Media & Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication is a four-year degree programme that examines the role of communication in society, focusing on media, journalism, and social transformation. Students develop practical skills in media production alongside critical understanding of communication's impact on communities and development.

The curriculum covers communication theory, journalism, media studies, radio and television production, print media, digital media, development communication, media ethics, and research methods. Students explore both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in media and communication.

Students develop competencies in critical thinking, media production, storytelling, research, ethical reasoning, and intercultural communication. The programme combines lectures, studio work, fieldwork, and industrial attachment. Students produce media content, analyse communication phenomena, and conduct research on social communication topics.

Graduates pursue careers as journalists, media producers, communications officers, public relations practitioners, and development communication specialists. They find employment in media houses, NGOs, faith-based organisations, corporate communications departments, and community media across Kenya.

The programme is offered at Tangaza University (KSH 230,550 per year, private) through its Institute of Communication, Journalism and Media Studies. The institution is accredited by the Commission for University Education and offers blended learning modes.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ or a relevant diploma from a recognised institution.

Duration: 4 Years
Private, up to: Ksh 230,550
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 2 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Communication Theory
Journalism
Media Studies
Radio Production
Television Production
Print Media
Digital Media
Development Communication
Media Ethics
Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Communication Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Communication Theory: Foundational concepts and theories in communication and media studies. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Introduction to Journalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Journalism: Basic principles of journalism including news writing, reporting, and editing. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Print Media Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical skills in print media production including writing, editing, and design.
Media and Society
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Media and Society: Examines the relationship between media, society, and social change. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Radio Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Radio Production: Practical skills in radio broadcasting, production, and presentation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Television Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Television Production: Practical skills in television production, camera operation, and video editing. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Development Communication
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Use of communication for social change, community development, and behaviour change.
Media Ethics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Media Ethics: Ethical principles and standards in journalism and media practice. Encourages critical thinking about moral dilemmas and professional responsibility.
Digital Media and Online Journalism
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital Media and Online Journalism: Digital content creation, social media journalism, and online publishing. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Research Methods in Communication
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methodology for communication studies, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a social communication topic, including dissertation.
Industrial Attachment
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Industrial Attachment: Supervised attachment with a media house, NGO, or communication organisation. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.

Specialisations

Print Media
Focus on reporting, writing, editing, and publishing for print publications. 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.
Electronic Media
Focus on radio and television production, broadcasting, and content creation. 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.
Development Communication
Focus on using communication for social change and community development. 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.
Digital Media
Focus on digital content creation, social media, and online journalism. 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 Gender
Focus on gender representation in media and communication for gender equity. 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.
Community Media
Focus on community-based media platforms and participatory 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 combines lectures, studio work, and practical media production. Morning sessions cover communication theory, journalism, and media ethics, while afternoons focus on radio production, video editing, and digital media creation. Students produce media content, analyse case studies, and participate in group projects. Industrial attachment in media houses provides real-world experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical media production skills.
Graduates can pursue diverse careers in journalism, development communication, and digital media.
Programme emphasises communication for social transformation and community development.
Small class sizes enable personalised attention and hands-on media production experience.

Against it

Only offered at one private university, limiting institutional choice and affordability.
Tuition fees are relatively high compared to public university communication programmes.
Media industry in Kenya is competitive with limited entry-level positions.
Programme may not be as widely recognised as mass communication degrees from larger universities.

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

Private231k to 231k

231k at Tangaza University College231k at Tangaza University College

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

Tangaza BA Social Communication 230,550/yr (educationnewshub KUCCPS). Not offered at public univs.

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available. Tangaza University offers internal scholarships for needy students.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
Tangaza University Scholarships

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Tangaza University Scholarships
University scholarshipKenyan
Registered students demonstrating academic excellence or financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
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

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 a recognised diploma in a relevant area of study from an accredited institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by Tangaza University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, media production assignments, and seminar presentations.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering communication theory, journalism, and media studies.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project on a social communication topic, including dissertation.
Industrial Attachment Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of supervised attachment performance and report.

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

Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Reports, writes, and edits news content for print, broadcast, or digital media.
Communications Officer
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manages internal and external communications for organisations and NGOs.
Radio Producer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Produces radio content, manages programmes, and operates broadcasting equipment.
Development Communication Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Designs and implements communication strategies for development programmes in NGOs.
Digital Content Creator
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Creates digital media content for organisations, media houses, or freelance clients.
Media Relations Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 110,000
Manages media relations and public communications for organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as journalists, media producers, and communications officers. Demand is moderate with growing opportunities in digital media and development communication.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Creative Suite
Media productionPrimary
Media production software for video editing, graphic design, and audio production.
Audacity
Audio productionPrimary
Open-source audio editing software for radio production and podcasting.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for reports, scripts, and presentations.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for document sharing and team projects.
Canva
Design
Graphic design platform for social media content and visual communication.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

A social communication degree only leads to becoming a news reporter.
Graduates work in development communication, corporate communications, digital media, and community media.
Social communication is the same as mass communication.
Social communication emphasises communication for social transformation and community development, not just mass media.
The programme is only for people who want to work in traditional media.
Graduates increasingly work in digital media, NGO communications, and corporate communications.
A communication degree is easy and requires no technical skills.
The programme involves technical skills in media production, editing, and digital content creation.