The MA in Journalism and Mass Communication (MAJMC) at Tribhuvan University is a two-year, four-semester program designed to mold sharp, ethical, and versatile media professionals. It’s offered under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, with a curriculum spanning 60 credit hours that blends rigorous theory with hands-on practice. The program, which began in 2001, aims to equip students with the skills to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape, from traditional journalism to digital platforms.
Institutions offering MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
The MAJMC program was updated in 2025, following more than a decade of evolution, to adapt to the changing communication industry and meet professional demands for graduates with stronger practical and analytical skills.
The key distinction of this course from its predecessor lies in the expanded practicum, designed to address the evolving needs of the media and communication landscape. On the one hand, the course encompasses core journalistic and communication elements such as mass communication theories, media jurisprudence, and ethics, along with essential knowledge and skills in reporting and editing. On the other hand, it has significantly incorporated the realms of new media and digital media. Hence, the course is designed with a focus on the era of digital journalism, where news is published online, reflecting the shift from reading traditional newspapers to consuming news on smartphones and digital devices. The course is designed to equip journalists with the skills to navigate the challenges of today's information landscape, where news is increasingly perceived as coming directly from social media rather than being collected and vetted by professional journalists.
The MAJMC programme is structured with a 60:40 ratio of theory to practical work. Each course carries 3 credit hours and comprises 48 teaching hours.
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Salient Features
General and Specific Objectives
The general objective of the course is to develop competent professionals equipped to excel as communication specialists, capable of addressing the challenges brought by emerging new media technologies. The program aims to develop insightful, ethical, and skilled communicators with strong expertise and a deep understanding of various levels of human communication, enabling them to contribute effectively to journalism and related fields. Graduates of this program will be equipped for careers in at least twelve different fields within the professional world.
The following are the specific objectives, encompassing both thematic and practical aspects:
- To conduct an updated, advanced-level course aimed at deepening insights into the evolving information and communication ecosystem, both globally and within the national context.
- To produce professionals equipped to thrive in various emerging fields of human communication, including both New Media and Legacy Media.
- To explore communication theories across various traditions, critically examining their evolution, application, and relevance in contemporary media and communication practices.
- To enhance journalistic reporting skills by equipping techniques for fact-checking and identifying deepfakes and disinformation, aligning with professional standards, and focusing on advancing the ability to deliver news with objectivity, accuracy, and excellence.
- To enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in structural and text editing, aiming to produce highly skilled copy editors and gatekeepers for media outlets and other communication professions.
- To prepare students by enhancing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in radio and television journalism.
- To provide students with a deep understanding of the evolution and transformation of the communication world, exploring the emergence of mass media through historical milestones, challenges, and advancements from early to contemporary times.
- To equip students with theoretical knowledge of various development concepts and their application in influencing public behavior, promoting the diffusion of innovations, and facilitating communication through mass media, as well as beyond mass media, including interpersonal communication.
- To develop comprehensive strategies for political communication, focusing on the creation, dissemination, and impact of political messages through various media channels, as well as exploring the role of communication in shaping public opinion, influencing political behavior, and enhancing democratic participation.
- To cultivate a profound understanding of the ontological and epistemological foundations of mass media research, equipping graduates with the ability to critically examine the performance of mass media within the philosophical frameworks.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism (or an equivalent) from Tribhuvan University (TU) or a TU-recognized institution.
- Alternatively, students with a Bachelor's degree in any other stream (e.g., science, commerce) from a TU-recognized institution are also eligible to apply.
- All candidates must meet the specific requirements laid out by the Mass Communication and Journalism department.
Admission Criteria
Entrance exam:
To enroll in this MA in Journalism and Mass Communication program, students must appear for the entrance exam conducted by Tribhuvan University(TU). The merit list is published a few weeks after the entrance exam. Students are enrolled based on their ranking in the merit list.
Job Prospects
Students pursuing careers in journalism, media, public relations, or other communication-related fields will greatly benefit from the programme. Those interested in understanding the evolving landscape of media, including global journalism, new media, and advertising, will gain valuable insights into the practical and theoretical aspects of their fields. The course on media law will be particularly beneficial for aspiring journalists, and communication practitioners who seek to navigate the legal complexities of media practices. Likewise, those with a passion for photojournalism will acquire the skills necessary to capture impactful stories, while students of public relations and media economics will develop expertise in managing organizational or corporate communication and understanding the economic forces shaping the media industry. Overall, the programme MA JMC will empower students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in diverse and dynamic roles across the media and communication sectors.
Curricular Structure
First Semester | |||||
| Paper | Code | Title | Status | Credit Hrs. | Teaching Hrs. |
| I | JMC 501 | Mass Communication Theories | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| II | JMC 502 | Comprehensive News Reporting | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| III | JMC 503 | Innovative Editing | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| IV | JMC 504 | Broadcast Journalism | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| V | JMC 505 | Communication Revolutions | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
Second Semester | |||||
| Paper | Code | Title | Status | Credit Hrs. | Teaching Hrs. |
| VI | JMC 551 | Development Communication | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| VII | JMC 552 | Political Communication | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| VIII | JMC 553 | Methodology in Media Research | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XIV | JMC 554 | Digital Media | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| X | JMC 555 | Public Relations | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
Third Semester | |||||
| Paper | Code | Title | Status | Credit Hrs. | Teaching Hrs. |
| XI | JMC 601 | Combating Misinformation | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XII | JMC 602 | Media Economics and Management | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XIII | JMC 603-1 | Radio Programme Production | Elective | 3 | 48 |
| XIII | JMC 603-2 | Television Production and Documentary Film making | Elective | ||
| XIV | JMC 604 | Advertising and Marketing | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XV | JMC 605 | Mass Media Research | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
Fourth Semester | |||||
| Paper | Code | Title | Status | Credit Hrs. | Teaching Hrs. |
| XVI | JMC 651 | Media Law | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XVII | JMC 652 | Photo Journalism | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XVIII | JMC 653-1 | AI in Journalism | Elective | 3 | 48 |
| XVIII | JMC 653-2 | Sociology of Nepali Mass Media | Elective | ||
| XIV | JMC 654 | Global Journalism | Compulsory | 3 | 48 |
| XX | JMC 655 | Dissertation Writing | Compulsory | 6 | - |