Are you looking forward to enrolling in a journalism course after 12th? Do you need help deciding what college would be best for you? You don’t have to worry anymore.
Journalism courses are gaining popularity, especially with the emergence of independent news media. Read ahead to find some of the most useful tips on selecting the right course and college.
How To Choose The Right College
If you have been researching colleges and comparing different courses, you probably already have a few shortlisted. It can be confusing to decide how to finalize an institute. You can start by prioritizing between some parameters, taking a look at what they offer, and understanding what subjects you’d learn.
Here are some parameters that you should pay attention to before you start applying for a journalism course.
- What Courses Do They Offer
Here’s a list of some high-rated courses and their duration –
| Course | Duration (in Years) |
| Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication | 3 |
| Bachelor of Journalism | 3 |
| BA in Journalism and Communication | 3 |
| Diploma in TV Journalism and Communication | 1-2 |
| Specialized Courses | Duration (in Years) |
| BA in Sports Journalism | 3 |
| BA in Photojournalism | 3 |
| BA in Journalism and Publishing | 3-4 |
The general courses usually focus on a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. The syllabus includes-
- Basics of Desktop Publishing
- Introduction to Photography and Videography
- Mediums of communication
- Researching and Journalistic Writing
- Conducting Interviews
- Public Relations
- Legal Frameworks
- Infrastructure
Any institution offering a course in journalism needs to have the infrastructure to facilitate it.
- The first thing you should look for is a wi-fi-enabled classroom that students can use for extra readings and research.
- A library, and a resource center that provides adequate access to relevant journals, books, and newspapers.
- Conference halls/Auditoriums are essential for seminars, expert lectures, special classes, and workshops.
- Ensure the institute has a functional photography studio with all the necessary infrastructure in place.
- Screening rooms and sound recording studios are essential for mass communication courses. They let students access tools required in production, sound editing, and fine-tuning.
- Labs allow students to work on VFX & Animation and editing. The computers are loaded with the latest software used in the industry. Learners can learn and practice their digital skills on the premises when required.
- Internships and Placements
Internships provide industry exposure. These are an important part of any Journalism and Mass Communication course. Institutions often provide opportunities for students to work with expert journalists and media houses. These are great for understanding how the industry functions.
Placements It gives an idea about the industry standards and helps learn what the recruiters would be looking for. It’s super useful for estimating the expected salaries they might get in entry-level jobs.
- Location
Although it seems trivial, the location of an institution plays an important role. It is crucial for networking. Major companies and media houses are usually located in tier-1 cities. This means institutes in these locations will probably have more chances of welcoming top recruiters during placements. Students from Institutes in prime cities have more access to events, workshops, and seminars.
While you’re prioritizing the city, keep the following in mind as well –
- What’s the cost of living in the city?
- How far is it from where you live?
- What are the modes of conveyance you can avail?
- Does the college provide hostel facilities for non-localites?
- Fee Structures
The amenities, infrastructure, opportunities, and location vary from one institution to the next. The fees too vary accordingly.
Journalism and Mass Communication courses can cost anywhere between 9,000 and 8,00,000 INR. It depends on duration, specialization, job prospects, and other finer details.
Government institutes can offer journalism courses for ₹6,500 – ₹4,00,000. Private institutions might have relatively higher course fees ranging from ₹1,00,000 – ₹8,00,000.
- Affiliation
Before you apply for a BJMC degree, ensure the college is affiliated with a recognized national/international university. Understand if you will be able to work abroad with a degree from your chosen institute. See if they are affiliated with any foreign university and offer dual degrees.
- Alumni Base
The alumni base will give you an idea of the college’s industry reputation, and placements, and lead you to some helpful success stories. You can network with successful alumni for internships, job opportunities, career advice, and much more.
You will know about the resources that the college can offer, seek mentorship, understand how the industry functions, and join online forums and communities for professional outreach.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to select the right course and institute, go through your shortlisted colleges again and see how many criteria they check out.
You can also go through the AAFT School of Journalism and Communication website for some multi-disciplinary, insightful courses. The curricula are designed by experts in the field and aim to provide students with all the necessary tools and resources required to thrive in the industry.
