Journalism is the act or profession of searching, gathering, creating, preparing, writing, and presenting or broadcasting news and information to a vast mass audience. The study of journalism constitutes various fields and aims to teach its aspirants about the different journalism practices used and utilised in news production and other media works such as newspaper production, Radio broadcast, and TV production (entertainment programmes, cartoons, information, music, sports, comedy, etc.).

The study of journalism is significant in today’s modern world as every individual needs to be updated on the various incidents happening in their locality or around the globe. Therefore, journalists play the most crucial role by informing people of emerging issues, events, and incidents happening in our society.

Additionally, a journalist serves as a watchdog and keeps an eye on detail. The required information, breaking news, etc., will not reach the audience without journalists in society, so the study of journalism is very important for an individual to emerge as a skilled journalist in the country.

BA in Journalism (Honours) Course Structure

Several colleges and universities in India offer various journalism courses at different academic levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral) to interested students. One of the most famous and highly pursued courses at the undergraduate academic level is BA in Journalism (Honours).

A Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism or BA in Journalism is a full-time undergraduate degree in journalism and mass communication. It is a three years multidisciplinary programme that constitutes the study of the practice of reporting, anchoring, interviewing, or investigating incidents and events occurring in the surrounding to a huge mass audience.

The BA in Journalism is usually designed to teach students the key concept of mass media or journalism with all the required specialisations. Aspiring students who wish to study journalism learn about the various course disciplines and gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the domain with the help of its well-designed syllabus. Let us discuss the BA in Journalism course in detail, including different subjects and topics covered in the syllabus.

BA in Journalism Course Curriculum

BA in Journalism course provides a well-designed course curriculum for the programme to its aspirants with the study of all the essential topics and subjects that are of keen interest to its students.

The beginning two years (first four semesters) cover the foundational areas of journalism with the help of its course curriculum, including core courses and electives (optional subjects). In the final year, students are expected to choose any specialisation in journalism and prepare themselves for internships and further job prospects. 

Some of the subjects and topics included in the course curriculum are:

  • Reading for Writing
  • Economic Theory and Practice
  • World Histories of Capitalism and Colonialism
  • Democracy and Politics in India
  • Social Structure in South Asia: Caste and Religion
  • Data Analysis for Storytelling
  • Writing: Reports, Features and Reviews
  • Reading Law: Reporting the Courts
  • Studio-Based Productions
  • Journalism Skills: Multimedia Storytelling

Some of the course electives include:

  • Introduction to Data Journalism
  • Freedom of Expression
  • Media and the Future of Work
  • Migration and Displacement
  • Off-Centre: Reporting from Rural and Semi-Urban Areas
  • Comparative Politics and Political Systems
  • Contemporary World Politics
  • Debates on Nationalism
  • Media and the Future of Work
  • Independent Research Paper

After this, let’s learn about the BA Journalism eligibility criteria and the admission procedure for eligible students.

BA Journalism Eligibility Criteria and Admission Procedure

Students interested in studying journalism and wishing to emerge as professional journalists in India can pursue this course. Students can easily apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Honours) course by filling out the online application forms available on various colleges’ websites. Students can apply for this course after completing their intermediate qualification (10+2) from a recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board) with a minimum aggregate percentage. 

The BA Journalism eligibility criteria are almost similar in most colleges, but the selection procedure for admissions might differ from university to university. Entries to this course are made based on a merit-based selection process and based on entrance examinations. Multiple entrance examinations are conducted annually at the National, State, and University levels. Some of the most popular entrance tests conducted to select students for the BA Journalism course are given below:

  • AISFM Entrance Exam
  • GGSIPU CET Exam
  • AUCET
  • MASCOM Entrance Exam.
  • AMU Entrance Examination
  • XIC OET
  • SRFTI Entrance Test
  • AICET

Students are expected to appear for one of these entrance exams and score well to secure seats in the preferred university offering this course. After their selection, students must follow the further admission procedure that is usually different in every university. At the same time, several colleges generate merit lists annually on their websites for the selection of eligible students. The students are then selected by analysing their 10+2 marks and other abilities through personal interviews and counselling sessions.

Different universities have different admission procedures but may have similar BA Journalism eligibility criteria. Some leading universities consider students for admission based on their merits. At the same time, some make the selection based on the student’s performance in the entrance tests conducted annually in India. There is no upper age restriction while applying for this course.

Conclusion

Journalism is one of the most important and popular courses in India. Almost all top government and private colleges in India offer a wide range of courses in Journalism at different academic levels, including Diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral. In addition, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism online, offline, or in distance mode, per their preferences and interests. Thus, BA in Journalism is one of the most advantageous courses that will help students open doors for their future and offer them endless career opportunities with good salary packages.