Media & Communication

Bachelor of Linguistics and Communication Studies

The Bachelor of Linguistics and Communication Studies is a programme that combines linguistic analysis with communication studies. Offered at Murang'a University of Technology, Moi University and other institutions, the programme explores the interplay of language in social, political and cultural contexts.

The curriculum covers phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, communication theory, mass communication, media studies, public relations, journalism, organisational communication, language in advertising, language in public relations, forensic linguistics, research methods in communication, technical communication, editing and publishing, speech writing, intercultural communication, and a research project. Students develop both linguistic analysis and communication skills.

The programme is designed to equip students with competences and skills for careers that apply different aspects of language and technical communication. The programme explores the interplay of language in social, political and cultural contexts and appreciates the diversity of the power of communication.

Graduates are prepared for careers as communication officers, editors, publishers, speech writers, public speaking coaches, language consultants, technical writers, media officers, public relations officers, content developers, forensic linguists and researchers. They work in media houses, publishing houses, corporate communication, government, NGOs, research institutions and as consultants.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in English. The programme falls under KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,000
Private, up to: Ksh 225,800
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Phonetics and Phonology
Syntax and Semantics
Sociolinguistics
Communication Theory
Mass Communication
Discourse Analysis
Organisational Communication
Language in Advertising
Forensic Linguistics
Research Methods in Communication

Modules

10 in the programme

Phonetics and Phonology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Sound systems of language. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...
Syntax and Semantics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Sentence structure and meaning. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
Sociolinguistics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Language in society. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Communication Theory
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Theories of communication. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...
Mass Communication
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Mass media communication. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Discourse Analysis
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Analysing discourse. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Organisational Communication
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication in organisations. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-s...
Language in Advertising
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Language use in advertising. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Forensic Linguistics
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Linguistics in legal contexts. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-se...
Research Methods in Communication
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methodology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...

Specialisations

Linguistics
Focus on language structure and analysis. 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 Communication
Focus on media and mass communication. 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 and editing. 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.
Corporate Communication
Focus on organisational communication. 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 involves attending lectures on linguistics and communication, analysing language structures, studying discourse analysis, researching communication theories, studying sociolinguistics, analysing media content, studying organisational communication, participating in seminar discussions, researching forensic linguistics, and engaging with current language and communication issues. Students undertake internships.

The trade offs

In its favour

Combines scientific language study with practical communication
Diverse career options across media, publishing and corporate sectors
Strong analytical and research skills

Against it

Requires competence in both linguistics and communication
Some positions may require additional training
Competitive job market for entry-level positions
May require postgraduate qualifications for advancement

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

Private226k to 226k

226k at Daystar University226k at Daystar 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

UoN BA 144K-189K/yr. KU 153K/yr. Daystar ~226K/yr (official). USIU unverified.

Government scholarships under the new funding model cover 53-82% of tuition for needy students in public universities. HELB provides loans up to KSh 60,000 per year.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes at recognised institutions
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKenyan
Needy students placed by KUCCPS in public universities, assessed through Means Testing Instrument
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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English. KACE with two principal passes. Diploma in a related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

3 components

End of Semester Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Final written examinations covering all semester content
Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular tests, essays, language analysis, presentations and class participation
Internship and Research Project
Practical30% of the mark
Internship and linguistics/communication research project

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at Murang'a University of Technology (KUCCPS code 1246621), Moi University (KUCCPS code 1253621) and other institutions. Cut-off points: 22.449 (2023), 20.473 (2024). Falls under KUCCPS Cluster 3.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Public Relations Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages PR for organisations
Editor
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Edits publications
Language Consultant
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 280,000
Provides language consultancy
Technical Writer
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 280,000
Writes technical content
Communication Officer
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages organisational communication

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as communication officers, editors, language consultants and technical writers in media, publishing and corporate communication.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SDL Trados Studio
SoftwarePrimary
Computer-assisted translation software widely used by professional translators for translation memory, terminology management, and efficient translation of documents in multiple languages.
Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access for document creation, data management, presentations, and professional communication in French and English.
Antidote
Software
French language correction and reference software for grammar, spelling, syntax, and style checking in French written communication and translation work.
Google Workspace
Software
Collaboration and productivity tools for document creation, translation collaboration, email communication, and team coordination in multilingual work environments.
MemoQ
Software
Computer-assisted translation tool for professional translators, providing translation memory, terminology databases, and project management features for translation projects.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Linguistics is just about learning languages.
Linguistics is the scientific study of language structure, use and communication.
This is only for those who want to teach.
Graduates work in media, publishing, corporate communication, PR, technical writing and consulting.
Linguistics has no practical application.
Linguistics is applied in forensic linguistics, translation, speech technology, editing and communication.
Communication studies is just about talking.
The programme covers communication theory, media analysis, organisational communication and research methods.