Media & Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Communication

The Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Communication is a four-year degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in language analysis, communication theory, and practical communication competencies.

The curriculum covers principles of communication, English grammar, writing fundamentals, broadcasting language, public relations, crisis communication, persuasion, advertising language, organisational communication, forensic linguistics, intercultural communication, and research methods.

Students develop competencies in linguistic analysis, professional writing, public speaking, media communication, research methods, and intercultural communication. The programme combines lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials, and case studies.

Graduates pursue careers as communications officers, editors, public relations practitioners, speechwriters, broadcasters, content developers, language consultants, and project reporters. They find employment in media houses, publishing firms, corporate communications departments, government ministries, NGOs, and public relations agencies.

The programme is offered at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Linguistics and Languages, and at Maasai Mara University and Maseno University through KUCCPS placement. Annual tuition fees are KSH 153,000 at Maasai Mara University and Maseno University for government-sponsored students.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with a minimum of C+ in English or Kiswahili, following KUCCPS cluster subject requirements. The programme consists of at least forty-four course units with each unit having forty-five contact hours covered over a fifteen-week semester.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Principles of Communication
English Grammar
Writing Fundamentals
Broadcasting Language
Public Relations
Crisis Communication
Persuasion
Advertising Language
Organisational Communication
Intercultural Communication

Modules

12 in the programme

Principles and Practice of Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of communication theory, including models, processes, and contexts of communication.
Computer Applications in Information Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Application of computer technology in information communication, including digital tools and platforms.
A Communicative Grammar of English
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
English grammar from a communicative perspective, including structure, usage, and variation.
Fundamentals of Writing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and techniques of professional writing, including academic, journalistic, and creative writing.
Crisis Communication and Language in Public Relations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Strategies for crisis communication and the role of language in public relations practice.
Language of Broadcasting
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Language use in broadcast media, including radio and television presentation, scripting, and production.
Research Methods in Communication
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design and methodology for studying communication phenomena, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Language in Advertising
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of language use in advertising, including persuasive techniques, slogans, and brand messaging.
Organisational Communication
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication within and between organisations, including internal communication, corporate messaging, and stakeholder relations.
Aspects of Forensic Linguistics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Application of linguistic analysis to legal and investigative contexts, including authorship identification and language evidence.
Intercultural Communication
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication across cultural boundaries, including cross-cultural messaging, cultural sensitivity, and diversity in communication.
Communication and Development
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Role of communication in development, including development communication strategies and participatory communication.

Specialisations

Corporate Communication
Focus on organisational communication, public relations, and corporate messaging strategies. 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.
Media and Broadcasting
Focus on language use in broadcast media, including radio, television, and digital platforms. 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.
Publishing and Editing
Focus on publishing, editing, and content development for print and digital media. 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.
Forensic Linguistics
Focus on the application of linguistic analysis to legal and investigative contexts. 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.
Intercultural Communication
Focus on communication across cultural boundaries, including cross-cultural messaging and cultural sensitivity.

A day as a student

A typical day combines lectures, seminars, and practical communication exercises. Morning sessions cover communication theory, English grammar, or linguistic analysis, while afternoons focus on writing workshops, broadcasting practicals, or public relations case studies. Students engage in group presentations, debate exercises, and real-world communication projects. Research assignments involve analysing media content, conducting audience research, and developing communication strategies. Students participate in the university communication club and contribute to campus publications and media projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines language analysis with practical communication skills, addressing demand for versatile communication professionals.
Diverse career paths in corporate communication, public relations, broadcasting, publishing, and media consultancy.
Programme offered at multiple universities including the University of Nairobi, providing institutional choice.
Digital communication expansion has increased demand for professionals with language and communication expertise.

Against it

Entry-level salaries in communication roles are often modest compared to technical professions.
Some career paths such as public relations may require additional professional certification.
Programme requires strong aptitude for both language analysis and practical communication, which may not suit all students.
Communication roles often involve high-pressure deadlines and public-facing responsibilities.

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

Public144k to 189k

144k at University of Nairobi189k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN BA 144K-189K/yr. KU&Mara 153K/yr (educationnewshub). Private unverified.

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Universities offer internal bursaries for needy students.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points for participating universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
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
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent; OR KACE with two principal passes and a subsidiary pass; OR relevant Diploma from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, presentations, and practical communication assignments during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering communication theory, language analysis, and practical communication.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original research on a language and communication topic.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachment in a communication-related organisation, including supervisor evaluation and reports.

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.

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.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Communications Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Manages internal and external communication for organisations, including newsletters, reports, and corporate messaging.
Editor
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Edits publications including books, magazines, and online content for accuracy, clarity, and style.
Public Relations Practitioner
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Manages public relations activities for organisations, including media relations, press releases, and corporate events.
Broadcaster
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 95,000
Presents radio or television programmes, including news, talk shows, and cultural programmes.
Speechwriter
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Writes speeches and communications for executives, politicians, and public figures.
Language Consultant
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Provides advisory services on language use, communication strategy, and content development to organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as communications officers, editors, public relations practitioners, and broadcasters. Demand is moderate with Kenya's growing communication industry.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for writing, editing, and creating communication materials.
Adobe InDesign
Publishing
Desktop publishing software for creating print and digital publications.
Hootsuite
Social media management
Social media management platform for scheduling and analysing social media content.
Google Analytics
Analytics
Web analytics service for tracking and analysing digital communication performance.
SPSS
Data analysis
Statistical analysis software for communication research and data analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Languages and Communication is just about learning to speak well.
The programme covers linguistic analysis, communication theory, media studies, forensic linguistics, and research methods in addition to practical communication skills.
Graduates can only work as teachers or translators.
Graduates work in corporate communication, public relations, broadcasting, publishing, speechwriting, and media consultancy.
The programme is not relevant in the digital age.
Digital communication has increased demand for professionals who can craft effective language-based content for online platforms.
Communication skills are innate and cannot be taught.
Professional communication requires training in theory, research, ethics, strategy, and practical skills that formal study provides.