Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism
The Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism is a programme that provides comprehensive training in journalism, media production and communication theory. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Mount Kenya University, USIU-Africa and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in journalism, media and corporate communication.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 283,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,132,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 364,900 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.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 journalism theory, news writing and reporting, editing, media law and ethics, broadcast journalism, print journalism, online journalism, photojournalism, feature writing, investigative journalism, public relations, media research, communication theory, digital media, research methods and a research project. Students develop practical journalism and communication skills.
Kenya's vibrant media landscape, digital media growth and demand for communication professionals create demand for journalism graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, practical media sessions, studio work, industrial attachment and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as journalists, news reporters, editors, broadcasters, media producers, PR officers, communication officers, content creators, media researchers and media consultants. They work in media houses, PR firms, corporate communication departments, NGOs, government and as freelancers.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 1.
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.
What you study
10 subjects- Journalism Theory
- News Writing and Reporting
- Editing
- Media Law and Ethics
- Broadcast Journalism
- Print Journalism
- Online Journalism
- Photojournalism
- Investigative Journalism
- Public Relations
Modules
12 in the programmeCommunication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Journalism Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical foundations. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester...
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
News Writing and Reporting
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
News gathering and writing. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semes...
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Media Law and Ethics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Legal and ethical framework. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Online Journalism
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital media journalism. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semeste...
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.
Specialisations
Print Journalism
Newspapers and magazines. 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.
Broadcast Journalism
Radio and TV. 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.
Public Relations
PR and corporate 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.
Digital Journalism
Online 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. 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.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. 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 journalism lectures, writing news stories, working in the radio or TV studio, editing articles, studying media law, researching stories, taking photographs, and working on media production projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). | Competitive job market in traditional media |
| Diverse career paths in media, PR and corporate communication | Limited programme specialisation options may be available. |
| Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding. | Media industry faces economic pressures |
| Digital media creating new opportunities | Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking. |
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 coursesAnnual 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 ~283K, KU ~204K (educationnewshub/mawese). USIU ~365K (usiu.ac.ke), MKU ~111K.
HELB loans are available for eligible students. County bursaries and NGAAF provide additional support.
Funding options
HELB Loan
County Bursaries
NGAAF Bursary
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Kenyan students from participating counties
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
Scholarships you could apply for
6 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili. Diploma in journalism, media, communication or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 1.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Kabarnet University College, Meru University of Science and Technology, Maasai Mara University.
Including Kabarnet University College, Meru University of Science and Technology, Maasai Mara University.
Including Kabarnet University College, Meru University of Science and Technology, Maasai Mara University.
How you are assessed
5 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
Practical Productions
Practicum10% of the mark
Studio and field production assessments
Industrial Attachment
Practicum10% of the mark
3-month attachment at media house
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments and media projects
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at multiple public and private universities. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 1.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
8 rolesGraduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
PR Officer
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 250,000
Public relations
Broadcaster
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Radio and TV
Communication Officer
High demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 250,000
Corporate communication
Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
News reporting
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as journalists, editors, broadcasters and PR officers in media houses, PR firms and corporate communication departments.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Crisis Communication DirectorMedia & Communication18Low exposure
- Documentary Impact ProducerMedia & Communication19Low exposure
- Livestream Broadcast ProducerMedia & Communication19Low exposure
- Applied EthicistArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- ChoreographerArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Interfaith Dialogue FacilitatorArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Health Communication SpecialistMedia & Communication21Low exposure
- Corporate SpeechwriterMedia & Communication22Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Adobe Premiere Pro
Editing softwarePrimary
Film editing.
DaVinci Resolve
Editing software
Colour grading and editing.
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Image editing and graphic design software for creating visual content for print, digital media, and social media platforms.
WordPress
Software
Content management system for web publishing, blog management, and online content creation used by media houses and corporate websites.
Hootsuite
Software
Social media management platform for scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analysing social media performance across multiple platforms.
Adobe InDesign
SoftwarePrimary
Desktop publishing software for print and digital media layout.
Microsoft Word
Software
Word processing for article writing and editorial work.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Journalism is dying in Kenya.
Digital media is creating new opportunities while traditional media remains strong.
Journalism graduates only work in media houses.
Graduates work in PR, corporate communication, NGOs, government and as freelancers.
Anyone can be a journalist without training.
Professional journalism requires skills in research, writing, ethics and media law.
Journalism is just about writing.
The programme covers broadcasting, photography, editing, PR and digital media.