Bachelor of Journalism and Digital Media (BAJDM) at IGNOU: Course, Subjects
Looking forward to building a career in the digital media space? This might just be the degree course for you. Learn everything about IGNOU's new distance learning programme BAJDM on this page.
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Digital Media) at IGNOU
Bachelor of Journalism and Digital Media (BAJDM) at IGNOU - Considering the scope of journalism in the online and digital space, IGNOU offers a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Digital Media) or BAJDM programme. News channels, newspapers and even radio channels have an online presence. Popular media houses and companies that were once confined to their niche medium, now have their own websites, social media handles, YouTube channels, etc. With every form of traditional media now in the digital space, the demand for a digitally equipped and skilled workforce is far more than ever. IGNOU's BAJDM is a four-year degree course focused on the digital aspect of new media, unlike regular BAJMC courses that cover a broader curriculum that includes all print, broadcast and digital media. It’s a good choice for students who specifically want to work in the digital space. BAJDM is a relatively new course. IGNOU only started it in July 2023. Let’s find out what it entails in this article.
Also Read -
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- IGNOU BAJDM Highlights
- What is BAJDM?
- How to Apply for BAJDM at IGNOU?
- BAJDM Semester-Wise Subjects
- IGNOU BAJDM Programme Objectives
- Contact Details for the Programme
- Why Study Digital Media at IGNOU?
IGNOU BAJDM Highlights
Aspiring digital media students can check some key details of the Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Digital Media) programme at IGNOU in the table below.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name |
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Mass Media) (BAJDM) |
| School |
School of Journalism and New Media Studies |
| Programme Type |
Degree |
| Medium |
English |
| Duration |
4 years |
| Mode |
Open distance learning |
| Eligibility |
10+2 or equivalent |
| Programme Fee |
₹10,600/ year (excluding registration and development fees) |
What is BAJDM?
According to IGNOU’s official website, BAJDM focuses on four core aspects -
- Fundamental components of journalistic practices.
- Core dimensions of the emerging digital media.
- The application of digital media in various media practices.
- Online and digital research methods with particular reference to big data analytics.
The course is meant to teach students the integration of technology with journalism to make them more employable now that most things are digital. All high school graduates (10+2 or equivalent) can apply online for this programme at IGNOU.
How to Apply for BAJDM at IGNOU?
The steps to apply for this course are provided below -
- Go to the official website - ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
- Register by providing your name and contact details. A username and a password will be generated. The same will be sent to you via email and SMS.
- Log in again using your username and password.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload images of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature.
- Upload relevant documents like your class 10 mark sheet, class 12 mark sheet, caste certificate (if applicable), etc.
- Next up, you will see some instructions and a declaration. Click on the checkbox below these.
- Preview the details that you have entered and click on the ‘Confirm’ button.
- Make payment using debit card, credit card or net banking. You will get a payment confirmation message via email and SMS.
- Click on the ‘Next’ button. You will now preview your admission application one last time.
- Now click on ‘Submit’. From here you can download and print your application for future reference.
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BAJDM Semester-Wise Subjects
There are 8 semesters in this programme. Each semester has several courses or subjects. The same are tabulated below.
IGNOU BAJDM - Semester 1
Yes, IGNOU also offers a two-year MBA programme in General, Banking & Finance, Financial Management, HRM, Marketing Management and Operations Management specialisations. Up until past years, i.e., 2021, IGNOU MBA admission was subject to valid scores obtained by the students in the IGNOU OPENMAT exam. However, for 2023 admission, OPENMAT was not conducted for the January and July sessions. Admission is now being granted on a merit-basis. The programme is offered with English as a medium of instruction and applications for the same can be submitted online on the official website.
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-021 |
Introduction to Journalism and Digital Media |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-022 |
Techniques of Reporting |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| SEC 1 |
University Basket |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| IDC 1 |
From University Basket |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
BAJDM - Semester 2
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-023 |
Media and Information Literacy |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-024 |
News Writing and Editing |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BEVAE-181 |
Environmental Studies |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| VAC 1 |
From the University Basket |
Theory Elective |
6 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
Exit 1: VOC (University Basket) Undergraduate Certificate (40+4 = 44 credits).
IGNOU BAJDM - Semester 3
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-025 |
Types of Journalistic Writings |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-026 |
Media Ethics and Regulations |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-027 |
Digital Photography |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| AEC 2 |
English / Hindi / Urdu / Sanskrit Communication |
Theory Elective |
4 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
BAJDM - Semester 4
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-029 |
Audio Podcast |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-030 |
Persuasive Communication Strategies |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-028 |
Digital Media Literacy |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BNML-021 |
Practical - News Portal Creation and Production |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
Exit 2: VOC (University Basket) Undergraduate Diploma (80+4 = 84 credits).
IGNOU BAJDM - Semester 5
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-031 |
Data Journalism |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-032 |
Audio Visual Production |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-033 |
Health and Environmental Journalism |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BNM-038 |
ICT for Development |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
BAJDM - Semester 6
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-039 |
Digital Journalism and Research Tools |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-040 |
Social Media And Society |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-037 |
Marketing Communication |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BNMP-023 |
Project: Internship/ Portfolio |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
Exit 3: Undergraduate Degree (120 credits).
IGNOU BAJDM - Semester 7
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-041 |
Theorising Digital Communication |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-042 |
Data Science and Big Data |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNM-043 |
Data Analysis & Interpretations |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BNML-024/ BNML-025 |
Data Mining through R/ Big Data Analytics |
Practical Elective |
4 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
BAJDM - Semester 8
| Course Code |
Course Name |
Type |
Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNM-045 |
Internet Research Methods |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BNM-046 |
Digital Media Economics |
Theory Compulsory |
4 |
| BNM-044 |
Statistical Applications |
Theory Compulsory |
6 |
| BNML-026/ BNMP-024 |
Research Practical/ Project or Dissertation |
Practical Elective/ Project Elective |
6 |
| Total Credits |
20 |
||
Total Credits = 160
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IGNOU BAJDM Programme Objectives
Through their brand new BAJDM programme, IGNOU aims to achieve the following objectives -
- Teaching students mainstream journalistic skills like writing, editing, reporting and publishing techniques.
- Teaching the applications of journalistic skills and digital media understanding to news gathering and presentation. Primarily focusing on 3 skill sets - forms, methods and techniques.
- To teach them the process involved in specialised subject-based reporting.
- Making students understand the concepts and characteristics of digital media platforms like their growth, cross-nation dynamics, their merits, limitations, relations with other social institutions, and the nature of their audiences.
- Teaching students research methods focusing on big data, data mining, data analytics and a sound understanding of statistics.
Contact Details for the Programme
Programme Coordinators -
- Prof. K.S. Arul Selvan
- Dr. Shikha Rai
- Dr. Amit Kumar
Phone Numbers -
- 011-29571601
- 011-29571602
- +919319922711
Email - bajdm@ignou.ac.in
Hello!
IGNOU is one of the most well known and trusted open colleges. Here is a list of the benefits and disadvantages of pursuing a BA degree from IGNOU:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Affordable: Many students mention that IGNOU is an affordable option for pursuing a Bachelor's degree. | Limited infrastructure: Some students feel that the infrastructure at IGNOU is limited, especially in comparison to traditional universities. |
| Flexibility: With online courses and weekend classes, IGNOU offers flexibility to balance studies with work or personal responsibilities. | Limited interaction: Since it's an open university, students miss out on interacting with peers and experiencing campus life. |
| Good Faculty: Several students praise the teaching quality of IGNOU's professors, citing their knowledge and willingness to help. | Teaching styles: A few students express dissatisfaction with certain teachers' teaching styles, finding them unhelpful or unclear. |
| Relevant curriculum: The course curriculum is considered relevant to the industry, making students industry-ready. | Exam difficulties: Seminars and exams can be challenging, and some students struggle to pass. |
IGNOU can be a good choice for those seeking a flexible and affordable way to complete their Bachelor's degree. A student has to carefully decide if they want to pursue their degree from a reguar college or from IGNOU.
For fee payment-related issues call the Centralised Student Registration Cell at
- 011-29571301
- 011-29571528
Or email csrc@ignou.ac.in mentioning the transaction details including your name, mobile number, the programme that you opted for, the amount paid, etc.
Why Study Digital Media at IGNOU?
Many graduates and postgraduates who wish to build a career in the digital media space are opting for the BAJDM programme for various reasons. The primary reason is that it is a distance learning programme and can be pursued alongside jobs and other responsibilities. The self-learning format allows students to learn at their own pace and they get ample time to apply for and work in various internships. This helps build their portfolio and add to their work experience.
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Yes, the Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a two-year MSc course at the postgraduate level. The PG-level course is offered across different specialisations, including Environmental Science, Food Nutrition, etc. IGNOU MSc admission is granted on a merit-basis. Hence, the aspirants performance in the bachelor's degree course is considered for selection. The minimum eligibility criteria for admission is a valid UG degree with required aggregate as per the chosen specialisation. Eligible candidates can apply through the IGNOU official website.