Media & Communication

Master of Arts in Communication and Technology

The Master of Arts in Communication and Technology is a postgraduate programme offered by the University of Kabianga through the School of Arts and Social Sciences. The programme provides advanced training in communication theory, media technology, and digital communication, preparing graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving media and communication landscape.

The programme combines communication theory with practical technology skills, equipping students to navigate the intersection of media, technology, and society. Students develop competence in digital media production, communication research, media policy, and strategic communication using emerging technologies.

Core areas of study include communication theory, digital media technologies, media and society, communication research methods, digital journalism, strategic communication, media policy and regulation, and new media analytics. The programme integrates theoretical understanding with practical application of communication technologies.

The University of Kabianga is a public university located in Kericho County, established as a constituent college of Moi University before gaining full university status in 2013. The School of Arts and Social Sciences offers programmes in communication, public relations, and social sciences, serving the western Kenya region and beyond.

The programme is designed for both recent graduates and communication professionals seeking to advance their skills in digital communication technologies. Students benefit from the university's modern facilities and its location in a region with growing media and communication infrastructure.

Graduates are prepared for careers as communication specialists, digital media managers, corporate communications officers, media analysts, content strategists, and communication technology consultants in media houses, corporate organisations, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations.

Skills Required

Digital Media Production
Communication Theory
Strategic Communication
Media Research Methods
Digital Journalism
New Media Analytics
Media Policy and Regulation
Content Strategy
Communication Technology Integration
Corporate Communication

Key Subjects

Communication Theory
Digital Media Technologies
Media and Society
Communication Research Methods
Digital Journalism
Strategic Communication
Media Policy and Regulation
New Media Analytics
Corporate Communication
Media Management

Certifications

Media Council of Kenya Accreditation
Google Digital Marketing Certification

Specializations

Digital Media

Focuses on digital media production, online content creation, and the use of digital platforms for communication and engagement.

Strategic Communication

Examines strategic communication planning, corporate communications, and public relations in the digital age.

Digital Journalism

Covers digital news production, online journalism, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling techniques.

Media Policy and Regulation

Examines media policy frameworks, regulatory environments, and the legal dimensions of communication technology in Kenya and East Africa.

New Media Analytics

Focuses on analytics and measurement of digital media performance, including social media metrics, audience analysis, and data-driven communication strategy.

Corporate Communication

Covers corporate communication management, internal communication, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement using digital technologies.

Communication for Development

Examines the use of communication technologies for development, including health communication, agricultural extension, and community engagement.

Media Management

Focuses on management of media organisations, including digital transformation, content management systems, and media business models.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 151,500
Private, up to: Ksh 340,900
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Communication Theory
Digital Media Technologies
Media and Society
Communication Research Methods
Digital Journalism
Strategic Communication
Media Policy and Regulation
New Media Analytics
Corporate Communication
Media Management

Modules

10 in the programme

Communication Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major theories of communication including mass communication, interpersonal communication, and digital communication theories.
Digital Media Technologies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers digital media tools and platforms, including content management systems, digital production tools, and emerging communication technologies.
Media and Society
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the relationship between media, technology, and society, including media effects, audience studies, and the social impact of digital technologies.
Communication Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in communication and media studies.
Digital Journalism
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines digital news production, online journalism, multimedia storytelling, and the transformation of journalism in the digital age.
Strategic Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers strategic communication planning, campaign design, and the use of communication technologies for organisational communication and public relations.
Media Policy and Regulation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines media policy frameworks, regulatory environments, and legal dimensions of communication technology in Kenya and East Africa.
New Media Analytics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers analytics and measurement of digital media performance, including social media metrics, audience analysis, and data-driven communication strategy.
Corporate Communication
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines corporate communication management, internal communication, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement using digital technologies.
Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a communication and technology topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Digital Media
Focuses on digital media production, online content creation, and the use of digital platforms for communication and engagement.
Strategic Communication
Examines strategic communication planning, corporate communications, and public relations in the digital age.
Digital Journalism
Covers digital news production, online journalism, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling techniques.
Media Policy and Regulation
Examines media policy frameworks, regulatory environments, and the legal dimensions of communication technology in Kenya and East Africa.
New Media Analytics
Focuses on analytics and measurement of digital media performance, including social media metrics, audience analysis, and data-driven communication strategy.
Corporate Communication
Covers corporate communication management, internal communication, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement using digital technologies.
Communication for Development
Examines the use of communication technologies for development, including health communication, agricultural extension, and community engagement.
Media Management
Focuses on management of media organisations, including digital transformation, content management systems, and media business models.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on communication theory, digital media technologies, or media research methods at the University of Kabianga's School of Arts and Social Sciences. Students engage in practical sessions using digital media tools, analyse case studies of communication campaigns, and participate in group projects designing digital content strategies. The programme includes hands-on training with communication technologies, content management systems, and analytics platforms. Those in the research phase conduct field research on communication practices, analyse media data, and work on their thesis under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme combines communication theory with practical technology skills, addressing the growing demand for digital communication professionals in Kenya.
Offered at a public university with affordable fees compared to private institutions offering similar programmes.
High job market demand for digital communication skills across media, corporate, government, and NGO sectors.
Located at the University of Kabianga, making the programme accessible to students in western Kenya and the South Rift region.

Against it

University of Kabianga is a relatively young university, with less established media industry connections compared to Nairobi-based institutions.
Limited specialised facilities and equipment for advanced digital media production compared to larger, better-resourced universities.
Only one institution offers this specific programme in Kenya, limiting choice.
Being located outside Nairobi, students may have fewer opportunities for media industry internships and networking.

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

Public118k to 152k

118k at Maseno University152k at University of Kabianga

Private341k to 341k

341k at USIU-Africa341k at USIU-Africa

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

Maseno 118,350/yr (yumpu). Kabianga ~151,500/yr (intracolleges.com). USIU 340,900/yr (usiu.ac.ke).

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, University of Kabianga bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and county government scholarships for students from Kericho and surrounding counties.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University of Kabianga Bursary
County Government Scholarships

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University of Kabianga Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
UoK students demonstrating financial need, with priority for students from the local community.
County Government Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Students from Kericho County and surrounding counties, administered through county government education funds.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Applicants with degrees in communication, media studies, journalism, public relations, or related social science fields are preferred. Those with degrees in other disciplines may be considered with relevant work experience in communication or media.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, media production assignments, research projects, seminar presentations, and practical digital media exercises conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering course content, including essay questions, media analysis, and communication strategy scenarios.
Practical Project
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment of digital media production skills including content creation, campaign design, and analytics reporting.
Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a communication and technology topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by the University of Kabianga, a chartered public university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
Media Council of Kenya
Professional accreditation
Kenyan statutory body for media regulation and professional accreditation. Accreditation recommended for graduates working in media.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Communications Officer
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages internal and external communication for organisations using digital platforms, including content creation, media relations, and stakeholder communication.
Digital Media Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 220,000
Manages digital media strategies, content production, and online engagement for organisations across social media, websites, and digital platforms.
Corporate Communications Officer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 200,000
Develops and implements corporate communication strategies, manages reputation, and coordinates internal and external communications.
Content Strategist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 180,000
Designs and manages content strategies for digital platforms, including editorial planning, content production, and performance analysis.
Media Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 170,000
Analyses media trends, audience data, and communication effectiveness, providing insights to guide media and communication strategies.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches communication, media studies, or journalism at universities and colleges, contributing to research and curriculum development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as communication specialists, digital media managers, corporate communications officers, and content strategists in media houses, corporate organisations, government agencies, and NGOs.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Creative Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Digital media production software including Premiere Pro for video editing, Photoshop for image editing, and InDesign for layout design.
Google Analytics
SoftwarePrimary
Web analytics platform for tracking and analysing website traffic, audience behaviour, and digital communication effectiveness.
Hootsuite
Software
Social media management platform for scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analysing social media performance across platforms.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for communication research, analysing survey data, audience research, and media effects studies.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Communication and technology is just about social media.
The programme covers comprehensive communication theory, media policy, research methods, and strategic communication alongside digital technology skills.
You need a technical background to study communication and technology.
The programme is designed for students from communication, media, social sciences, and related backgrounds, with technology skills taught as part of the curriculum.
A master's degree is not necessary for a career in communication.
As communication becomes increasingly technology-driven and strategic, advanced training provides competitive advantage for leadership and specialised roles.
The programme is only for those wanting to work in media houses.
Graduates work in diverse sectors including corporate communications, government, NGOs, digital marketing, and academia, applying communication technology skills across industries.
Communication technology skills become outdated quickly.
While specific tools evolve, the programme teaches fundamental principles of communication, critical analysis, and adaptability that remain relevant across technological changes.
The programme is only offered at elite universities in Nairobi.
The University of Kabianga offers this programme, making it accessible to students in western Kenya and beyond at public university fees.