Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST

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.
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
1.08 L - 4.2 L
3.6

#12 India Today

2 Courses
3 L - 4.4 L
4.1
22.2 L - 37.5 L
4.0

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

9.33 L - 12.44 L
3.5

#7 India Today

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
26.2 K
8.3 LPA

Popular Private Journalism Colleges in India

5 L - 11 L
3.6

Journalism Applications open till Apr 6, 2026. Apply Now

3.48 L - 7.84 L
3.2

#19 The Week

4.62 L
3.7

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

7 Courses
5.36 L - 47.92 L

Journalism Applications open till Mar 26, 2026. Apply Now

2.75 - 3.5 LPA

#53 India Today

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.

20 Feb ' 26 - 25 Mar ' 26

JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application

1 Apr ' 26 - 6 Apr ' 26

JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application Correction Win...

17 Apr ' 26

Last date to apply for May Attempt

2 May ' 26

SAT India exam (May attempt)

11 Mar ' 26 - 7 Apr ' 26

FTII JET 2026 Application Process

18 Apr ' 26 - 25 Apr ' 26

FTII JET 2026 Admit Card Download

1 Nov ' 25 - 30 Mar ' 26

CGCUET 2026 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 2 days 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

Vikram Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 days ago

To study Journalism and Mass Communication at Chandigarh University after completing Class 12, a student must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognised board in any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science). The university generally requires a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class 12, although

...Read more

38907857
Navpreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks 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

...Read more

C

Chandeep Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks 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

...Read more

Y

Yatendra Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks 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

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks 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

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month 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

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Just give CUET UG exam and go for Mass Media Journalism course in Delhi.

S

Shakshi Shakshi

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a month ago

No, MCNUJC does not conduct its own entrance examination for admissions. The admission process at the university is entrance based for which the university accepts CUET UG and CUET PG scores.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal admission 2026 will open soon. Admissions usually open after CUET UG and CUET PG results are released by NTA. Caniddates are advised to keep checking the offcial NTA and university website.

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates need to submit the following documents while filling the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication Bhopal application form in online mode:

  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets/ certificates
  • UG and PG certificates/ degrees
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Migration certi

...Read more

h

heau mishr

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The BA Journalism course at Christ College of Science and Management are of four-year consisting of eight semesters based on CBCS. The course involves core courses, discipline specific electives, skill enhancement courses and ability enhancement courses.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, in order to pursue MCom at Christ College of Science and Management, one should have bachelors' degree in commerce. Someone from other discipline of graduation cannot take do Masters in commerce.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students have to pay  INR 75,000 as confirmation fee shortly after selection to secure their seat, and housing/meal fees are paid separately, often in instalments. This is in addition to tuition fee.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media Bangalore PG Diploma students can often apply for external scholarships, educational loans, or media-industry grants offered by government or private organisations, and the institute may help with documentation support for such applications.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

There are following scholarships:

  • The Rati Aggarwal Scholarship is for meritorious female student of Hindi Journalism course on the basis of performance in entrance exam.
  • The Star TV Scholarship is for high-performing student in Radio & TV Journalism on the basis of performance in entrance exam.
  • The Ja

...Read more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

One-year total fee of IIJNM Bangalore PG Diploma programme is around INR 3.75 Lacs to INR 4.75 Lacs for full course. This includes tuition, confirmation fee and housing/meal charges for Indian and foreign students.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

 JEE Main 2026 shift 1 exam reporting time is 7 am. The exam centre gates will close at 8:30 am. No candidate will be allowed after this deadline.

M

Mamona Majumder

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The Journalism & Mass Communication course at IILM University, Gurugram, involves a significant amount of writing, but it's mostly practical and project-based. You'll be writing news articles, features, and editorials, as well as creating content for digital media platforms. The course emphasizes st

...Read more

S

Shrinkhala S Chand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

IILM University's journalism programme places a strong emphasis on ethical media practices. The curriculum includes dedicated courses on media ethics and law, covering topics such as responsible reporting, privacy issues, and the impact of media on society. Students also learn to identify and counte

...Read more

S

Shrinkhala S Chand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication placement report for 2023 is not out yet. However the NIRF report for 2024 has been released.Check out the tabulated data given below to know more about MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication placement 2023:

Course 

Total Students (2023) 

Students Placed (2023)

Median Salary (2023) 

UG 3-year

63

29

INR 3 LPA

PG 2-year

13

10

INR 3 LPA

NOTE: The above data is obtain

...Read more

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The institution has not released the course-wise placement packages as of yet. Meanwhile the NIRF report has been released. Check out the table below to know more:

Particulars

Placement Statistics (2022)

Placement Statistics (2023)

Total Students

6 (UG 3-year)

13 PG 2-year

  63 (UG 3-year)

  13 PG 2-year

No. of Students Placed

3 (UG 3-year)

10 PG 2-year

  29 (UG 3-year)

 10 PG 2-year

Median Package

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

NOTE: The above data is obtained from the NIRF report 2024

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication has an impressive placement record. The table below provides the placement data for the past three years as per the NIRF Report 2024:

Particulars

Placement Statistics (2022)

Placement Statistics (2023)

Total Students

6 (UG 3-year)

13 PG 2-year

  63 (UG 3-year)

  13 PG 2-year

No. of Students Placed

3 (UG 3-year)

10 PG 2-year

  29 (UG 3-year)

 10 PG 2-year

Median Package

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

NOTE: The above data is obtained from the NIRF report 2024

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication provides good placements to its graduating students. The students are given excellent placement support every year placing them in top companies. Check out the table below to know the key highlights of the MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communicat

...Read more

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some the top recruiters for MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication Placement are listed below:

MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication Placements Top Recruiters

The Hindu

Saam Tv

Times of India

Radio Mirchi

Republic TV

News Hunt

ABP Majha

AM News Channel

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The average salary package for placements at MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication has not yet been disclosed. However, the Median Salary (2023) package has been published. Please refer to the table below for the median packages recorded in recent years.

Particulars 

Placement Statistics (2022)

Placement Statistics (2023)

Median Package

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

NOTE: The above data is obtained fr

...Read more

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A total of 42 students have been placed during the MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication placements in past years. Check out the table below to see the breakdown of students placed in each year:

Particulars

Placement Statistics (2022)

Placement Statistics (2023)

Total Students

6 (UG 3-year)

13 PG 2-year

  63 (UG 3-year)

  13 PG 2-year

No. of Students Placed

3 (UG 3-year)

10 PG 2-year

  29 (UG 3-year)

 10 PG 2-year

NOTE: The above data is obtained from the NIRF report 2024

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication the highest package has not been disclosed yet. Once released it will be updated here. Meanwhile, students can refer to the median package given in the table below:

Particulars 

Placement Statistics (2023)

Median Package 

INR 3 LPA (UG 3-year)

INR 3 LPA (PG 2-year)

NOTE: The above data is obtained from the NIRF report 2024

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication provides good placements to its graduating students. Check out the table below to know the key highlights of the MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication placements 2023:

Course 

Total Students (2023) 

Students Placed (2023)

Median Salary (2023) 

UG 3-year

63

29

INR 3 LPA

PG 2-year

13

10

INR 3 LPA

NOTE: The above data is obtained from the NIRF report 2024

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication Placement  is known for its excellent placement record. Have a look at the tabulated data given below to know more about MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication placements 2023:

Course 

Total Students (2023) 

Students Placed (2023)

Median Salary (2023) 

UG 3-year

63

29

INR 3 LPA

PG 2-year

13

10

INR 3 LPA

NOTE: The above data is obtained from the NIRF report 2024

d

diksha soni

Contributor-Level 10

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

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 66k Colleges
  • 1k Exams
  • 687k Reviews
  • 1800k Answers