Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

Journalism refers to the collection, preparation, and distribution of news worldwide using print and electronic media. The various kinds of media used for journalism are newspapers, magazines, books, blogs, social networking and social media sites. The word, journalism, was originally based on the print media form, but with the advancements in technologies, it encompassed television, radio, and the internet.

Journalism can be pursued as both a degree and certificate course. It can be studied both as a bachelor's degree and a master's degree course. A bachelor's degree, i.e. a BSc in Mass Communication and Journalism or a BA in Journalism or a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC),  is preferred by most candidates. These are 3-year courses with six semesters. A master's degree in Journalism is ideally a Master's degree in Journalism and mass communication (MJMC), either MSc or MA, which is a 2-years-long postgraduate programme.

List of Subjects in Journalism

The subjects included at different universities may vary, but the core subjects remain the same.

Typical Core Subjects for Journalism 
Topic title Topic details
Introduction to Journalism This provides an introduction to the basics of Journalism. It will help students understand various aspects of media practices, the organisational structure of a newspaper establishment, editorial department work, and news-gathering techniques. It also trains students to write news pieces, letters to editors for English newspapers, press notes for a corporate house, sub-editing and page designing.
Print Journalism The course aims to introduce students to the beginning of the newspaper era and familiarise them with the Phases of Indian Journalism. It also introduces students to the suitable language for newspaper reporting, sub-editing, other kinds of print media, and designing, acquainting them with ethical issues and media laws.
Communication Theory The course aims to dive into ideas around the development of media theories and link them to historically important social and political events/issues. It further aims to familiarise the students with communication processes so that they develop a critical understanding of the basic theories related to mass communication and apply them to practical life. 
Media Histories This course aims to introduce learners to Print, Radio, Television, and Online Media and the historical changes they have undergone. It also includes studying the impact of the internet on other media, focusing on newspapers, magazines, radio, books, movies, mobile telephony, and social media. 
Writing for Media This course aims to familiarise students with the nature and characteristics of journalistic writing and explain the difference between fiction and writing for media and writing for print, broadcast online and on social media. It also trains them in the readability formulae, i.e., to write in simple and easy to understand language for lay readers.
Newspaper Editing and Production This course aims to familiarise students with the functioning of a newspaper’s editorial department, train students in coordination between reporters, sub-editors, the art department, printing press, and advertising department, and train students in sub-editing reporters' news copies for accuracy, balance, and fairness.
Media Laws and Ethics This course introduces the students to the laws and ethics in any society, and it applies to the practice of journalism. The media has to follow the necessary rules and requirements to practise ethically in an environment.
Indian Politics and Governance This course tries to introduce students to the philosophy and the indispensability of the rule of law, enabling them to grasp the salient features of constitutionalism and explaining to them the structural design of India’s federal system and various political and civil society movements in the country.
Typical Elective Subjects for Journalism
Subject title Subject details
English In this course, students explore print and digital media. English is important for communication as a journalist. Authentic readings and video lectures, rich in vocabulary, are provided to students for increasing their ability to read, research, and develop local and global news stories. 
Political Science Political science is usually taken up by students wanting to pursue Political Journalism as a specialisation. It includes coverage of all aspects of politics and political science.
Sociology Sociology enables students to research and write about current events and controversies. Sociology helps in understanding the country's current problems. 

Detailed Syllabus for Journalism

The syllabus of an MA in Journalism may differ from university to university but the subjects are more or less the same. Here is a general guide of the core or elective subjects that are taught from the first to fourth semesters of a master's degree programme.

Semester Core/Elective Topic title Topic details
1. Core
  • Principles of communication
  • History of media
  • Media laws and ethics
  • Print Journalism

The students will study an introduction to Mass Communication and Journalism. The topics to be studied include:

  • Communication
  • Models: Aristotle, Shannon and Weaver, Lasswell, Osgood, etc.
  • Media effects theories
  • Media system theories
  • Audience concepts and research
2. Core
  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Communication research
  • International communication
The second semester introduces the students to intricacies related to a journalism career. Contents:
  • Definition and concepts
  • Brand building and brand positioning
  • Various tools and media of communication
  • International public relations scenario
  • Tools of data collection
  • International communication information
3.  Core
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • New media
  • Sports Journalism
  • Business Journalism
  • Media and human rights
  • Media society and culture

During the second year, students will be introduced to various topics related to media and broadcast. Contents:

  • Journey of electronic media
  • Radio programme production and techniques
  • Studio-based production and transmission
  • Introduction to new media 
  • Sports- its growing popularity
4. Core
  • Media management
  • Film and Documentary Studies
  • Writing for Media Dissertation
  • Science Journalism
  • Environment Journalism
  • PhotoJournalism
  • Development Communication

The fourth semester of the Journalism course introduces specialised Journalism fields and the practice of media in the industry. Contents:

  • Indian media consumer
  • Broadcast management
  • Visual and spatial attributes
  • Film business and industry
  • Science communication
5. Core
  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Ways of Seeing, Covering Legal Issues and Courts
  • Multimedia & TV
  • Writing to Deadlines
  • Understanding Numbers
  • Data Journalism

Students study legal and numerical aspects relating to the field of Journalism. Contents:

  • Research methods for reporting
  • Multimedia
  • Writing as a journalist
  • Data collection
6. Core
  • Editorial voice and editing
  • Multimedia storytelling
  • Neighbourhood reporting
  • Thesis
The students get practical hands-on experience in the last year. They are required to complete a thesis and assignments related to the field.

Contents:

  • Editorial aspects
  • Writing and editing
  • Reporting
  • Thesis writing

Specialisations Offered in Journalism

Journalism is seen mostly as related to politics, but it is a vast field. There are many specialisations in Journalism. Students can pursue specialised courses, according to their interest in various fields.  The following are popular specialisations in the field of Journalism.

Specialisation Subjects Details
Political Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Political Science 
The most popular and commonly pursued specialisation in the field of Journalism is Political Journalism. Political Journalism is useful in every form of media. All media print, digital, etc., require political Journalism as people have a keen interest in politics. 
Entertainment Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Electronic media studies
Entertainment Journalism highlights the updates related to the entertainment industry, such as Bollywood. The field includes detailed information about films, music, fashion, celebrities, etc. Entertainment journalists present the information in a manner that intrigues the audience interested in these domains.
Sports Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Data collection
  • Data structures
  • Statistics
Pursuing a career as a sports journalist will give a space to one's sports passion too. Sports journalists need to have detailed knowledge about the sport they are required to cover. They need to interview players and coaches and read the sport's statistics. 
Travel Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Sociology
  • Geographical studies
Travel journalists are entrusted with writing about different destinations, describing various cultures and their customs. But they also help in publishing travel information like itinerary guides, country guides, interviews with local people and presentation of local customs and traditions through their writing.

Books and Authors Related to Journalism

There are several popular books taught in Journalism. Some of the popular books and authors related to journalism are given below:

Subject Book title Author Description
Principles of communication Mass Communication in India Keval J. Kumar The book talks about how mass communication has played a key role in the emergence and advancement of each of the four industrial revolutions.
Media laws and ethics Laws of the Press in India M Neelamalar It’s a textbook specifically designed for undergraduates and postgraduates pursuing mass communication, Journalism, electronic media, visual communication and other related media courses. This compact text provides a detailed description of the rules, acts and ethics concerning print, electronic, film and advertising media prevalent in India.
Print media News Writing and Reporting for Today’s Media Bruce D. Itule and Douglas A. Anderson This takes students to the press box, council chambers, courthouse, and speech and press conferences. It introduces them to current issues such as cultural sensitivity and legal and ethical considerations and to reporters and editors who offer their down-to-earth advice.
Public relations Writing: The Essentials of Style and Format Bivnis Thomas This book equips students with the essential skills for developing and writing public relations materials, covering all areas of public relations writing, including news releases, backgrounders, newsletter and magazine articles, brochures, print advertising copy, and broadcast scripts.
International communication International Communication Daya Kishan Thussu International Communication examines the profound changes that have taken place and are continuing to take place at an astonishing speed in international media and communication since the beginning.

FAQs on Journalism Subjects

Q. What is the scope of Journalism?

A. Scope of Journalism has been increasing. New technologies are emerging. Mediums of communication are increasing. Not just newspapers and Radios, today social media exists. TV and mobile phones spread information faster.

Q. What are the topics in Journalism?

A. The core topics in Journalism are:

  • Introduction to Journalism
  • Editing Techniques
  • Media Laws and the Indian Constitution
  • Media Management
  • Advertising and Public Relations
  • History of Journalism

Q. Is Journalism a good course?

A. Journalism is an essential part of a society without which it would be backward and unsystematically operating. The media lays the foundation of awareness in any country; therefore, the role of Journalism in India too is becoming prestigious. Students want to make their career in Journalism because of its broad scope and demand in the industry. Hence, Journalism is a good course. 

Q. What are the career opportunities after the Journalism course?

A. After their bachelor's and master's degrees in Journalism, students can take up careers in the following:

  • Reporting
  • Sub-editing
  • Content Writing
  • Public Relations
  • Event Management
  • Advertising
  • Social Media Executive
  • Television & Film Production
  • Digital Marketing

Q. Which type of Journalism is the best?

A. The best courses offered in Journalism are:

  • Broadcast Journalism
  • PhotoJournalism
  • Digital Journalism

Q. Is there any entrance exam for Journalism?

A. The entrance exam of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) is one of the toughest examinations in India.

Q. Is Journalism hard to study?

A. Journalism is not a hard course to pursue. But being a journalist is. Your main challenge will be deadlines. Cover news when it is trending ASAP. Before your competitors. Bring a strong TRP to survive.

Q. Do you need Maths for Journalism?

A. Journalism doesn't require mathematics. Language skills, writing skills, analytical skills, and creativity are more relevant to pursuing the course.

Q. Can science students pursue a bachelor's in Journalism?

A. Yes. Any student with any stream in class 12 can take up Journalism in their bachelor's or master's degree course.

Q. Do I need a degree or experience in Journalism prior to enrolling in the master's programme?

A. Prior experience is not really required. Students from any field can take up a master's in Journalism as it is offered to students with diverse interests, skill sets, and educational backgrounds.

Q. Who all are suited for Journalism?

A. Those who believe that they are more inclined towards current affairs and are quite passionate about presenting information to people are more likely to perform better as journalists. 

Q. What is the difference between Journalism and mass communication?

A. Journalism comes under mass communication. Spreading information through news is journalsim. Using media for knowledge purpose is the goal. Examples are anchors and news reporters. Mass communication is a broader term for this.

Q. Which country is best for Journalism?

A. The countries which are most sought-after for studying Journalism are:

  • USA
  • UK
  • Canada

Q. Do journalists travel?

A. The work of Journalism requires travelling by journalists. Travel Journalism is also a specialised field. But there are desk jobs as well.

Table of contents
  • Popular Journalism Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Journalism Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Journalism Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Journalism UG Courses
  • Popular Journalism PG Courses
View More

Popular Journalism Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Journalism Colleges in India. Learn more about these Journalism colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
66.45 K
3.8 LPA
90 K - 3.63 L
3.6

#14 India Today

40 K - 3.6 L
15 LPA
10.11 L
3.6
2 Courses
3 L - 4.4 L
4.1
9.33 L - 12.44 L
3.5

#8 Outlook

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Private Journalism Colleges in India

5 L - 8.25 L
3.6

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

1.95 L
6 LPA
4.62 L
3.7

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
1.2 L - 1.44 L
1.5 L - 3.8 L
37.5 K

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Journalism. Students interested in pursuing a career on Journalism, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

14 Jul ' 25 - 15 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

Nov '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

Nov '25

FTII JET 2025 Commencement of Classes

TENTATIVE

10 Nov ' 25

Last Date to Pay Seat Acceptance Fee (Extended)

14 Nov ' 24 - 30 Oct ' 25

CGCUET 2025 Registration

Popular Journalism Specializations

Following are the most popular Journalism Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Journalism UG Courses

Following are the most popular Journalism UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Journalism PG Courses

Following are the most popular Journalism PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

Hi.

The physical, on-campus short-term acting and anchoring courses at the Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) are generally conducted as a full-time schedule, running 5 days per week on weekdays.
The college has stated in its FAQs that they "do not have weekend or evening batches for the short-

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered 5 days ago

Hi.

These courses typically range from 3 to 6 months in duration and focus on specialised skills within the media field. 
 
Available Short-Term Certificate Courses 
Specific short-term certificate courses offered include:
  • Certificate in News Anchoring  (3 months)
  • Certificate in Radio Production and Jocke

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered 2 months ago

The BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme offered by Chandigarh University comprises subjects such as Introduction to Mass Communication, Communication Skills, Print Media Reporting and Editing, and Digital Media. Students undertake Media Laws and Ethics, Fundamentals of Public Relations an

...Read more

M

Manasi

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

At Chandiharh University, the teaching style is mixed with industry learning. Students get to use TV studio, camera setups, and news production rooms. They do hands-on traning that is close to real newsroom life. Along with that, students also write for newsletters and design their own media project

...Read more

A

Amrit

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Absolutely! One of the coolest things about doing Journalism at Chandigarh University is that you actually get to work in the TV studio. The studio has cameras, lighting, microphones, and even green screens, so you can practice reporting, anchoring, and creating news content. Students often shoot sh

...Read more

A

Aadarshini

Guide-Level 11

Answered 2 months ago

It is possible. Journalism students from Chandigarh University can also apply for the Walt Disney Cultural Program. The programme is designed for students of different streams. It is more about skills, discipline, and readiness than just the course.
To join, students must maintain good CGPA and atten

...Read more

P

Preekshit Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Honestly, the Journalism and Mass Communication course at Chandigarh University is very practical. You spend most of your time working on real projects—creating news reports, shooting videos, editing, running radio shows, and managing digital content. The labs and studio sessions let you experience

...Read more

P

Parul

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

If you're planning to study Journalism, then yes, a campus tour of Chandigarh University is worth it. 

Reading about facilities online is one thing, but when you actually walk through the studios, editing rooms, and media labs, you'll see how serious the university is about giving practical training.

...Read more

U

Urvashi

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, Chandigarh University provides good research opportunities for Journalism and Mass Media students. The Department encourages students to take up projects on topics like digital media trends, film studies, political communication, or the role of social media in society. Faculty members guide stu

...Read more

a

anushka gupta

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

Impressive placement trends have been seen in this department by the students, with most getting recruited in top media and communication organizations. Reputed recruiters include Edifecs Technologies Pvt Ltd, Praper Media, The Ideaz Factory, Radio Mirchi, ABP Sanjha, White Hill Studio, Ghaint Punja

...Read more

s

shanu magotra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Chandigarh University's journalism course gives some attention to films and cinema. Students can study video production, cinematography, and film-making basics as part of their curriculum. The MA programme even includes a subject called Introduction to Film Studies, which helps understand films, dir

...Read more

S

Shrey

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

Packages for Journalism and Mass Media students of Chandigarh University vary. A 2024 graduate, as reported, stated that the average package is around 12 to 18 LPA while the lowest average package is around 5 to 8 LPA. For details, Chandigarh University states that a graduate bagging a 7 LPA package

...Read more

B

Balwant Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Chandigarh University sees many known media companies every year. TV news groups such as News 24, India TV, Zee News, PTC News, and ABP visit for roles in reporting and production. Print media is also strong, with recruiters like The Tribune, Times of India, Kashmir Times, and Dainik Bhaskar. On the

...Read more

A

Abhishek Gupta

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

Admission to the Journalism and Mass Media programs at Chandigarh University is straightforward and merit-based. Candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria, typically requiring completion of 10+2 or equivalent with relevant subjects. The university conducts its own admission process, which may

...Read more

R

RUHI KHAN

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Yes Chandigarh University help students in providing internships for Journalism and Mass Media. Some major recruiters include edifecs Technologies Pvt Ltd, Paper Media, The Ideaz Factory, Radio Mirchi, ABP Sanjha, White HillStudio, Ghaint Punjab Media Pvt Ltd, Summer News and Connect FM Canada etc.

...Read more

A

Amrit

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, they do. At Chandigarh University, Journalism students don't just sit in class and read about media- they actually get to work on the same software used in real newsrooms and studios. From video editing software like Premiere Pro and Final Cut to photo editing tools like Photoshop, students get

...Read more

A

Advik

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

A Journalism degree from Chandigarh University can help you do that. After finishing the course, you can step into digital content roles easily. The programme teaches you how to write, create media, and understand audiences. You also get some practice in using social media and online platforms. With

...Read more

V

Virender Mehta

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Chandigarh University's Journalism course has a decent placement record, especially for students who actively participate in internships and projects.CU provides practical exposure through labs, media events, and collaborations with local media houses, which helps students gain real-world experience

...Read more

S

Simrat Randhawa

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

At Chandigarh University, Journalism and Mass Media students get many options for this. There are departmental clubs, cultural societies, and groups where students take part in writing, anchoring, or media projects.

Regular workshops are arranged on news writing, photography, film making, and public

...Read more

V

Varun Thakur

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 months ago

The department has good media labs, editing rooms and the latest software for students. One special point is the professional TV studio with PCR where students learn camera, anchoring, and live production. Radio Punjab 90.0 FM is another facility that helps in real broadcasting experience. Students

...Read more

P

Preekshit Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Chandigarh University provides comprehensive practical training for Journalism and Mass Media students through advanced labs and studios. Students can work in TV and radio studios, video editing labs, podcast studios, and photography labs equipped with professional-grade equipment. The programme inc

...Read more

n

nidhi singh

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

I think that if you get supportive faculty, half of your academic journey is smooth and it's the truth, the faculty at the university is also really good. They are not just teachers, they are mentors. They guide students with everything, from cracking interviews to choosing the right career path. Th

...Read more

Z

Zara Siddqui

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 months ago

Journalism at Chandigarh University is not just theory. The campus has radio and TV studios where students practice like real media people. The community radio station Radio Punjab 90.0 is run on campus. Students take part in shows, discussions, and local issues programs. For video, there is a profe

...Read more

Z

Zara Siddqui

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 months ago

Chandigarh University's journalism and mass media courses are highly recognised for academic excellence and industry readiness. UIMS has been consistently rated among India's leading media institutes, earning accolades at national conclaves and competitions. The cepartment is noted for combining pra

...Read more

N

Nidhi saxena

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

The admission process for the Journalism and Mass Media course at Chandigarh University is very easy and simple; you need to see if you are meeting the eligibility criteria. Then you can also go for the CUCET exam, through which you can get a lot of scholarships.  The process is simple. Fill out the

...Read more

A

Ajay Kumar

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 months ago

Chandigarh University has been evolving to provide relevant facilities for its Journalism and Mass Communication programs; this is evident from the presence of its University Institute of Media Studies, which figures among a few top media colleges in India, and therefore would have modern laboratori

...Read more

R

Raj Sharma

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates must reach the exam hall/centre by 9:00 am. The deadline to reach the exam hall is 9:15 am. Candidates will not be permitted after that. The VITREE 2026 exam for the January session starts from 10:00 am and will conclude at 12:00 pm.

S

Shiksha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The COMEDK UGET reporting time is different for each shift. The morning shift reporting time is 7:30 AM, for the afternoon shift timing is 12 PM, while for evening shift it is 4:30 PM.

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

No, journalism is not a difficult course as compared to engineering or medicine. The syllabus of any journalism bachelor's course consists of subjects such as English/Hindi, Political Science, History, Print Media, TV and electronic Media, Editing, Creative Writing, etc.

N

Nishtha Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Yes journalism can be a government job if you work with government organizations such as the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Lok Sabha TV, Rajya Sabha TV, or Doordarshan on their direct payroll. Along with these, working as a Public Relations representative or Media in-charge for any of the central

...Read more

S

Sumridhi Bisht

Beginner-Level 5

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 65k Colleges
  • 1k Exams
  • 681k Reviews
  • 1800k Answers