Media & Communication

Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies

The Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by Multimedia University of Kenya and Mount Kenya University. The programme provides advanced training in journalism, media studies, and communication, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving media and communications industry.

The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical skills in multimedia storytelling, digital journalism, broadcast production, and media management. Students examine the role of media in society, media law and ethics, and the impact of digital transformation on journalism practice.

Core areas of study include advanced theories of communication, media law and ethics, research methods in communication, broadcast media production, digital journalism, media and democracy, and strategic media management. The curriculum is fully responsive to the digital transformation reshaping the media industry.

At Multimedia University of Kenya, the programme is offered through the Faculty of Media and Communication, which is one of Kenya's leading providers of practice-based media education. The faculty comprises the Department of Journalism and Communication and the Department of Film and Broadcast Production, offering distinct yet interconnected pathways into the media and creative industries.

The curriculum covers multimedia storytelling, data journalism, online publishing, digital content strategy, social media analytics, and crisis communication in the digital age. Artificial intelligence is integrated as both a practical tool and a subject of critical inquiry, with students engaging with AI-assisted writing, automated journalism, and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.

Graduates are prepared for roles as journalists, editors, media producers, communications managers, public relations specialists, and media educators. Kenya's vibrant media landscape with numerous television stations, radio networks, digital platforms, and international media outlets provides diverse career opportunities.

Skills Required

Multimedia Storytelling
Digital Journalism
Media Law and Ethics
Broadcast Media Production
Research Methods in Communication
Strategic Media Management
Data Journalism
Content Strategy and Audience Analytics
Crisis Communication
Media and Democracy Analysis

Key Subjects

Advanced Theories of Communication
Media Law and Ethics
Research Methods in Communication
Broadcast Media Production
Media and Democracy
Strategic Media House Management
Digital Journalism and Online Publishing
African Communication Systems
Behaviour Change Communication
Public Relations Management

Certifications

Media Council of Kenya Journalist Accreditation
Google News Initiative Certification

Specializations

Digital Journalism

Focuses on multimedia storytelling, data journalism, online publishing, and digital content strategy across platforms and formats.

Broadcast Media Production

Covers television and radio production, broadcast writing, studio operations, and digital broadcasting technologies.

Media Management and Entrepreneurship

Examines strategic media house management, media business models, and entrepreneurial approaches to media ventures.

Corporate Communication and Public Relations

Focuses on strategic communication, public relations management, corporate reputation, and stakeholder engagement.

Health Communication

Covers integrated health communication, behaviour change communication, and public health messaging strategies.

Development Communication

Examines the role of media in development, behaviour change communication, and community engagement strategies.

Media and Democracy

Studies the relationship between media and democratic governance, including media policy, press freedom, and civic journalism.

Environmental Communication

Focuses on environmental journalism, climate communication, and sustainability reporting.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 138,500
Private, up to: Ksh 142,000
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Theories of Communication
Media Law and Ethics
Research Methods in Communication
Broadcast Media Production
Media and Democracy
Strategic Media House Management
Digital Journalism and Online Publishing
African Communication Systems
Behaviour Change Communication
Public Relations Management

Modules

10 in the programme

Advanced Theories of Communication
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced communication theories including agenda-setting, framing, uses and gratifications, and critical media theories.
Media Law and Ethics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Kenyan media law, press freedom, defamation, privacy, media regulation, and ethical frameworks for journalism practice.
African Communication Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines indigenous African communication systems, oral traditions, and the evolution of media in African societies.
Research Methods in Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in media and communication studies.
Media and Democracy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines the relationship between media and democratic governance, including media policy, press freedom, and civic journalism.
Strategic Media House Management and Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers media business models, strategic management of media organisations, and entrepreneurial approaches to media ventures.
Broadcast Media Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical course covering television and radio production, studio operations, broadcast writing, and digital broadcasting technologies.
Digital Journalism and Online Publishing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers multimedia storytelling, data journalism, content management systems, online publishing, and digital content strategy.
Public Relations Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines strategic public relations, corporate reputation management, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement.
Thesis or Project
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis or supervised project on a journalism and media studies topic, assessed through submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Digital Journalism
Focuses on multimedia storytelling, data journalism, online publishing, and digital content strategy across platforms and formats.
Broadcast Media Production
Covers television and radio production, broadcast writing, studio operations, and digital broadcasting technologies.
Media Management and Entrepreneurship
Examines strategic media house management, media business models, and entrepreneurial approaches to media ventures.
Corporate Communication and Public Relations
Focuses on strategic communication, public relations management, corporate reputation, and stakeholder engagement.
Health Communication
Covers integrated health communication, behaviour change communication, and public health messaging strategies.
Development Communication
Examines the role of media in development, behaviour change communication, and community engagement strategies.
Media and Democracy
Studies the relationship between media and democratic governance, including media policy, press freedom, and civic journalism.
Environmental Communication
Focuses on environmental journalism, climate communication, and sustainability reporting.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on communication theory, media law, or broadcast production at the Faculty of Media and Communication. Students engage in practical sessions in the multimedia lab, produce news content for campus media platforms, and participate in editorial meetings. The curriculum integrates digital tools including data journalism platforms, content management systems, and social media analytics. Those in the research phase conduct audience research, analyse media content, and work on their thesis or project under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

MMU's Faculty of Media and Communication is one of Kenya's leading providers of practice-based media education with industry-standard facilities.
Curriculum is fully responsive to digital transformation, covering data journalism, AI integration, and digital content strategy.
Offered at both public (MMU) and private (MKU) institutions with flexible study modes including digital learning.
Kenya's vibrant media landscape with numerous TV stations, radio networks, and digital platforms provides diverse career opportunities.

Against it

Only two institutions offer this exact programme, limiting choice compared to broader communication studies programmes.
Media industry salaries vary widely, with entry-level journalists earning modestly while senior positions are highly competitive.
The programme requires access to production equipment and software, which may incur additional costs beyond tuition.
Rapid technological change in media requires continuous self-learning beyond the formal curriculum to stay current.

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

Public119k to 139k

119k at Chuka University139k at Multimedia University of Kenya

Private142k to 142k

142k at Mount Kenya University142k at Mount Kenya 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

Chuka 119,000/yr (chuka.ac.ke PDF). MMU 138,500/yr (mmu.ac.ke PDF). MKU 142,000/yr (kenyaeducationguide).

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, university-specific postgraduate bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme for academically talented Africans.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University Postgraduate Bursary
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at their respective universities.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Academically talented young Africans facing economic, social, or institutional barriers.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Holders of a relevant postgraduate diploma from a recognised institution may be considered. Applicants with Lower Second Class Honours must demonstrate three years of relevant work experience or evidence of research capability through publications or presentations.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, practical assignments, media production projects, and analytical essays conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering all course unit content, including essay questions and media analysis scenarios.
Thesis or Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or supervised media project assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Practical Production Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Hands-on assessment of media production skills including video editing, broadcast writing, and digital content creation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by Multimedia University of Kenya and Mount Kenya 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 regulating media standards and accrediting journalists. Accreditation recommended for professional practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Journalist
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000
Researches, writes, and reports news stories for print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Average salary approximately KES 210,000 to 315,000 per year for experienced journalists.
Editor
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 280,000
Oversees editorial content, manages news teams, and ensures quality standards. Average salary approximately KES 130,000 per month.
Broadcast Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Produces and presents news content for television and radio, including field reporting, studio production, and on-air presentation.
Media Producer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 280,000
Manages media production projects from concept to completion, including video, audio, and digital content. Average salary approximately KES 182,000 per month.
Corporate Communications Manager
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000
Manages corporate communications, media relations, and strategic messaging for organisations across sectors.
Public Relations Manager
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Develops and implements PR strategies, manages media relations, and oversees corporate reputation for organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue roles as journalists, editors, media producers, communications managers, and public relations specialists across Kenya's vibrant media landscape including television, radio, digital platforms, and international media outlets.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Premiere Pro
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard video editing software for broadcast and digital media production.
WordPress
PlatformPrimary
Content management system for online publishing, digital journalism, and media website management.
Google Analytics
Platform
Web analytics platform for measuring audience engagement, content performance, and digital media metrics.
SPSS
Software
Statistical software for audience research, content analysis, and media research methodology.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Journalism is a dying profession because of digital media.
Digital transformation has created new opportunities in data journalism, multimedia storytelling, content strategy, and digital media management, with growing demand for skilled communicators.
A journalism degree only leads to reporting jobs.
Graduates pursue diverse careers including editing, media management, corporate communications, public relations, content strategy, media consultancy, and academia.
You don't need a master's degree to work in media.
A master's degree provides competitive advantage for leadership roles, specialised positions, and academic careers, and is increasingly required for senior media management positions.
Media studies is not a serious academic discipline.
The programme includes rigorous research methodology, communication theory, media law, and a thesis or project requiring original scholarly or professional research.
AI will replace journalists.
The programme integrates AI as both a tool and subject of inquiry, preparing graduates to work with AI-assisted writing, automated journalism, and synthetic media while understanding their ethical implications.
Media training is only useful in traditional newsrooms.
Media and communication skills are in demand across corporate sectors, NGOs, government, international organisations, and digital platforms, with diverse career pathways.