Journalism has 25 seats.

Practical Media Facilities at CJMC

The college maintains several facilities connected with journalism and communication study.

CJMC FM 106.0 MHz

CJMC FM 106.0 MHz started broadcasting on 1 September 2005. Students can take part in broadcast journalism activities through the station.

Its objectives include serving as a workstation for practical study and supporting journalism education.

Photography Studio

The Anjelika Photo Studio provides a dedicated setting for photography practice and includes a darkroom.

Video Editing Lab

Students can use the video editing lab for documentary editing and related practical class activities.

Computer Lab

The computer lab provides software resources along with internet and email access.

Library and Reading Room

The library maintains books, journals, periodicals, magazines, and newspapers. Students can borrow books through a library card system.

Who May Consider This Course?

The MA in Mass Communication and Journalism may be relevant to graduates interested in advanced academic study of journalism, mass communication, reporting, broadcasting, media research, digital publication, public relations, advertising, or media management.

Students with an interest in research also encounter several research components, including Mass Communication Research, project work, a case study, and thesis preparation.

Those interested in specialized journalism can use the optional subjects to study areas such as development journalism, environmental journalism, court reporting, public journalism, international communication, or cyber publishing.

FAQ

What is the duration of MA in Mass Communication and Journalism at CJMC?

The program has a duration of two years and follows a four-semester academic system.

What is the eligibility for MA in Mass Communication and Journalism at CJMC?

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Which university is the course affiliated with?

The MA in Mass Communication and Journalism at CJMC is affiliated with Purbanchal University.

How many seats are available?

The program has 25 seats.

When do classes start?

Classes are scheduled to start in Magh each year, corresponding to January–February.

What is the teaching medium?

Teaching and learning are conducted in English and Nepali.

Does the program include research work?

Yes. The curriculum includes Research in Mass Communication, project work, a case study, and a thesis.

Does the course offer optional subjects?

Yes. Students select any two optional subjects in the fourth semester from the specified list of eight courses.

Can students study print or broadcast journalism?

Yes. The third semester includes Print Journalism or Broadcasting Journalism as an academic option.

Does CJMC provide practical media facilities?

Yes. The facilities connected with media study include CJMC FM 106.0 MHz, the Anjelika Photo Studio, a video editing lab, a computer lab, and a library and reading room.