Master of Journalism (M.J) – Journalists have always strived to offer accurate, timely, and accessible news and information so that the public may make informed judgments. However, journalism is changing, with the digital era eroding the lines between professional, citizen, and activist news creation and consumption. The Master of Journalism program at UBC aims to produce graduates who understand the changing media landscape and can utilize journalistic methods to contribute to meaningful public dialogue across all forms of media.
The master’s degree in journalism (MJ) is a full-time, intensive curriculum that includes a summer internship. It gives students work experience and an academic foundation to help them succeed in a digital knowledge economy. Students get the knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage the difficulties and possibilities of the expanding digital media environment, learning investigative reporting, online, audio, visual, and data journalism, immersive storytelling, and social media analytics.
Our approach to journalism education is unique in two ways: academic specialization and professional training. Students pursue a program of study centered on an academic subject relevant to their experience and interests. Hands-on training in multimedia production with seasoned professionals is offered in addition to academic instruction.
Candidates for a Master of Journalism degree must be competent in oral and written communication, have strong research abilities, and be curious and observant. The Master of Journalism degree program is designed to educate students for jobs in media-related businesses and to teach them how to critically assess how the media industry reflects, depicts, and impacts the world. To learn more about the Master of Journalism, read the entire article.
Course Highlights
| Degree Type | Master |
| Name | M.J. |
| Full Name | Master of Journalism |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester based |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Journalism (though some university admits students of other streams as well) |
| Mode of Admission | Entrance and Merit-based |
| Course Fee | Around INR 50,000 to 3 lakhs |
| Average Package | INR 3 lakh – 12 lakhs annually |
| Career Opportunities | Reporting, anchoring, writing, radio and video jockeying, photography, videography, advertising, public relations, and many more |
The Benefits of a Master of Journalism
Specialization- After completing a master’s degree, an individual might pick a field of specialization. A student with a specialization has many more options. Not only may he or she get in-depth information in the selected area of specialization.
Better communication abilities- A degree in journalism can assist a student to improve his or her communication skills. A Master of Journalism degree will allow a student to develop and improve his or her communication abilities.
Discipline- Journalism is all about presenting timely news. As a result, deadlines are critical in the profession of journalism. A master’s degree enables a student to be more disciplined and to produce news on time.
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Master of Journalism Programs
M.J. is an abbreviation for “Master of Journalism,” a degree in journalism that deals with many topics such as editing, news writing, and reporting. The program lasts two years. M.J. types include:
- Journalism Master (Core)
- Journalism Master of New Media
- Master of Arts in International Journalism
- Journalism and Social Communication Master’s Degree
WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAM DIFFERENT?
The Master of Journalism program is a one-of-a-kind, boutique master’s program in one of the world’s most varied and attractive cities. We are an award-winning program with small class numbers and one-on-one attention, based like a small liberal arts institution. Students can adapt the curriculum to their interests by selecting courses that reflect emerging journalistic approaches, practices, and technology. Students interact with instructors both inside and outside of the classroom, and teachers and staff advise students on freelancing, internships, and career prospects.
Members of the faculty come from the top ranks of major media companies. They include well-known figures in digital journalism and media studies who have a mix of professional experience and academic research and scholarship. We take pleasure in our student-centered approach to teaching, and we frequently continue to support them even after they graduate. The program equips graduates with the best combination of academic theory and practice to help them flourish as journalists.
Specialization
Aspirants interested in pursuing professions in journalism and media can choose from a variety of specialties available through the Master of Journalism program. Radio journalism, television journalism, advertising, and photojournalism are among the specializations. These specializations differ from one institute to the next. The Master of Journalism concentration will determine the path of my career. The students must decide whether they want to work in radio, television, print media, or new media. They must select a specialty based on their interest in the relevant topic. The well-known M.J. Among the specialties are:
| Radio and TV Journalism | Event Management |
| Print Journalism And New Media | Social Media |
| Photojournalism | Advertisement and Public Relations |
| Digital Journalism | And others… |
| Data Journalism |
Eligibility Criteria
A minimal graduate grade point average is required for admission to the Master of Journalism program. The following are the fundamental requirements for a Master of Journalism:
- Candidates must have graduated from a recognized college or university with the requisite minimum grades.
- Most universities and institutions need a bachelor’s degree in journalism (Bachelor of Journalism).
- Some schools or universities accept students with degrees from different fields.
- Aside from that, students with strong verbal and writing communication abilities are favored by universities during the selection process.
Admission Procedure
Admissions to Master of Journalism programs are based mainly on entrance exams administered by the university or college. Interested applicants must take the entrance exam and obtain the requisite number of points or ranks to reach the institution’s cutoff. Candidates should begin their preparation for Master of Journalism admissions as soon as possible to guarantee that they do not miss out.
Candidates must prepare themes such as English and reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, general knowledge, media knowledge, communication knowledge, and current affairs to be admitted to the Master of Journalism program.
Candidates must be fluent in both verbal and written communication to be admitted to the Master of Journalism program. He or she must also be curious enough to delve into things, conduct research on numerous events, and probe individuals via interviews, press conferences, and event planning.
Top Master of Journalism Exams
Candidates studying for Master of Journalism admissions should familiarize themselves with the top Master of Journalism tests. Although the majority of universities and colleges provide degrees in Masters of Journalism and Mass Communication, several universities and institutions also offer Master of Journalism degrees. The following are some of the most popular M.J. exams:
IIMC – The IIMC entrance exam, often known as the IIMC test, is held to grant admission to qualified applicants in postgraduate diploma programs in a variety of journalism disciplines throughout its six campuses.
IPU CET– Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University administers the IPU CET to select students for the journalism program.
BHU UET– Banaras Hindu University – administers this test.
Jamia Millia Islamia University Test– Jamia Millia Islamia University administers an entrance exam for admission to journalism programs.
Delhi University– Delhi University holds its own admissions test. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University holds its own admissions test to enroll students in the journalism program.
Fees Structure
In India, the typical yearly program price ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 3,00,000, depending on the school offering the degree. In India, the average yearly starting wage for Postgraduates in Journalism ranges from INR 3,00,000 to 9,00,000, depending on the candidate’s proficiency in the subject.
Subjects & Syllabus
Aspirants can review the Master of Journalism curriculum to get a good understanding of the units and topics covered in the program. Some of the Master of Journalism curriculum modules and themes are listed below:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Basic Principles of Communication | Communication Development |
| History and Development of Mass Media | Media Management |
| Media Laws and Ethics | Media and Society |
| Computer Applications for Media | Advertising and Public Relation |
| Reporting and Editing | Electronic Media (Radio and TV) |
| Professional Writing | Advertising (Practical) |
| Communication Theory | Photography |
| Print Journalism Practice | PR & Corporate Communication |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| International Communication Rural Communication | New Media |
| Reporting and Editing for Electronic Media | Media and Human Rights |
| Internship | Environment Communication |
| Intercultural Communication | Study Tour & Reporting |
| Radio and TV Production | Communication Research |
| Media Management | Media Laws and Ethics |
Placement
The media sector is organized into three categories: print media, electronic media, and internet media, with numerous career possibilities accessible in all three. Candidates can work in a variety of industries, including newspapers, news agencies, news bureaus, magazines, and journals. Among the top recruiters in the business are:
| Hindustan Times | Times Group |
| Outlook | India Today Group |
| The Hindu | The Pioneer |
| Zee Network | Network 18 |
| Doordarshan | Republic |
| Jagran Prakashan Group | Indian Express |
| Malayala Manorama | NDTV |
| ABP |
Following completion of a Master of Journalism program, applicants can pursue the following job profiles:
Desk Writer: A desk writer is responsible for creating tales about big world events. The job description is appropriate for both print and broadcast journalism students.
Reporter: As a reporter for a newspaper, magazine, television channel, or radio station, a candidate must report the news with accuracy, speed, and clarity. A candidate may be requested to report news on a variety of topics, including politics, law, sports, entertainment, education, and lifestyle.
Correspondent: A correspondent’s job description is comparable to that of a reporter. The main distinction is that a correspondent is a specialist in the subject on which he or she reports.
Columnist: A columnist’s duty is to write a certain portion for a newspaper or magazine. Writing a column, on the other hand, is not the same as writing a news story. A column always emphasizes a columnist’s point of view on a variety of topics such as fashion, politics, cinema, and so on.
Feature Writer: A feature writer is someone who produces well-researched and in-depth pieces about various themes. A feature writer also shares his or her insights and points of view on many issues.
Sub-editor: A sub-editor is responsible for ensuring that the narrative is presented objectively and accurately. Aside from that, a sub-editor must check that the grammar and presentation of the piece are appropriate.
Photojournalist: A photojournalist’s job is to communicate stories via images. A person working in this role must take images, edit them, and then exhibit them in such a way that the tale of a recent event is clearly told to viewers.
Video Journalist: A video journalist, like a photographer, is responsible for telling stories through videos. A video journalist is required to supply the channel with the most recent footage/videos of a recent event. Videos let viewers comprehend the truth of what is happening. It should be mentioned that in the age of new media, a video journalist is gradually becoming trained to handle all aspects of video production, such as creating a complete video.
Course Scope
The Master of Journalism program has a wide range of job prospects in print journalism, broadcast journalism, media companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. After earning a Master’s in Journalism, you can work as a reporter, correspondent, or broadcast news analyst. They may be expected to conduct new research, produce news pieces, or present news on television. There are also job opportunities in new media and event management firms.
Opportunities for Employment Following M.J.
Job prospects are available immediately upon the conclusion of the program. Recruiters from prominent institutions are making a beeline for college kids. A recent market trend also indicates that organizations are interested in employing Journalism students for diverse career profiles. Freshers have been hired as reporters, news analysts, writers, and anchors by media firms including Aaj Tak, Times of India Group, Zee Network, and PTI.
Corporations scout for new Master of Journalism students on college campuses. Journalism graduates benefit from the existing curriculum and exposure to a variety of courses. A career in journalism gives tremendous growth to hopefuls because the need for specialists is constantly strong. What counts in the end is if one has an aptitude for it. To establish a place in an ever-growing arena, one must have discipline, commitment, and focus.
FAQs Related to Master of Journalism
Q. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Master of Journalism?
Ans. Students must have completed their graduation with the minimum grades necessary by the individual University or College to be eligible for the Master of Journalism program. A bachelor’s degree in a media-related field is desired, however, many universities and institutions accept students from other fields as well.
Q. How long does a Master of Journalism degree last?
Ans. This degree usually takes two years to complete. The Master of Journalism program focuses on many disciplines of journalism, such as print journalism, media, broadcast journalism, and photography.
Q. Is there any prerequisite experience required to pursue the Master of Journalism program?
Ans. There is no prerequisite knowledge or experience required for the Master of Journalism program. However, most applicants have the reading and writing abilities necessary to become successful journalists.
Q. What talents do you need to be a good journalist?
Ans. Candidates must have talents such as general awareness, good judgment, organization, creativity, language fluency, and so on.
Q. What work opportunities are available after earning an M.J.?
Ans. After earning a Master of Journalism, you can work as a writer, editor, anchor, reporter, radio jockey, photojournalist, event manager, and so on.
Q. What industries provide chances for journalism students?
Ans. Master of Journalism graduates can find work in a variety of fields, including news channels, magazines, newspapers, radio, television, and public relations.
Q. Is there an age requirement to enroll in the Master of Journalism program?
Ans. No, there is no standard age limit for the Master of Journalism program, however, some institutes may have one. As a result, applicants are urged to review all of the essential requirements before applying for the course.
Q. Who are the most effective recruiters in the profession of journalism?
Ans. The Times of India, Hindustan Times, India Today, The Pioneer, The Hindu, Malayala Manorama, Outlook, Zee Network, and other well-known media organizations recruit journalism graduates.
Q. What types of jobs can I get after finishing the Master of Journalism program?
Ans. After completing a journalism education, you can work as a reporter, desk writer, editor, journalist, and so on.