The Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies is an accredited Programme by the National Board for Professional and Technician Examination (NABPTEX).
It seeks to offer professional training to students planning to become practicing journalists and introduces them to important aspects of the communications industry.
Its goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level jobs in journalism, whether in print, broadcasting or online.
The program emphasizes strong writing skills, the necessary groundwork for careers in all journalism sectors.
It is also aimedat providing high school graduates with a combination of journalism courses and an introduction to liberal arts courses relevant to the journalist’s work.
The first year provides introductory and basic skills courses; the second year focuses on advanced journalism practices.
Between the years, students are encouraged to seek attachment with affiliated organizations and community media outlets to gain experience.
A Diploma in Journalism& Media Studies is awarded for successful completion of the four-term diploma stream.
Curriculum
In both streams, students are introduced to basic journalism skills and the importance of journalism to the community. Our focus is on news writing, journalism history, page design and layout, reporting for radio, and photojournalism.
Students will also experience the life of a reporter by researching, conducting interviews, and writing stories for the institution’s monthly newspaper, The Mouth Press,which is circulated on campus and in the surrounding community. Students also write stories, produce podcasts, edit video and post blogs to the campus online radio, Oxford Radio 96.8 MHz
The second part of the program provides students with courses in advanced reporting techniques, specialty reporting, and television reporting. Students spend considerable time on off-campus assignments focusing on civic issues and the courts.
This is an intensive, hands-on experience in producing a newspaper, including story planning, editing, page design, photo editing, pagination, as well as assigning, producing and editing multimedia stories for the web. At this point, advanced students may have the opportunity to pursue special projects involving broadcasting, digital journalism, corporate communications, or magazine production.
Internship
As part of their curriculum, diploma students complete five-week internships at the media outlets of their choices: community papers, dailies, radio, television, newspapers, websites, magazines, or corporate communications.
Professional Contacts
Throughout the program, students are connected to working reporters and editors who participate as guest lecturers, lead seminars or act as mentors. An Advisory Committee representing a variety of media outlets provides advice on current trends and issues to ensure the department's curriculum is up-to-date and relevant.
Course Structure for Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies
1ST YEAR 1ST SEMESTER
Course Code: Course Title: Credit Hours
JMS 111: Mass Communication 3HRS.
112 Introduction to Journalism 3HRS.
113 Computer Fundamentals 3HRS.
114 Media & Society 3HRS.
115 Communication Skills 3HRS.
1ST YEAR 2ND SEMESTER
Course Code: Course Title: Credit Hours
JMS 121: Introduction to Advertising 3HRS.
122 Introduction to Public Relations 3HRS.
123 Communication Skills II 3HRS.
124 Broadcast Journalism 3HRS.
125 Print Journalism 3HRS.
2ND YEAR 1ST SEMESTER
Course Code: Course Title: Credit Hours.
JMS 211: Sport Journalism 3HRS.
212 Photo Journalism 3HRS.
213 News Reporting 3HRS
214 Radio & TV Journalism 3HRS.
215 On-Air Presentation 2HRS
2ND YEAR 2ND SEMESTER
Course Code: Course Title: Credit Hours:
JMS 221: Communication research 3HRS.
222 Media Law & Ethics 3HRS.
223 Freelance &Sub-Editing 3HRS.
224 Online Journalism 3HRS.
225 On-Air Presentation 3HRS.
Courses Duration
Applicants would require four semester periods, which is two years to obtain Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies.
Certificate
Students having successfully completed the two-year programme will be awarded with Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies by NABPTEX to recognize their achievements.
Instances where applicants opt to undertake ICM-UK exams within the period of studies, ICM-UK will be responsible in the awarding of the certificate.
Course Progression and Job opportunities
Students with Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies have the opportunity to do a one-year top at any recognized tertiary institution for HND and also qualify to be admitted to level 200 at any university.
Job Opportunities for holders of this certificate is very bright as he/she qualifies to work in any of the following organizations; radio stations, TV stations, Online radio, print media, Cooperate organizations, telecommunication agencies and organization, set up their own consortium etc
