Certificate in Media Studies
The Certificate in Media Studies provides foundational knowledge in media theory, mass communication, journalism principles, and digital media. Students learn media analysis, communication theory, media ethics, news writing, and digital media fundamentals. The programme is designed for individuals seeking to understand media systems or as a pathway to further studies in communication and media.
Students develop competencies in media analysis, communication theory, news writing, media ethics, digital media, broadcast media, and media research basics. The curriculum covers introduction to media studies, mass communication theory, media and society, news writing, media ethics, digital media, broadcast media, and media project work. The programme includes common courses alongside specialty units.
Kenya's media landscape is dynamic and expanding, with traditional media (television, radio, print) alongside rapidly growing digital and social media platforms. Media organisations, corporate communication departments, NGOs, and government agencies require personnel with foundational media knowledge. The programme addresses the need for accessible, foundational media studies training within a Christian worldview.
The programme combines classroom lectures with practical exercises, group discussions, and media project work. Students analyse media content, practise news writing, and develop media projects. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and project-based work. The programme includes 30 hours of study spread across 6 months in two semesters, with 9 hours of common courses and 21 hours of specialty units.
Graduates find employment as media assistants, communication assistants, news assistants, or social media coordinators in media houses, corporate communication departments, NGOs, and government communication offices. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in communication, media studies, or journalism at Daystar University.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in media, communication, and journalism, as well as individuals working in communication-related roles who seek formal qualification. Daystar University's strong reputation in media and communication training makes this an attractive foundation programme.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 89,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 90,400
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 25 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
10 subjects- Introduction to Media Studies
- Mass Communication Theory
- Media and Society
- News Writing Basics
- Media Ethics and Regulation
- Digital Media Fundamentals
- Broadcast Media
- Print Media
- Media Research Basics
- Communication Skills
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Media Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to media studies covering the history and development of media, media industries, media formats, and the role of media in society.
Mass Communication Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Mass communication theory covering communication models, media effects theories, audience theory, and the theoretical foundations of mass communication.
Media and Society
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Media and society covering the social, political, and cultural impact of media, media representation, media and democracy, and media in Kenya.
News Writing and Media Ethics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
News writing basics covering news values, story structure, interviewing, and media ethics including accuracy, fairness, privacy, and media regulation in Kenya.
Digital Media and Broadcast
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Digital media fundamentals covering online media, social media platforms, content creation, and broadcast media including radio and television production basics.
Print Media and Media Research
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Print media covering newspapers, magazines, and publishing, combined with media research basics including content analysis and audience research methods.
Communication Skills and Christian Worldview
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication skills covering interpersonal communication, public speaking, and writing, integrated with a Christian worldview perspective on media and communication.
Media Project and Portfolio
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
A media project applying media studies knowledge to analyse a media issue or produce media content, and development of a media studies portfolio.
Specialisations
Digital Media
Focus on digital media platforms, online content creation, social media management, and digital communication strategies.
Broadcast Media
Focus on radio and television media, broadcast production, and broadcast journalism fundamentals.
Media Analysis
Focus on media research, content analysis, audience research, and media impact assessment.
A day as a student
A typical day involves morning lectures on media theory and communication principles, followed by afternoon practical exercises and group discussions. Students analyse media content, practise news writing, and discuss media ethics scenarios. Project work involves developing media analysis reports and communication plans. The programme includes common courses alongside media specialty units.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Daystar University has a strong reputation and industry network in media and communication training.
- Provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in communication and media at Daystar University.
- Growing demand for media and digital communication skills across sectors.
Against it
- The programme is relatively short (6 months of study), limiting depth of coverage.
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
- 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: KU Film&Theatre 63.6K, MMU Mass Comm 89K/yr (ku.ac.ke, kenyaeducationguide). Priv: Daystar 90.4K/yr (daystar.ac.ke)
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students. Daystar University offers scholarships for qualifying students.
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
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D+
- Alternative entry
- KCSE D+ (Plus) OR 3 Credits in IGCSE or equivalent.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment
Written examination40% of the mark
Regular assessments evaluating understanding of media theory, communication principles, and media ethics.
Coursework and Assignments
Project30% of the mark
Coursework assignments including media analysis, news writing exercises, and media content projects.
Final Examinations and Media Project
Project30% of the mark
Final examinations and a media project demonstrating applied media studies competencies.
Accreditation
Daystar University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered under the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI).
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Daystar University is chartered by CUE. The programme is offered under DLPDI.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesMedia Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 48,000
Assists in media operations in media houses or corporate communication departments, supporting content production, research, and media coordination.
Communication Assistant
Moderate demand
Supports communication activities in NGOs, corporate organisations, or government, assisting with content creation, media monitoring, and communication coordination.
Social Media Coordinator
High demand
Manages social media content and engagement for organisations, applying media studies knowledge to create and curate digital media content.
News Assistant
Moderate demand
Assists in news operations in media houses, supporting news gathering, writing, research, and editorial coordination.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as media assistants, communication assistants, and social media coordinators in media houses, corporate communication, and NGOs, with opportunities for progression to diploma and degree programmes.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Media studies is just about watching TV and using social media.
Media studies involves critical analysis of media systems, communication theory, media ethics, and the social, political, and economic impact of media.
Media studies is the same as journalism.
Media studies is broader, covering media theory, analysis, and digital media, while journalism focuses specifically on news gathering and reporting.
A certificate in media studies has no career value.
Media houses, corporate communication departments, and NGOs employ certificate holders as media and communication assistants, and the certificate provides a pathway to higher qualifications.
Media studies is only for people who want to be on TV.
Media studies prepares for diverse roles including research, content creation, communication strategy, social media management, and media analysis.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Media Studies are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.