Journalism Subjects List 2026: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
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 |
|
The students will study an introduction to Mass Communication and Journalism. The topics to be studied include:
|
| 2. | Core |
|
The second semester introduces the students to intricacies related to a journalism career. Contents:
|
| 3. | Core |
|
During the second year, students will be introduced to various topics related to media and broadcast. Contents:
|
| 4. | Core |
|
The fourth semester of the Journalism course introduces specialised Journalism fields and the practice of media in the industry. Contents:
|
| 5. | Core |
|
Students study legal and numerical aspects relating to the field of Journalism. Contents:
|
| 6. | Core |
|
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:
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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. |
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Most Popular Courses
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- Post Graduate Diploma in Hindi JournalismIndian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (English)Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- Post Graduate Diploma in Radio and TV JournalismIndian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- M.A. in Journalism and Media IndustriesSymbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Symbiosis International, Pune
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass CommunicationAmity School of Communication, Amity University, Noida
- B.A. in Journalism, Political Science and SociologySt. Joseph’s University
- B.A.in International Relations and Peace Studies, Journalism & Public PolicySt. Joseph’s University
- Master of Journalism (M.J)Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication
- Post Graduate Diploma in Television Radio Journalism & ProductionApeejay Institute of Mass Communication Dwarka Delhi (AIMC)
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass CommunicationGalgotias University
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News & Updates
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Nov 12, 2025
Student Forum
Answered 5 days ago
Dear reader,
Both with and without entrance tests, a number of esteemed universities offer BA programs in journalism or multimedia. Lovely Professional University (LPU) is distinguished by its direct and merit-based admissions processes, industry-aligned curriculum, and top-notch studio facilities t
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The NIMCJ Ahmedabad is a good college for MA in journalism and mass communication. The institute has been ranked in various positions for journalism and mass communication. The institute mainly focuses on this course only. Students get great placement opportunities after completing MA from NIMCJ
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The NIMCJ Ahmedabad primarily accepts GCAS exam scores for admission to MA in journalism and mass communication. This is a common exam conducted by the education department of Gujarat. This exam is applicable for UG, PG, and PhD courses in 14 colleges/universities.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Good question — CUET subject choices don't lock you out of professional programs like BBA or Journalism.
How CUET Subjects Work
- CUET requires you to attempt at least one language + domain subjects + general test.
- You chose English, History, Political Science.
- For BBA/Management programs, most universit
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The admission to NIMCJ Ahmedabad BAJMC programme, requires valid marks in the GCAS exam. The Gujarat Common Admission Services exam is a common exam for 14 universities/colleges in Gujarat for UG, PG, and PhD courses. It is mandatory to appear and qualify for this exam to become eligible for the BAJ
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The reporting time at the CEED Centre for the CEED Entrance Test was 7 AM. The exam timing was 9 AM to 12 PM.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
For pursuing a Journalism Course in India at UG Level you can take exams like CUET, IPU CET or other university-specific entrance exams like CUCET or KIITEE, And for PG level course you can take CUET-PG, JEECUP, URATPG, IIMC Entrance Exam, etc.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
For today's Job in India, considering a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication which is popularly known as BAJMC is the best option as this course covers Journalism with Mass communication which includes advertising, Video Editing, SEO, Digital Marketing, PR and Corporate communication which opens
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates can check AP ECET reporting time below -
Shift | Exam time | Reporting time |
Shift 1 (forenoon session) | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | 7:30 am to 9:00 am |
Shift 2 (afternoon session) | 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm | 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm |
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Some of the best colleges for Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication in India are:
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Students have to report to the IPMAT exam centre by 1 PM. The exam will begin on 2 PM. Students cannot enter the exam centre again once they have submitted the exam.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
I'm not sure about Chandigarh University, but at Lovely Professional University, you can pursue B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication after completing your 12th. The eligibility is generally around 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 with English or an equivalent qualification. The programme is designed
v
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Students have to reach the IPMAT exam centre a hour before the exam. IPMAT 2026 will be conducted from 2 PM to 4 PM and so students have to reach the latest by 1 PM.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Students must report to the SET exam centre at least an hour before the exam. SET exam will take place at 9 AM at many test centres. Students must reach the exam centre the latest by 7:30 AM.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Candidates only need to submit original documents during the NEET SS institute reporting for admissions. The original documents need to be surrendered to the college authorities and will remain under the custody of allotted college.
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The total fees for PG Business and Financial Multimedia Journalism programme is INR 7,08,000. They also provides scholarships based on merit. For more information, students can visit the website. The college charges additional fees for hostel and mess. For more information, they can visit the colleg
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
As per syllabus released by ICAI for CA Final exam under New Scheme, the topics included in CA Final Financial Reporting syllabus are as follows:
- Introduction to Indian Accounting Standards
- Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting under Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)
- Ind AS on Presentation of
Y
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
After you get a confirmed seat, you need to report to the IIIT Pune campus with the required documents such as your JoSAA allotment letter, JEE rank card, Class 10th and 12th mark sheets, and a medical fitness certificate. You would also need to pay the pending fee.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
For IIIT Pune BTech program, newly admitted students typically complete online reporting in late August (around August 20-23). This is followed by a physical orientation on campus, with regular first-semester classes starting around August 25.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
For IIIT Vadodara BTech program, newly admitted students typically complete online reporting in late August (around August 20-23). This is followed by a physical orientation on campus, with regular first-semester classes usually starting around August 20-30.
R
Contributor-Level 9
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