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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.

Duration
4 Years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 189,000
Ksh 756,000 total
Job market
Moderate
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 189,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,000 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Crisis Communication Director, at 18 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

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.

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 favourAgainst it
Programme combines language analysis with practical communication skills, addressing demand for versatile communication professionals.Entry-level salaries in communication roles are often modest compared to technical professions.
Diverse career paths in corporate communication, public relations, broadcasting, publishing, and media consultancy.Some career paths such as public relations may require additional professional certification.
Programme offered at multiple universities including the University of Nairobi, providing institutional choice.Programme requires strong aptitude for both language analysis and practical communication, which may not suit all students.
Digital communication expansion has increased demand for professionals with language and communication expertise.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.

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (Plus)minimum entry
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.

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Maasai Mara University.

May 20271 institution

Including Maasai Mara University.

September 20271 institution

Including Maasai Mara 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

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

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.

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

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.

Further reading

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