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Media & Communication

Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies

The Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies is a comprehensive programme that prepares learners for careers in the dynamic media and communications industry. The course covers news writing and reporting, broadcast production, photojournalism, media law and ethics, online journalism, and media management, equipping students with both traditional and digital media competencies.

Duration
3 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 96,000
Ksh 288,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 63,868
Ksh 191,604 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 96,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 288,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 63,868 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C- (Minus) or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 25 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Crisis Communication Director, at 18 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

Students develop practical skills in interviewing techniques, news gathering, feature writing, sub-editing, radio and television production, camera operation, video editing, and online content creation. The programme also covers public relations principles, advertising fundamentals, and mass media research methodologies, ensuring graduates understand the broader media ecosystem.

Kenya's media landscape is one of the most vibrant in East Africa, with over 100 licensed radio stations, numerous television channels, and a rapidly growing digital media sector. The expansion of online platforms and social media has created new opportunities for content creators, digital journalists, and multimedia producers who can navigate both traditional and new media environments.

The programme combines classroom lectures with extensive practical studio work. Students operate campus radio and television studios, produce news bulletins, write articles for publications, and undertake industrial attachment in media houses, PR firms, or digital content companies. Assessment includes continuous practical assignments, portfolio development, and final examinations.

Graduates find employment as reporters, sub-editors, radio and television producers, news anchors, photojournalists, copywriters, social media managers, and public relations officers. They work in media houses, corporate communications departments, NGOs, government information services, and digital content agencies. Many also pursue freelance journalism and content creation.

This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with a mean grade of C- (minus) who have strong writing skills, curiosity about current affairs, and a passion for storytelling across multiple media platforms. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili is essential for success in this field.

What you study

8 subjects
  • Journalism
  • News Writing
  • Media Studies
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Print Journalism
  • Digital Journalism
  • Media Law
  • Photojournalism

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Journalism and Media Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Introduction to journalism and media industry, media history, journalism ethics, and career pathways in media and communications.

  • Communication Skills

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Professional communication, media writing, interview techniques, and interpersonal skills for journalists and media practitioners.

  • ICT and Digital Media

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Digital media tools, content management systems, social media platforms, and ICT applications for modern journalism practice.

  • Entrepreneurship

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Media enterprise management, content business models, freelance journalism, and entrepreneurial skills for media professionals.

  • News Writing and Reporting

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    News writing and reporting techniques, including lead writing, story structure, attribution, and news values for print and broadcast.

  • Media Studies and Theory

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Media studies theory, mass communication models, media effects, audience analysis, and theoretical frameworks for media analysis.

  • Print Journalism

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Print journalism production, newspaper layout, magazine writing, editorial management, and print media publishing operations.

  • Photojournalism

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Photojournalism techniques, news photography, photo story development, image editing, and visual storytelling for news media.

  • Broadcast Journalism

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Broadcast journalism for television and radio, including news scriptwriting, production, packaging, and on-air presentation techniques.

  • Media Management and Marketing

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Media management and marketing, audience engagement, media business models, and strategic management of media organisations.

  • Digital and Online Journalism

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Digital and online journalism, web content creation, social media reporting, and multimedia storytelling for digital platforms.

  • Media Production

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Media production techniques including audio production, video production, editing, and multimedia content creation for broadcast and online.

Specialisations

  • Digital Journalism

    Produce digital and online news content, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.

  • Print Journalism

    Write and edit for newspapers and magazines, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.

  • Investigative Journalism

    Conduct investigative reporting and in-depth stories, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Broadcast Journalism

    Report and produce news for TV and radio, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.

A day as a student

Students attend theory lectures on journalism and media, combined with practical sessions in newsrooms and media studios. Activities include news writing, reporting, editing, photojournalism, broadcast production, interview techniques, media production, digital content creation, and media law analysis. Industrial attachment at media houses, radio stations, or online media platforms provides real-world journalism experience.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Digital media expansion creates new opportunitiesCompetitive field with many graduates
Versatile skills for print, broadcast, and digital mediaMedia industry faces financial pressures
Self-employment potential — freelance journalism or content creation—

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 96k
67k at TVET institutions (KUCCPS rate)96k at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication
Private64k to 64k
64k at College of Human Resource Management64k at College of Human Resource Management

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 96K/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com), TVET 67K. CHRM 63.9K/yr (chrm.or.ke).

HELB TVET loans available (KES 40,000-60,000 per year). Under the new funding model, government scholarships cover 38-82% of fees depending on need category. Media organizations may offer internships and scholarships. NG-CDF and county bursaries also available.

Funding options

  • HELB TVET Loan

  • NG-CDF Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

  • NG-CDF Bursary

    BursaryKsh 15,000Kenyan

    Needy students in respective constituencies.

  • HELB TVET/Diploma Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan citizens enrolled in TVET-accredited programmes.

Scholarships you could apply for

11 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C- (Minus)minimum entry
Alternative entry

Certificate in Journalism, Media, Communication, or related field from a recognized institution.

Subject requirements
English or KiswahiliC-

When it next starts

Taught at 25 institutions
January 202725 institutions

Including Rongo University, Kenya Methodist University, Technical University of Mombasa.

May 202724 institutions

Including Rongo University, Kenya Methodist University, Technical University of Mombasa.

September 202725 institutions

Including Rongo University, Kenya Methodist University, Technical University of Mombasa.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • Continuous Assessment

    Cat20% of the mark

    Internal continuous assessment including assignments, news exercises, and media projects.

  • Practical Assessment

    Practical40% of the mark

    Practical assessment: news article, broadcast segment, or media production.

  • Module Examination

    Exam40% of the mark

    KNEC modular examination at the end of each module.

Accreditation

  • Media Council of Kenya

    Professional accreditationRequired

    MCK accreditation is required for practicing journalists in Kenya.

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority

    Institutional accreditationRequired

    Accredits institutions offering journalism training.

Accredited by TVETA. Examined by KNEC (modular system). Media Council of Kenya (MCK) accreditation is required for practicing journalists in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • Reporter

    High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000

    Gather news, conduct interviews, report stories, and cover events for media organizations.

  • News Editor

    Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000

    Edit news content, manage editorial teams, oversee news production, and ensure quality.

  • Journalist

    High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000

    Research, write, and report news stories across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

  • Media Producer

    Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000

    Produce media content, manage production, coordinate teams, and oversee media projects.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as journalists, reporters, news editors, media producers, content creators, and broadcast presenters in media houses, TV stations, radio stations, online media, newspapers, and corporate communication. Starting salaries range from KES 35,000-90,000.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

    CreativePrimary

  • Audacity

    Creative

  • Hootsuite

    Social media management

  • InDesign

    Design software

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Journalism is dying because of the internet.

    Journalism is evolving — digital journalism, data journalism, multimedia journalism, and content creation are growing fields. The core skills of news writing, investigation, editing, and media production remain essential.

  • Graduates of this programme end up unemployed in Kenya.

    Kenya's expanding sectors create steady demand for diploma holders, with opportunities in county governments, private companies, and self-employment.

Further reading

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