Distance Learning Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

The media industry in India has recorded much development and progress over the past few years. The number of jobs in the media is increasing by the day. Young students from over the country are taking up mass communication as a career. In order to ensure success in their professional lives, it is essential to learn the skills required to be a good journalist. The basics of the subject can now be learnt at an institute near you. A student from any stream of study can opt to pursue a degree or diploma course in journalism and mass communication.

Many students prefer to learn the subject through distance education as this will allow them to pursue a career or study another course simultaneously. Studying distance learning diploma in journalism and mass communication is especially popular with students who want to cut down on the cost involved in education; the cost of higher studies in regular classroom programs is always higher than distance learning.

Distance Learning Institutes Offering Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

Listed below are some institutes in India where students can pursue diploma in journalism and mass communication through distance learning.

Name of the Institute	Contact Details
Amity School of Distance Learning	Amity Campus, Sector 44, Noida – 201303, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaPh. No. – 1800-11-00-00 Website – www.amity.edu
Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC)	Symbiosis Knowledge Village (PG), Gram – Lavale, Taluka – Mulshi, Pune – 412115, Maharashtra, IndiaPh. No. – 91-20-39116100 Fax No. – 91-20-39116111 Email – admissions@simc.edu Website – www.simc.edu
Dr B R Ambedkar Open University	Road No 46, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033, District – Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaPh. No. – 040-23680000 Fax No. – 040-23544830 Email – vc@braou.ac.in Website – www.braou.ac.in
Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication	Sri Aurobindo Society Campus, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Adhichini, New Delhi – 110017, IndiaPh. No. – 011-26561986 Email – info@sac.ac.in Website – www.sac.ac.in
Mudra Institute of Communications	Shela, Ahmedabad – 380058, Gujarat, IndiaPh. No. – 91-2717-308250 Fax No. – 91-2717-308349 Website – www.mica.ac.in

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Procedure for Distance Learning Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

The minimum educational qualifications required for admission to this course of study is successful completion of 10+2 examination in any stream.
If you are pursuing diploma studies at the postgraduate level, you have to successfully pass bachelor’s level three years examination in any stream.
Admission is generally limited to the maximum number of seats available in a particular institute.
All applicants must submit filled up application form and fees within the date notified by the institute.
Copies of mark sheets of all examinations passed and identity proofs also have to be submitted at the time of admission.
Institutes sometimes demand work experience certificates or letters of recommendation from working professionals.

Duration of the Course

The duration of a diploma program in journalism and mass communication extends from one year to two years at the discretion of the institute authorities and the syllabus followed. While regular classroom students have to sit for final examinations at the date notified by the institute, distance learning candidates can extend the period of study according to their preferred time.

Brief Overview of the Course

A student of diploma in journalism and mass communication has to study the following topics as part of his course program:

Public Relations
Corporate Communication
Principles and Practice of Management

Allied and Behavioral Sciences
Press Ethics and Media Laws
Media Writing, Editing and Reporting
Introduction to Mass Communication
Electronic Media
Development Communication
Advertising & Marketing
Film as a Medium of Communication
Television & Radio

Career Prospects

The importance of the media in any country is growing by the day and with it is increasing the professional opportunities. Though the initial salary structure of professionals in the field of journalism and mass communication may not look too lucrative, good performances are praised and they lead to a higher pay package. Listed below are a few fields where a candidate can seek employment after completion of diploma in journalism and mass communication through distance studies:

Reporting & Editing
Advertising
Marketing Communications
Public Relations
Film, Print & Television Media
Feature & Leader Writer

A good personality, ability to speak in English and the local dialect, curiosity and good writing & communication abilities are very essential for the perfect job in the media industry.