Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication
The Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication provides foundational skills in news writing, broadcasting, media production, public relations, and digital communication. Students learn journalism fundamentals, mass communication theory, radio and television production, photojournalism, and media ethics. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in media houses, PR firms, corporate communication, or as a pathway to further studies in media and communication.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 97,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 145,500 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 47,100 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1.5 years, full-time, part-time, evening, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in news writing and reporting, radio and television production, photojournalism, media ethics, public relations basics, digital media, and communication skills. The curriculum covers introduction to journalism, mass communication theory, news writing, broadcasting, media editing, photojournalism, media law and ethics, public relations, and digital media. Practical skills are emphasised through media studio and laboratory sessions.
Kenya's media and communication industry is one of the most dynamic in East Africa, with growing television, radio, print, and digital media platforms. The expansion of digital media, social media, and corporate communication has broadened career opportunities beyond traditional journalism. Organisations across sectors require personnel with media and communication skills for internal communication, public relations, content creation, and media engagement.
The programme combines classroom lectures with practical training in media studios, radio production facilities, and video editing suites. Students practise news writing, radio presentation, video production, photography, and digital content creation. Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, field assignments, newsroom simulations, and project-based work. Students produce media content as part of their coursework.
Graduates find employment as junior reporters, radio production assistants, television production assistants, PR assistants, content creators, or communication assistants in media houses, PR firms, corporate communication departments, NGOs, and digital media companies. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in journalism, mass communication, or media studies.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in media, communication, and storytelling, as well as individuals already working in media-related fields who seek formal qualification. The programme provides practical skills applicable across journalism, broadcasting, PR, and digital media.
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication
- News Writing and Reporting
- Radio Production
- Television Production
- Photojournalism
- Media Law and Ethics
- Public Relations Basics
- Digital Media and Online Journalism
- Media Editing
- Communication Skills
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Journalism and Mass Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of journalism and mass communication covering communication models, media systems, types of media, the media industry in Kenya, and career paths in media.
News Writing and Reporting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
News writing and reporting skills covering news values, interviewing techniques, news story structure, feature writing, and beat reporting.
Radio Production
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Radio production covering studio operations, audio recording and editing, programme production, news bulletins, and radio presentation skills.
Photojournalism and Media Editing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Photojournalism covering camera operation, news photography, photo editing, and media editing including sub-editing, headline writing, and layout design.
Television Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Television production covering camera operation, video recording, studio production, video editing, and television programme production.
Media Law and Ethics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Media law and ethics covering Kenyan media law, defamation, privacy, copyright, media regulations, journalistic ethics, and the Media Council Act.
Public Relations and Digital Media
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Public relations basics and digital media covering PR principles, media relations, social media for communication, online journalism, and digital content strategy.
Communication Skills and Media Project
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication skills, entrepreneurship in media, and a media project producing a portfolio of journalism, broadcasting, and digital content work.
Specialisations
Broadcast Journalism
Focus on radio and television production, studio operations, and on-air presentation for broadcast media.
Print and Online Journalism
Focus on news writing, reporting, and digital content production for print and online media.
Public Relations and Corporate Communication
Focus on PR principles, media relations, corporate communication, and digital media for organisational communication.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on journalism or mass communication theory with afternoon practical sessions in media studios and editing suites. Students practise news writing, radio presentation, video production, photography, and digital content creation. Field assignments involve covering events, while newsroom and studio simulations provide real-world media production experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Combines journalism and mass communication for broader career options across media, PR, and digital content. | Media industry employment can be competitive, particularly for entry-level positions in established media houses. |
| Offered at multiple universities, providing accessibility and choice. | MKU's 5-trimester programme is relatively expensive compared to other certificate courses. |
| Provides a direct pathway to diploma and degree programmes in journalism and mass communication. | Senior media roles require diploma or degree-level qualifications plus experience. |
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
Public: TVET 67K, KIMC 97K/yr (eafinder.com). Private: Zetech 40K, MKU 47K/yr (studyinkenya)
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies
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
MKU: KCSE D+ with C- in English or Kiswahili. Gretsa: KCSE D+ or Gretsa Foundation Certificate. PUEA: KCSE C- or equivalent.
When it next starts
Taught at 6 institutionsIncluding Mount Kenya University, Gretsa University, Presbyterian University of East Africa.
Including Mount Kenya University, Gretsa University, Presbyterian University of East Africa.
Including Mount Kenya University, Gretsa University, Presbyterian University of East Africa.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of mass communication theory, media law, and journalism principles.
Practical Studio Assessment
Practical assessment40% of the mark
Practical assessment of news writing, radio production, television production, and photojournalism in media studios and laboratories.
End of Semester Examinations and Media Portfolio
Project30% of the mark
Final examinations and a media portfolio demonstrating journalism, broadcasting, and digital content production competencies.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
MKU, Gretsa, and PUEA are chartered by CUE.
Mount Kenya University, Gretsa University, and Presbyterian University of East Africa are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme combines journalism and mass communication fundamentals.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesJunior Reporter
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 50,000
Reports on events and writes news stories for newspapers, online publications, or broadcast media, covering assigned beats and developing news content.
Production Assistant (Radio/TV)
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 45,000
Assists in radio or television production, operating studio equipment, recording, editing content, and supporting programme production.
PR and Communication Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 17,000 to Ksh 48,000
Supports public relations and communication functions in organisations, assisting with media relations, content creation, and corporate communication.
Digital Content Creator
High demandKsh 17,000 to Ksh 55,000
Creates digital content for online platforms, social media, and corporate websites, applying journalism and mass communication skills to produce engaging content.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as junior reporters, production assistants, PR assistants, and content creators in media houses, PR firms, and corporate communication departments, with opportunities for progression to diploma programmes.
Tools you will learn
Adobe Premiere Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Adobe Audition
Software
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mass communication is the same as journalism.
Mass communication encompasses journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and digital media, providing broader career options than journalism alone.
Media careers are only for people who want to be on TV.
Most media careers are behind the scenes in production, editing, writing, PR, research, and digital content roles.
Traditional media is dying, so media studies are pointless.
While traditional media is evolving, digital media, content creation, and corporate communication are growing, creating new opportunities for media-trained personnel.
A certificate cannot lead to media employment.
Media houses, PR firms, and corporate communication departments employ certificate holders as production assistants, junior reporters, and content creators.