Certificate in Journalism and Media Studies
The Certificate in Journalism and Media Studies provides foundational skills in news writing, media production, digital media literacy, and communication. Students learn the principles of journalism, media ethics, photography, public relations basics, and storytelling across platforms. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in media-related roles or as a pathway to further studies in journalism and communication.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 89,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 89,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 59,300 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 year, full-time, online, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 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, media ethics, basic photography, public relations fundamentals, digital media literacy, and communication skills. The curriculum covers introduction to journalism, news writing, media ethics, photography, public relations, digital media, communication theories, and corporate communication basics. Practical skills are developed through media laboratory sessions and project work.
Kenya's media landscape is evolving rapidly with digital transformation, creating opportunities in online media, content creation, corporate communication, and multimedia production. Media houses, corporate organisations, NGOs, and digital platforms require personnel with foundational media and journalism skills. The programme provides a broad foundation spanning journalism, media studies, and communication for versatile career entry.
The programme combines classroom lectures with practical training in media laboratories and studio environments. Students practise news writing, photography, digital content creation, and basic media production. Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, field assignments, project-based work, and both physical and online delivery modes. Students produce media content as part of their coursework.
Graduates find employment as trainee journalists, assistant reporters, media assistants, content creators, or communication assistants in media houses, corporate communication departments, NGOs, and digital media companies. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in journalism, mass communication, or media studies at Zetech University and other institutions.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in media, journalism, and communication, as well as individuals exploring media careers before committing to diploma or degree-level studies. The accessible entry requirements and blended delivery mode make it suitable for diverse learners.
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Journalism
- News Writing and Reporting
- Media Ethics
- Basic Photography
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Digital Media Literacy
- Communication Theories
- Corporate Communication Basics
- Media and Society
- Entrepreneurship in Media
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Journalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of journalism covering news values, types of journalism, the role of journalism in society, and the media industry in Kenya.
News Writing and Reporting
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
News writing and reporting skills covering news gathering, interviewing, news story structure, feature writing, and effective storytelling across platforms.
Media Ethics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Media ethics covering journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness, privacy, defamation, and media regulations in Kenya.
Basic Photography and Visual Media
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Basic photography covering camera operation, composition, news photography, photo editing, and visual storytelling for media.
Introduction to Public Relations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Public relations fundamentals covering PR principles, media relations, press releases, corporate communication, and PR's role in organisations.
Digital Media Literacy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Digital media literacy covering online platforms, social media, digital content creation, online publishing, misinformation, and digital media ethics.
Communication Theories and Corporate Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication theories covering mass communication models, audience studies, media effects, and corporate communication basics for organisational contexts.
Entrepreneurship and Media Project
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship in media covering freelance journalism and media business basics, and a media project producing a portfolio of journalism and digital content work.
Specialisations
News Journalism
Focus on news writing, reporting, and storytelling for print, online, and broadcast media.
Digital Media
Focus on digital content creation, social media, online publishing, and multimedia storytelling.
Corporate Communication
Focus on public relations, corporate communication, and media relations for organisational contexts.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on journalism or media theory with afternoon practical sessions in media laboratories. Students practise news writing, photography, digital content creation, and basic media production. Field assignments involve covering events and writing news stories, while project work includes producing a media portfolio.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Blended delivery (physical and online) provides flexibility for different learning preferences. | Media industry employment can be competitive for entry-level positions. |
| Covers both journalism and media studies for broader career options. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
| Provides a direct pathway to diploma programmes in journalism and mass communication at Zetech and other institutions. | 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
Pub: MMU Cert Mass Comm 89K/yr (kenyaeducationguide). Priv: Zetech 29.65K/sem×2=59.3K/yr (eafinder)
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
3 usable where it is taught- 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 D+ (Plus) with D+ in either Kiswahili or English, or a relevant qualification recognised by Zetech University Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Zetech University, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
Including Zetech University, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
Including Zetech University, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of journalism theory, media ethics, and communication concepts.
Practical Assessment
Practical assessment40% of the mark
Practical assessment of news writing, photography, digital content creation, and media production in laboratory settings.
End of Semester Examinations and Media Portfolio
Project30% of the mark
Final examinations and a media portfolio demonstrating journalism, photography, and digital content competencies.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Zetech University is chartered by CUE.
Zetech University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is an introductory course covering journalism, communication, and media fundamentals.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesTrainee Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 45,000
Learns journalism practice in a media house, supporting reporting, writing, and content production under supervision of senior journalists.
Assistant Reporter
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 42,000
Assists in news reporting for print, online, or broadcast media, covering events, conducting interviews, and writing news stories.
Media Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 40,000
Supports media operations in corporate communication departments, NGOs, or media companies, assisting with content creation and media coordination.
Digital Content Creator
High demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 50,000
Creates digital content for online platforms and social media, applying journalism and media skills to produce engaging multimedia content.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as trainee journalists, assistant reporters, and media assistants in media houses and corporate communication departments, with opportunities for progression to diploma programmes.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Media studies is the same as journalism.
Media studies encompasses journalism, communication, digital media, public relations, and media production, providing a broader foundation than journalism alone.
You need expensive equipment to study media.
The programme uses university-provided media laboratory and studio equipment, and basic skills can be developed with accessible digital tools including smartphones.
Media careers are only for extroverts.
Media careers include behind-the-scenes roles in writing, editing, research, production, and digital content that suit different personality types.
A certificate in media cannot lead to employment.
Media houses, corporate communication departments, and digital platforms employ certificate holders as trainee journalists, media assistants, and content creators.