Course Overview:

The Certificate in Journalism is a short-term program focused on the fundamentals of news reporting, writing, media ethics, and communication skills. It prepares students for careers in media, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

Duration

• Duration: 6 months to 1 year (depending on the level and mode of study—full-time, part-time, or online).

Syllabus (Module-wise Breakdown)

Certificate courses in Journalism typically follow a module-based structure. Below is the detailed breakdown of the syllabus:

Module 1: Introduction to Journalism

• Basics of Journalism and Mass Communication

• History and Evolution of Journalism

• Types of Journalism (Print, Broadcast, Digital)

• Role of Journalism in Society

• Ethics and Laws in Journalism

Module 2: News Writing and Reporting

• News Gathering Techniques

• Writing News Reports, Features, and Articles

• Inverted Pyramid Structure in News Writing

• Understanding Newsroom Operations

• Editing and Proofreading News Content

Module 3: Media Laws and Ethics

• Introduction to Media Laws (Press Laws, Defamation, etc.)

• Freedom of Press and Censorship

• Ethical Reporting and Responsible Journalism

• Intellectual Property Rights in Journalism

• Role of Regulatory Bodies (Press Council of India)

Module 4: Digital Journalism

• Basics of Online and Digital Journalism

• Writing for Web and Social Media

• Multimedia Storytelling (Text, Images, Videos)

• Introduction to Blogging and Podcasting

• Analytics and Metrics for Digital Media

Module 5: Reporting for Print Media

• Fundamentals of Print Media Reporting

• Writing for Newspapers and Magazines

• Investigative Journalism Techniques

• Writing Feature Stories and Editorials

• News Layout and Design

Module 6: Broadcast Journalism

• Introduction to Television and Radio Journalism

• Writing for TV News and Radio Broadcasts

• Techniques for Interviewing and Reporting on Camera

• Broadcast Production and Editing

• News Anchoring and Voice Modulation

Module 7: Photojournalism

• Basics of Photography for News

• Visual Storytelling Techniques

• Image Editing and Caption Writing

• Ethics in Photojournalism

• Creating Photo Essays and Galleries

Module 8: Public Relations and Media Management

• Role of Public Relations in Journalism

• Writing Press Releases and Media Kits

• Media Relations and Crisis Management

• Organizing Press Conferences and Events

• Communication Strategies for PR

Module 9: Investigative Journalism

• Techniques for Investigative Reporting

• Fact-Checking and Verification Methods

• Handling Sensitive Information and Sources

• Reporting on Crime, Corruption, and Politics

• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Investigative Journalism

Module 10: Final Project and Practical Training

• Practical Training in a Newsroom or Media Outlet

• Reporting on Real-World Events and News

• Writing and Editing News Stories

• Final Project: Producing a Multimedia Story or Investigative Report

• Presentation of Portfolio and Assessment

Average Fees

• Average Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 (depending on the institution and delivery mode).

Exams to Attend

• Certificate courses in Journalism typically assess students through assignments, news reporting projects, multimedia storytelling, and practical exams. Written exams on media laws and ethics may also be included.

• Final assessments may involve internships and project work in media houses.

Ten Most Ranked Institutions Combined in India

1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi

2. Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai

3. Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai

4. Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune

5. AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

6. St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

7. Delhi School of Journalism, Delhi University

8. Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM), Kottayam

9. Amity School of Communication, Noida

10. National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC), New Delhi

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala

1. Kerala Press Academy, Kochi

2. Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM), Kottayam

3. Department of Journalism, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

4. Cochin Media School, Kochi

5. School of Communication, Manipal University, Udupi (Serving Kerala)

6. Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram

7. Chinmaya Vidyapeet, Ernakulam (Journalism Department)

8. Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kochi (Mass Communication Department)

9. Farook College, Kozhikode

10. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram