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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Popular Journalism Specializations
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- 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
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass CommunicationAmity School of Communication, Amity University, Noida
- M.A. in Journalism and Mass CommunicationAmity School of Communication, Amity University, Noida
- B.A. in Journalism, Political Science and SociologySt. Joseph’s University Bangalore
- B.A.in International Relations and Peace Studies, Journalism & Public PolicySt. Joseph’s University Bangalore
- B.A. in Optional English, Journalism and PsychologySt. Joseph’s University Bangalore
- M.A. in Journalism and Media IndustriesSymbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Symbiosis International, Pune
- Master of Journalism (M.J)Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication
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