Media & Communication

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.

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.

Duration: 1.5 years
Public, up to: Ksh 97,000
Private, up to: Ksh 47,100
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Certificate

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 programme

Introduction 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

Combines journalism and mass communication for broader career options across media, PR, and digital content.
Offered at multiple universities, providing accessibility and choice.
Provides a direct pathway to diploma and degree programmes in journalism and mass communication.

Against it

Media industry employment can be competitive, particularly for entry-level positions in established media houses.
MKU's 5-trimester programme is relatively expensive compared to other certificate courses.
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 courses

Public67k to 97k

67k at Eldoret Polytechnic97k at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication

Private40k to 47k

40k at Zetech University47k at Mount Kenya 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

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 recorded

HELB 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

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: D+
Alternative entry: MKU: KCSE D+ with C- in English or Kiswahili. Gretsa: KCSE D+ or Gretsa Foundation Certificate. PUEA: KCSE C- or equivalent.

English or Kiswahili (MKU requirement)
C-

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous 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

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
MKU, Gretsa, and PUEA are chartered by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Junior 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

Media Council of Kenya (MCK) — Media Accreditation

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.