Media & Communication

Master of Science in Communication Studies

The Master of Science in Communication Studies provides advanced training in communication theory, media studies, journalism, public relations, and digital communication. Students learn communication research, media analysis, strategic communication, and communication for development. The programme is designed for communication and media graduates seeking advanced qualifications in communication studies.

Students develop advanced competencies in communication theory, media research, strategic communication, digital media, public relations, and communication for development. The curriculum covers communication theories, media and society, research methods, strategic communication, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through media projects and research.

Communication expertise is critical for Kenya's media and information sector. Media organisations, communication departments, PR firms, and development organisations require trained communication professionals. Kenya's growing media landscape and digital communication needs create demand for advanced communication training. The programme addresses the demand for communication studies expertise.

The programme combines classroom lectures with media projects, research, and practical assignments. Students study communication concepts, analyse media, design communication strategies, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, media projects, and research supervision. The programme is offered in weekend and part-time modes.

Graduates find employment as communication specialists, media analysts, PR managers, or communication lecturers in media organisations, corporate communication departments, NGOs, and academic institutions. The master's degree supports careers in communication, media, and public relations.

This programme is ideal for communication and media graduates seeking advanced qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for communication research, strategic communication, and media analysis.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 126,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Weekend, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Communication Theory
Media and Society
Strategic Communication
Digital Media and Communication
Public Relations
Communication Research Methods
Communication for Development
Media Law and Ethics
Journalism Studies
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Communication Theory and Models
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication theory covering classical and contemporary theories, communication models, interpersonal communication, and organisational communication.
Media and Society
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Media and society covering media effects, media sociology, political communication, and the role of media in society and democracy.
Communication Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering quantitative and qualitative communication research, content analysis, survey methods, and research ethics.
Strategic Communication and Public Relations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Strategic communication covering PR theory, corporate communication, crisis communication, and communication strategy development.
Digital Media and Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Digital media covering social media, digital communication platforms, online journalism, and the impact of digital technology on communication.
Media Law and Ethics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Media law covering Kenyan media law, freedom of expression, media regulation, and media ethics and professional standards.
Communication for Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Communication for development covering development communication theory, participatory communication, health communication, and communication for social change.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a communication studies topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to communication knowledge and practice.

Specialisations

Strategic Communication
Focus on corporate communication, public relations, crisis communication, and communication strategy development.
Digital Media
Focus on social media, digital communication platforms, online journalism, and digital media production.
Communication for Development
Focus on development communication, participatory communication, health communication, and communication for social change.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on communication theory or media studies with afternoon seminars and media project work. Students study communication concepts, analyse media content, design communication strategies, and conduct research. Seminars provide discussion of contemporary communication issues. Media projects involve content analysis, communication campaign design, and digital media production. Research projects connect students with real communication challenges. The programme emphasises communication competence, critical analysis, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Communication skills are in demand across all sectors, providing diverse career opportunities.
Offered at two universities (Rongo and Kabianga), providing accessibility.
Weekend mode allows working professionals to study while employed.

Against it

Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes.
Communication studies faces competition from more specialised degrees in journalism, PR, and digital media.
Entry requirements allow Lower Second Class Honours with experience, which may indicate less competitive admission.

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

Public126k to 126k

126k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology126k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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

JKUAT 126K/yr (kenyaplex). Rongo fee unverified. Private unverified.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Media organisations and development partners may offer communication-related scholarships and research grants.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Bachelor's degree with at least Lower Second Class Honours in a relevant field (communication, media, journalism, or related discipline) with at least 2 years of relevant work experience and evidence of research and publications.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of communication theory and concepts.
Media Projects and Seminars
Practical30% of the mark
Media project assessments, seminar presentations, and practical assignments evaluating communication and media skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in communication studies, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

Rongo University and University of Kabianga are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE. Media practitioners may require accreditation from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Rongo University and University of Kabianga are chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.
Media Council of Kenya
Professional
Media practitioners may require accreditation from MCK.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Communication Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Develops and implements communication strategies in organisations, managing internal and external communication, media relations, and corporate messaging.
Media Analyst
Moderate demand
Analyses media content, trends, and audience behaviour in media organisations, research firms, or communication agencies.
PR Manager
Moderate demand
Manages public relations activities in organisations, overseeing media relations, corporate reputation, and stakeholder communication.
Communication Lecturer
Moderate demand
Teaches communication studies in universities and colleges, training future communication professionals and conducting research.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as communication specialists, media analysts, and PR managers in media organisations, corporate communication departments, NGOs, and academic institutions, with opportunities for communication research and strategic communication.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Communication studies is just about journalism.
Communication studies covers strategic communication, public relations, digital media, communication for development, and organisational communication, not just journalism.
A master's in communication is not useful in Kenya.
Kenya's growing media landscape, digital communication needs, and development sector create demand for advanced communication professionals.
Communication studies is the same as mass communication.
Communication studies is broader, covering interpersonal, organisational, and strategic communication in addition to mass media.
Weekend programmes are less rigorous.
Weekend programmes cover the same curriculum and meet the same academic standards as full-time programmes, designed for working professionals.