MSc IN COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM

INTRODUCTION
The Masterof Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Communication and Journalism aims at preparing students for a variety of careers such as Journalism, broadcasting, advertising and public relations. The program educates journalists and media personnel in journalistic basics such as reporting, writing, editing and advanced media analysis so that they can create media, interpret the all-present media messages and understand the ways that media can affect individuals and nations through television, radio, cinema, internet, newspapers and magazines. The programme also educates students for research in Communications and Journalism specifically and Social Sciences generally therefore giving them the pre-requisite knowledge for Doctoral Education in related areas and preparing them for careers in Higher Education. Graduates of this programme will also have the opportunity to take Communications Studies related courses as Electives or audited courses; hence, extending their sphere to careers in Corporate Communication. This revised programme has gained from the experience and expertise of the faculty who have offered it successfully for about Ten years. The review of this programme has also been informed by advice from alumni, most of whom hold senior positions in Government and Private Organizations thereby also offering important insights from the from the Media Industry.

Philosophy of the Programme
The programme is anchored in the conceptualisation of Communications and Journalism as inevitably intertwined academic disciplines, with especially the latter being anchored on the former. The Multidisciplinary nature of this Journalism as an academic field draws upon pragmatism as a philosophy. Therefore, the programme is informedby both the realist/positivist and the relativist/constructivist paradigms of knowledge. Accordingly, the programme aims to provide a firm grounding in Communications and Journalism Theoriesin relation to the broader Philosophies of Social Science while also exploring the link between these philosophies/theories with principles and techniques of Media practicein various geographical, political, and socioeconomic contexts.Journalismthrough various platforms such as print, radio, television and the internet are also of relevance. The focus at this level is on principles of Journalism that underpin the various professional and practitioner contexts of the discipline. Consequently the courses are designed to facilitate high level analytical and interpretation skills that could lead to innovationand Management of various contexts Journalism and Media Practice.

Rationale for the Programme
This revised curriculum has benefited from input from the alumni of programme – some of whom are renowned practitioners in Journalism, Corporate Communication and Higher Education in Kenya and other places - suggestions from the Media industry in form of relevant professional associations and organizations with whom the faculty enjoy robust links. The revision has also been informed by views of faculty who have taught the course over the last Ten years. In addition, the revision has been necessitated by the changing needs of the profession considering developments in socio-political and technological contexts served by the Media. Furthermore, in the recent past, in Kenya and globally, there have been increased human rights awareness and demands for accountability in all public spheres. There is also vicious competition within both the manufacturing, civic, educational and hospitality industries that has called for unparalleled attention to Media practice. Finally, over the years, the programme has continuously attracted increasing numbers of students from various backgrounds, universities and even countries who have found its multidisciplinary approach suitable for diverse but related careers and specialties in higher Education.

Goal of the Programme
The programme aims to provide graduates with integrated knowledge necessary in Communication and Journalism necessary for professionals in various Media contexts while also providing them with the prerequisites for further education in the field.

Objectives of the Programme
The specific objectives of the programme are to:
1. Provide students with sound academic and theoretical foundations in the field of Communication and Journalism.
2. Prepare students in the mastery of practical techniques for both print and broadcast media in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
3. Equip students to be able to take up careers in Journalism, Media management, public relations and corporate communications.
4. Train students to be able to design and carry out basic research and disseminate knowledge on various aspects of Communication and Journalism.

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme
At the end of the course, the graduates will have gained:
1. Sound academic and theoretical foundations in the field of Communication and Journalism.
2. Mastery of practical techniques for print and broadcast media in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
3. Ability to work as professional in Journalism, Media management, public relations and corporate communications.
4. Knowledge in the design and implementation of basic research on various aspects of Communication and Journalism and acquisition of skills of dissemination of research findings.

Entry Requirements
The common entry requirements of the Moi University Graduate School shall apply. They should hold at least upper second class honours in a relevant field.
A relevant area will be:
a) B.Sc. in Communication and Public Relations
b) B.Sc. in Graphic Communication and Advertising
c) BA in Communication and Media Studies
d) B.Ed. Or BA with Education specializing in Languages
e) BA-Language/Linguistics/Literature,
f) Any other related field as approved by the Departmental Graduate Committee and Senate.
g) Candidates with Bachelors Degrees in areas not listed above but with additional Qualifications in Media/Journalism related disciplines approved by MU Senate shall also be considered.

Programme Structure