Media & Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Mass Communication

The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Mass Communication is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in digital journalism and mass communication. The programme falls under the Media & Communication category and typically spans 4 Years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers News Writing, Reporting and Presentation, Photojournalism, Radio Production, Video Camera Operations, Social Media and Digital Storytelling, Theories of Communication and Digital Media. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Digital Content Creation, Investigative Journalism, Media Law and Ethics, Multimedia Storytelling, News Writing and Reporting. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to Journalism and the Digital Age, News Writing, Reporting and Presentation, Photography and Photojournalism, Video Camera Operations, Radio Production. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Broadcast Journalism, Digital and Online Media, Print Journalism. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Mass Communication pursue careers as Reporter / News Writer, Multimedia Journalist, Digital Content Producer, Radio Presenter / Producer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 204,000
Private, up to: Ksh 180,830
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

News Writing, Reporting and Presentation
Photojournalism
Radio Production
Video Camera Operations
Social Media and Digital Storytelling
Theories of Communication and Digital Media
Media Law and Ethics
Public Relations
Advertising
Investigative Journalism

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Journalism and the Digital Age
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of journalism principles, history of mass media, and the impact of digital transformation on news production.
News Writing, Reporting and Presentation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of news writing, reporting techniques, interviewing skills, and news presentation across platforms.
Photography and Photojournalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of photography, visual storytelling, image editing, and ethical considerations in photojournalism.
Video Camera Operations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Camera techniques, lighting, framing, and video production for news and documentary content.
Radio Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Radio broadcasting fundamentals including audio recording, editing, scripting, and programme production.
Social Media and Digital Storytelling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital storytelling techniques, social media platforms, content strategy, and audience engagement.
Theories of Communication and Digital Media
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication theories, media effects, and theoretical frameworks for understanding digital media environments.
Public Relations
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of public relations, media relations, corporate communication, and reputation management.
Media Law and Ethics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Legal and ethical frameworks governing media practice in Kenya, including defamation, privacy, and press freedom.
Critical and Cultural Analysis in Digital Communication
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Critical analysis of digital media content, cultural representation, and media literacy in contemporary society.
Investigative Journalism
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Investigative reporting techniques, data journalism, source protection, and accountability journalism.
Industrial Attachment and Final Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Supervised industrial attachment in a media organisation, plus a final-year project producing a substantial multimedia journalism portfolio.

Specialisations

Broadcast Journalism
Focuses on radio and television news production, including reporting, presenting, and editing for broadcast media.
Digital and Online Media
Covers digital storytelling, social media journalism, content management systems, and online news production.
Print Journalism
Focuses on news writing, feature writing, editing, and production for newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Public Relations and Corporate Communication
Equips students with skills in media relations, corporate communication, crisis communication, and brand management.
Photojournalism
Covers visual storytelling through photography, image editing, and visual ethics for news and documentary work.
Advertising and Media Sales
Focuses on advertising principles, media planning, media sales, and commercial content production. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines classroom lectures on communication theory and media law with hands-on practical sessions in the studio. Students spend time writing news stories, editing video footage, producing radio segments, and managing social media content. Afternoons often involve field assignments, guest lectures from practising journalists, or project work in the media lab. Industrial attachment in a media house provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme specifically designed for the digital media era, with curriculum covering social media, digital storytelling, and online content production.
Flexible study modes at MKU including full-time, evening, weekend, and digital learning options.
Growing demand for digital journalists in Kenya's expanding online media landscape.
Practical, hands-on training with studio facilities and industrial attachment in real media houses.

Against it

Offered only at Mount Kenya University, limiting choice of institution for this specific programme name.
Entry-level salaries in Kenyan journalism can be modest, particularly in traditional media houses.
Rapidly changing digital media landscape requires continuous self-learning beyond the formal curriculum.
High competition for positions in established media houses, with many graduates competing for limited entry-level roles.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public191k to 204k

191k at University of Nairobi204k at Kenyatta University

Private66k to 181k

66k at Mount Kenya University181k at KCA University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU Comm/Media 204K; UoN ~191K/yr. MKU 65.5K; KCA 180.8K. Src: KU fee structure, UoN, educationnewshub

Mount Kenya University offers internal scholarships and financial aid for academically outstanding and financially needy students. HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. County government bursaries may also be available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
Mount Kenya University Financial Aid
Scholarship
Academically outstanding and financially needy students
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need

Scholarships

5 recorded

County Government Bursaries
County bursaryKenyan
Students from specific counties may apply for bursary support through their county government education funds.
Mount Kenya University Scholarships
University scholarshipKenyan
Academically outstanding and financially needy students. Application through the MKU financial aid office.
Media Council of Kenya Training Grants
Professional grantKenyan
Practising journalists and journalism students may access training grants through MCK programmes.
Media Council of Kenya Journalism Training Fund
BursaryKenyan
Journalism and communication students accredited by the Media Council of Kenya
Nation Media Group Journalism Graduate Trainee Programme
ScholarshipKenyan
Recent journalism, media and communication graduates with strong digital skills

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KACE with two principal passes and a credit pass in English or Kiswahili at KCE level; OR a relevant Diploma in Journalism or related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, practical assignments, and coursework projects throughout the semester.
Practical Production Assignments
Practical30% of the mark
Hands-on production of news reports, radio segments, video packages, and multimedia content assessed for technical and editorial quality.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering theoretical aspects of communication, media law, and journalism principles.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. CUE accreditation ensures the programme meets national standards for curriculum, staffing, and facilities.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Media Council of Kenya
Professional accreditation
Statutory body that regulates media practice and accredits journalists working in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Reporter / News Writer
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Reports and writes news stories for print, online, or broadcast media organisations.
Multimedia Journalist
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Produces content across multiple platforms including text, video, audio, and social media for digital news outlets.
Digital Content Producer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Creates and manages digital content for media companies, brands, or organisations across online platforms.
Radio Presenter / Producer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000
Presents or produces radio programmes, including news, talk shows, and entertainment content.
Public Relations Officer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Manages media relations, corporate communication, and public image for organisations.
Social Media Manager
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Develops and implements social media strategies, creates content, and manages online communities for brands or media companies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment in newsrooms, broadcasting stations, digital media companies, corporate communication departments, and PR agencies. Kenya's growing digital media landscape has expanded opportunities for multimedia journalists and content creators.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Premiere Pro
Video editingPrimary
Professional video editing software used for news packages, documentaries, and multimedia content.
Adobe Photoshop
Image editingPrimary
Image editing and manipulation software for photojournalism and graphic design.
Audacity
Audio editing
Free, open-source audio editing software for radio production and podcasting.
WordPress
Content managementPrimary
Content management system used for publishing news and media content online.
Canva
Graphic design
Online design platform for creating social media graphics, infographics, and visual content.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Journalism is a dying profession because of the internet.
Digital transformation has created new forms of journalism, with growing demand for multimedia content creators, data journalists, and digital storytellers.
You need to work for a traditional media house to be a journalist.
Many graduates work as freelance journalists, content creators, or in corporate communications, with online platforms providing independent publishing opportunities.
Digital journalism is just about social media posting.
The programme covers rigorous reporting, investigative journalism, media ethics, and multi-platform storytelling alongside digital tools.
Journalism graduates earn very low salaries.
While entry-level salaries in traditional media can be modest, digital media, corporate communications, and specialised journalism roles offer competitive compensation.