MSc IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES

INTRODUCTION
The Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Communication Studies aims at preparing students for a variety of Communications related careers and roles such as Communications Directors in Governmental and Private organizations, Public Relations Officers, Corporate Communications Officers, Diplomacy, Corporate Relations, Advocacy and Campaigns, International Communication and Communications Consultancy. The programmeis intended for students with a background in Communication Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, Linguistics and Education. Given this multidisciplinary nature of the candidates, the programme re-educates students in both technical and theoretical aspects of Communication while also offering advanced knowledge in the field of Communication Studies. The programme also educates students for research in Communications Studies 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 Journalism related courses as Electives or audited courses; hence, extending their sphere to Media related careers. This revised programme has gained from the experience and expertise of the faculty who have offered it successfully for about Twenty years. Thereview of this programme has also been informed by advice from alumni, most of whom hold senior positions in Government and Non- Governmental organizations thereby also offering important insights from the from the Communications related Industry.

Philosophy of the Programme
The programme is anchored in the conceptualisation of Communications Studies as a Multidisciplinary academic field that 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 Theoryin relation to the broader Philosophies of Social Science while also exploring the link between these philosophies/theories with principles and techniques of Communication in various geographical, political, and Media contexts.Communications through various platforms such as face –to-face interactions, print, radio, television and the internet are also of relevance. The focus at this level is on principles of Communication 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 Communication.

Rationale for the Programme
This revised curriculum has benefited from input from the alumni of programme – some of whom are renowned practitioners in Corporate Communication, Higher Education and the Media in Kenya and other places - suggestions from the Communications 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 five 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 Communication.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 public human Communication. 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 advanced knowledge in Communication Studies necessary for professionals in various Communications contexts while also providing them with relevant training in Social Science research and 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 Studies.
2. Prepare students in the mastery of practical Communications techniques various contexts in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
3. Equip students to be able to take up careers in Communications, Diplomacy, Corporate communications and Public Relations.
4. Train students to be able to design and carry out research and disseminate knowledge on various aspects of Communication and Social Science.

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 Studies.
2. Mastery of practical Communications techniques for various contexts in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
3. Ability to work as an expert professional in Communications, Diplomacy, Corporate communications and Public Relations.
4. Knowledge in the design and implementation of research on various aspects of Communication and Social Science and acquisition of skills of dissemination of research findings.

Entry requirements
In addition to the University Minimum Requirements, the following course specific requirements will be considered: 
a) B.Sc. in Graphic Communication and Advertising
b) BA in Communication and Media Studies
c) B.Ed. Or BA with Education specializing in Languages
d) BSc in Human Resource Development, Social Sciences
e) BA-Language/Linguistics/Literature, Public Relations/Administration
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 Communications related disciplines approved by MU Senate shall also be considered.

Duration
The M.Sc. Degree programme in Communication Studies is designated to last at least two (2) academic years of two (2) semesters each, spread over at leasteighteen (18) months and comprising of at least 630 hours.

Programme Stucture