Media & Communication

Diploma in Communication

The Diploma in Communication is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in mass communication, media studies and journalism. Offered at St Paul's University, the programme prepares students for careers in the media and communication industry.

The curriculum covers communication theory, mass communication, media writing, journalism, radio and television production, public relations, advertising, media ethics, digital media, photography, editing, media law, research methods, communication skills, ICT and entrepreneurship. Students develop both theoretical communication knowledge and practical media production skills.

Kenya's media industry requires trained professionals who can produce content for print, broadcast and digital platforms. The programme responds to the need for skilled communicators who can work in radio, television, newspapers, online media, corporate communication and public relations.

The programme is delivered through lectures, media laboratory sessions, studio practicals, field assignments, case studies and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in media production, writing, editing and broadcasting through practical sessions and attachment at media organisations.

Graduates pursue careers as journalists, radio presenters, television producers, media assistants, public relations assistants, corporate communication assistants, content creators and editorial assistants in media houses, PR firms, corporate communication departments, NGOs and government. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have strong communication skills, interest in current affairs and aptitude for storytelling. The programme is suitable for students seeking practical media and communication skills for employment or further study.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 101,000
Private, up to: Ksh 153,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Communication Theory and Mass Communication
Media Writing and Journalism
Radio and Television Production
Public Relations and Advertising
Media Ethics and Media Law
Digital Media and Photography
Editing and Content Creation
Research Methods and Entrepreneurship

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Theory and Mass Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers communication models, mass communication theories, media systems, media effects, audience analysis and communication research fundamentals.
Media Writing and Journalism
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers news writing, feature writing, reporting, editing, journalistic ethics, news values, interview techniques and print journalism.
Radio and Television Production
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers radio production, television production, studio operations, audio recording, video editing, broadcasting techniques and programme production.
Public Relations and Advertising
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers PR principles, corporate communication, media relations, advertising principles, campaign planning, copywriting and brand management.
Digital Media and Photography
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers digital media platforms, social media management, content creation, photography, photo editing, digital storytelling and online journalism.
Media Ethics and Media Law
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers media ethics, journalistic codes of conduct, media law, defamation, copyright, privacy, access to information and regulatory frameworks.
Research Methods and Entrepreneurship
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers communication research methods, data collection, report writing, ICT, entrepreneurship and business planning for media ventures.
Industrial Attachment and Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a media organisation, assessed through an attachment report and a media production project.

Specialisations

Journalism
Focuses on news writing, reporting and editing for careers in print and broadcast journalism.
Broadcast Production
Specialises in radio and television production for careers in broadcasting.
Public Relations
Focuses on corporate communication, media relations and PR campaigns for careers in PR.
Digital Media
Specialises in digital content creation, social media management and online journalism.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on communication theory or media writing, followed by a studio practical session on radio or television production. Afternoon sessions may include a photography exercise, an editing workshop, or a field assignment covering a news story. Students also work on media projects, PR campaigns and digital content creation assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya has a vibrant media industry with diverse opportunities in radio, television, print and digital media.
The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical media production skills through studio sessions and attachment.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at St Paul's University or other institutions.

Against it

The media industry is competitive, with many graduates seeking entry-level positions.
The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options.

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

Public101k to 101k

101k at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication101k at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication

Private50k to 153k

50k at Zetech University153k at Daystar 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

KIMC self-spon 101K/yr public (kenyaeducationguide). Zetech 50K, Daystar 153K/yr private.

Students can access HELB loans. SPU may offer internal bursaries for qualifying students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in Communication, Journalism or related field from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering communication theory, media writing and journalism.
Studio Practicals
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of radio and television production skills, photography and editing exercises.
Media Production Project
Project50% of the mark
A practical media production project, assessed through a portfolio and presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a media organisation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at St Paul's University in the Mass Communication and Media Studies subject area.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at St Paul's University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Researches, writes and reports news stories for print, broadcast and digital media platforms.
Radio Presenter
Low demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 100,000
Hosts radio programmes, conducts interviews, presents news and engages audiences on radio stations.
Public Relations Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 90,000
Supports PR operations, writes press releases, manages media relations, coordinates events and supports corporate communication.
Media Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 85,000
Supports media production, assists with content creation, manages social media accounts and coordinates media activities.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as journalists, radio presenters, media assistants and PR assistants in media houses, PR firms and corporate communication departments.

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Communication is just about talking.
The programme covers media production, journalism, public relations, advertising, digital media and research, requiring diverse technical and analytical skills.
There are no jobs in media in Kenya.
Kenya has a vibrant media industry with opportunities in radio, television, print, digital media, corporate communication and public relations.
Communication diplomas are not recognised.
The programme is CUE-accredited and graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with credit transfers.
You need to be on TV to be a communication professional.
Communication careers span journalism, PR, corporate communication, content creation, media production and digital media, most of which are behind-the-scenes roles.