BSc IN COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM

INTRODUCTION
The Bachelor of Science (B.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. Graduates of the program will also have communicative competence and gain insights in communication fields like broadcast and print media, advertising and public relations and international communication. Their skills will be useful in media houses, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, business enterprises, public relations firms and other organizations where Communications and/or journalistic services are required.

Philosophy of the Programme
The programme is anchored in pragmatism as a philosophy which appreciates both the realist/positivist and the relativist/constructivist paradigms of knowledge. Therefore it provides a firm grounding in the conceptualisation of Communication and Journalism as an integrated sphere of knowledge and field of study. This includes exploring various theories, conceptualizations, principles and techniques of Communication and Journalism in various platforms such as face –to-face interactions, print, radio, television and the internet. The focus at this level is on the practice of Journalism while taking into cognizance the broader principles of Communication that underpin the various professional and practitioner contexts of the discipline. Consequently the courses are designed to facilitate innovation, critical thinking and problem solving approaches in dealing with various tasks in the domain of Communication and Journalism.

Rationale for the Programme
This revised curriculum has benefited from input from the alumni of programme – some of whom are renowned practitioners in Communication and Journalism in Kenya and other places, suggestions from the industry in form of relevant professional associations and organizations where our students have been previously attached. The revision has also been informed by views of lecturers 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 Journalists. Furthermore, in the recent past, in Kenya and globally, there has been a proliferation of Communication and journalistic media in various forms – print, electronic, social media, etc. Most of these are not founded on firm principles and techniques of Communication and Journalism nor are they manned by well-educated and trained personnel in these areas. Indeed this programme has also become necessary because a number of existing programmes in various local and international universities offer degrees in the Subject Journalism without anchoring them in the broader discipline of Communication Studies. Hence the very urgent necessity to revise this programme to serve the existing and emerging academic, professional, policy and practitioner needs

Goal of the Programme
The programme aims to provide graduates with integrated knowledge 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. Equip learners with appropriate study and communication skills for higher education and
2. Provide students with in-depth knowledge of the theoretical, academic and professional principles in the field of Communication and Journalism.
3. Prepare students in the mastery of practical techniques for print, broadcast and social media in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
4. Equip students to be able to take up careers in Journalism, Media management, public relations and corporate communications.
5. Train students to be able to design and carry out basic research and disseminate knowledge on various aspects of Communication and Journalism.
6. Offer the students sufficient grounding in Communication and Journalism to be able to pursue postgraduate studies in the discipline and related subjects.

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme

At the completion of the programme, the graduates will be able to demonstrate the:
1. Ability to study and communicate competently at an institution of higher learning.
2. Knowledge of the theoretical and academic principles in the field of Communication and Journalism.
3. Competence to apply practical techniques in print, broadcast and social media in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
4. Capacity to work competently as a professional in Journalism, Media management, public relations and corporate communications.
5. Mastery of basic research design, implementation and dissemination of in various contexts of Communication and Journalism.
6. Qualification to effectively pursue postgraduate studies in Communication and Journalism and related subjects.

Admission Requirements

The course requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Communication and Journalism are:
1. At least C+ (Plus) in English at KCSE or equivalent qualification recognised by Moi University.
2. A ONE Year Diploma in Communication and Journalism, Mass Communication and Media Studies recognised by Moi University, with at least C (Plain) at KCSE or equivalent examination, recognised by Moi University.
3. A TWO Year Diploma in Communication and Journalism, Mass Communication and Media Studies, recognised by Moi University, with at least C- (Minus) at KCSE or equivalent examination recognised by Moi University.
4. A ONE Year Diploma in Communication and Journalism, Mass Communication and Media Studies, with Certificate in a relevant area, recognised by Moi University, and at least C- (Minus) at KCSE or equivalent examination recognised by Moi University.
5. Candidates with A TWO Year Diploma (CREDIT AND ABOVE) in Communication and Journalism, Mass Communication and Media Studies recognised by Moi University, with at least C (Plain) at KCSE or equivalent examination, recognised by Moi University shall be admitted at 2nd year of study.

Programme Structure