Bachelor Of Journalism And Multimedia Communication
Description of the Programme:
The Bachelor of Journalism and Multimedia Communication is a three year programme designed to equip students with not only outstanding theoretical and practical foundation in the fields of Print Media, Broadcasting, Multi-Media (Internet-based operations), Public Relations, Advertising, and Photojournalism but will also equip them to be agents of transformation – bringing the gospel and serving God’s agenda in the media sector.
The rapid growth of the communications sector requires people who are adequately trained in various aspects of communication. Indeed, the forces of globalization raise the imperative for adopting better ways of communicating efficiently and effectively.
Journalism and multimedia communication technology is critical in dealing with institutionalized forms of public message production and dissemination, operating on a large scale. It functions through the complex media of print journalism, radio, television, public relations, and the Internet. To meet the challenges of the increasingly competitive media market, the programme has three areas of concentration, which should prepare the graduates for effective and focused participation in the marketplace. These are: 1) Print and Photo Journalism, 2) Broadcasting, 3) Public Relations and Advertising, 4) Christian communication worker
Programme Rationale
The need for effective communication is one of the vital ways of helping citizens to understand what underpins the global challenges humanity faces today. With the liberalisation of the media industry in Uganda and around the world and the consequent proliferation of media outlets, there’s certainly no shortage of information in today’s globalised world. This scenario calls for quality journalism and communication education for developing human capital to meet the needs of various media outlets.
Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Multimedia Communication Technology programme is the discipline of choice in helping the society get first hand well balanced stories of the very pertinent issues affecting their communities. It is important to note that emphasis will be put on equipping journalists and communication professionals with relevant knowledge and skills using up-to-date editing software and production equipment that can effectively give the students a first-hand touch to the things they will meet outside the university which include: Newspaper editing using required design and editing packages that include: Quarkexpress, Indesign, Pagemaker, Adobe photoshop
Television using a modern mini-studio with video cameras, computers for editing, microphones etc
Radio using a mini-studio with audio-editing equipment, audio recorders and microphones etc
Program Objectives
The general objective of the Bachelor of Journalism and Multimedia Communication programme will be to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the fields of Print Media, Broadcasting, Multi-Media (Internet-based operations), Public Relations and Advertising, and Photojournalism.
The programme aims to ensure that students
Acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in public communication in order to create awareness in society
Critically analyse contemporary issues in society and disseminate information through various and up-to-date mass media communication technologies using the latest softwares
Equip graduates with the right knowledge and skills that should enable them to become more competitive, creative, and enterprising in both the local an international mass media environments
Train students in appropriate technology to collect, process, store and disseminate timely information
Train students to write accurate, objective, fair and balanced stories.
Integrate journalism and communication knowledge and skills with the Christian worldview so as to bring about holistic transformation for self and society.
Requirements for Direct Entry Scheme
Uganda Certificate of Education (‘O’ Level) with a minimum of five (5) passes and
Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (‘A’ Level) with a minimum of two principal passes (Preferably but not limited to Literature, History, or Economics,) obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent.
The minimum requirement for direct entry from the 8-4-4 system shall be C+ or its equivalent.
Requirements for the Diploma Holders’ Entry Scheme:
A relevant Diploma (with an upper second) or credit obtained from an institution recognized by National Council for Higher Education or its equivalent.
Requirements for Mature Age Entry Scheme
A pass of 50 per cent or higher in Mature Age examination, obtained and certified from a centre recognized by National Council for Higher Education.
Program Structure
| YEAR ONE:SEMESTER ONE | YEAR ONE:SEMESTER TWO |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Mass communication Introduction to Political Science Production in Photography and videography Introduction to Economics Christian Worldview Computer Literacy I Research and Writing Skills |
Communication Skills Media History Classical and Modern Political Thought Introduction to Print and Electronic Media Post Production in Photography and videography Computer Literacy II Spiritual Formation |
| YEAR TWO SEMESTER ONE | YEAR TWO SEMESTER TWO |
| Introduction to Public Relations Broadcasting: Radio, TV and Videography Photojournalism News Writing and Reporting Advertising Copy Lay Out Media Ethics Internship 1 (Field Attachment) Web Programming HTML |
Media Graphics Newspaper Editing Public Affairs Reporting State and the Economy Mass Media and Society Design for Web, Print and Publication Research Methods |
| YEAR THREE SEMESTER ONE | YEAR THREE SEMESTER TWO |
| Newspaper and Magazine production The Art of Public Speaking International Relations Radio production Development Communication Issues in Mass communication Media and Human Rights Internship 2 |
Specialized Writing Media Management Public Relations and Media Practice Television Production Multimedia/digital journalism Dissertation (Project Report) Transformational Leadership Logic and Critical Thinking |