10 Short-Term Journalism Courses to Pursue from Home

There are many overlapping aspects among a career in Journalism and Mass Communication. Many prospects find it overwhelming to adjudicate the founding principles, in the absence of which, improper choices may be made. Media is the 4th pillar of democracy. A job that comes with brand-new experiences and adventures every day, attracts a variety of incumbents from all walks of life. Media programmes put together receive applications from approximately 80 lakh students each year. This includes both Mass communication as well as short term Journalism courses. Perseverance and substantial Communication skills are the call of the hour to make it large in this field. The selection process to earn a spot on the finest of media colleges is an uphill task. Below are the 10 best short Journalism courses to pursue from home.
Also read -

Short term journalism courses in India- Highlights

10 Short-Term Journalism Courses to Pursue from Home

10 Short-Term Journalism Courses to Pursue from Home

Short term journalism courses usually belong to the certificate level. Completion of 12th grade is the eligibility criteria. Admission to the best short term journalism courses depends on the prospect's performance in an appropriate entrance examination and the counselling round that follows.

Below is the list of popular colleges and institutes which offer a variety of Courses in Journalism and Mass Communication ranging from Diplomas, Post Graduate Diplomas, Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication to the Masters version. All the following best short term Journalism courses are offered in the distance mode and thus can be enrolled into from the comfort of one’s home:

1. Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication by Guru Nanak Dev University

This university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, designed in a semester-based system, lasting 3 years. The eligibility criteria involves a minimum of 50% marks overall. This is relaxed to 45% for SC and ST candidates. The total fee for the entire course is Rs. 52,365

2. PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication by IGNOU

IGNOU offers a PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication in the distance mode with a minimum duration of 1 year. The eligibility criteria is fairly simple: A Bachelor's degree in any field, basic English speaking skills and average Microsoft Office abilities. This Mass Communication course is aimed at inculcating beginner-level journalism and communication skills. It brings out the media's role in our society. The fee is Rs. 13,500.

3. PG Diploma in Mass Communication by Amity University

Amity runs a PG Diploma in Mass Communication, which is known for its immersive curriculum for a clear understanding of the pillars of Journalism and Mass Communication. This is a 1-year, online Mass Communication course including recorded lectures on the university’s Learning Management System.

4. PG Diploma Mass Communication and Journalism by Madurai Kamaraj University

This is an interesting take on Mass Communication and Journalism. It's in a PG Diploma format that lasts for 1 year. The medium of instruction of this Mass Communication course is English and Tamil. The prerequisite for this program is a Bachelor’s degree in any field. A total of 6 examinations need to be cleared by the incumbents to earn credits for this courseware.

5. Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism by Mahatma Gandhi University

This institute offers a Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism with a 1-year duration. Moreover, this course can be enrolled in on the back of completing 12th grade in any stream. It is one of the most holistic mass media courses out there, ensuring future job satisfaction for the students. It has a total of 9 subjects included in the courseware.

6. PG Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism by Nalanda Open University

The PG Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism offered here is of a 1- year duration. One needs a Bachelor’s degree to be eligible for this Mass Communication course. It is well known that this program has produced a qualified workforce adept to lead journalism in the evolving Mass Communication arena in our country.

7. Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism by Periyar University

Situated in Salem, the Periyar University offers a remarkable Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism lasting just 1 year. This program requires the incumbent to have finished their 12th grade from almost any major boards in India. There are a total of 6 examinations that are encountered during this engagement, all of which need to be passed to get the requisite award of the diploma.

8. Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism by Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University

This is a Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism through the distance mode lasting 1 year. It is available for students who have finished their 12th grade in any stream. The courseware is structured around the founding principles of Mass Communication, thereby setting up the incumbents for a wide variety of mass media courses post completion.

9. Diploma in Radio Jockeying at NIMC

Period: 6 months

Curriculum:

• Fluency principles encompassing the tone, pitch, inflection and intonation of the voice among other relevant factors

• Introduction to Voice Overs. This includes speech rhythm and resonance in the context of TV commercials, radio commercials, Corporate videos and Documentaries

• Radio journalism

• Understanding music and basic awareness

• Structure of Radio Programs

• Managing live programs

• Conduction of interviews

• Colourful words painting on the radio

• Understanding the concept of the medium

• Understanding the distinction between corporate and neighbourhood radio

• Studying the present RJ's and their design

• Production

10. Diploma in News Reading, Anchoring and Reporting at NIMC

Period: 6 months

Curriculum:

• Fluency principles encompassing the tone, pitch, inflection and intonation of the voice among other relevant factors

• Introduction to Voice Overs. This includes speech rhythm and resonance in the context of TV commercials, radio commercials, Corporate videos and Documentaries

• Dedicated practice on Public Speaking: Capturing public attention, awareness of voice and its functionality, managing body breathing, articulation and language

• Main functions while narrating news and inculcating the essence of the script at hand

• Radio essentials, Studio autocue reading and voice recording

• Examples of anchors work and comprehensive analysis of their designs

• Skills for an effective talk-show host

• Legal risks

• Reporting techniques - Delivering a piece of news & Interviewing, recording the byte & transcription & scripting

• Different Reporting designs- Political, Entertainment, Crime, Sports & Business

• Production

The typical tuition fee charged for these courses in India varies between Rs. 5,000 to 15 lakhs, for 1 year.
Also read - Activism and Citizen Journalism through Media Certification

Best Short Term Journalism courses- An Overview

Certificates in Journalism covers the research study of methods to gather and disperse the news and produce awareness amongst the public through various channels. The short term Journalism course is normally divided into two media classifications: the Print and the Electronic media.

A study of certificates in Journalism opens pathways that lead to the fields of advertising and PR (Public Relations). Media is gaining a strong foothold in the context of the nation every quarter. Moreover, a reporter covers a diverse array of subjects. These include politics, economics, culture, art, history, organisation, sports and entertainment among others. So, a profession in journalism brings along a great salary and maybe even popularity.

The task chances for the Certificate Course in Journalism holders are big and are financially rewarding today. They can discover jobs in newspapers, publications, main details services, sites, AIR, and tv news channels.

Such prospects are employed within capacities such as Media Planner, News Reporter, Proof-reader, Media Researcher, Creative Visualizer, Content Developer, Translator, Copywriter etc. A fresh prospect in this field can make an average wage in between Rs. 2 to 8 lakhs per annum relying on the calibre and experience of the candidate.

Difference Between Journalism and Mass Communication

Summary of short term journalism course

Candidates discover the essentials of journalism practice for all media types, including news and function composing styles, journalistic research study, journalism-specific legal and ethical requirements, and discussion and publication of journalism. Those candidates who can speak clearly and have the ability to write in a concise style are most suited for the Certificate Course in Journalism. Regardless of one’s previous line of study, these short term Journalism courses have the potential to equip the incumbents to use innovative understanding and abilities in a variety of modern contexts.
Also read - Journalism for Social Change Certification

Candidates who have an interest in events, individuals, and locations, have incredible listening and observational abilities, decent general knowledge, a strong capability for performing independent research study and good grammar, spelling, and punctuation likewise constitute the most optimum mix for a successful career in this arena.

Additionally, students who can shoot, modify and tell stories through video, possess the essential ability to make interactive story elements by using adobe flash, ability to modify audio as well as podcasts are an optimum match for this subject.

Career Pathways After Completing Short term Journalism courses

Commonly encountered professions include press reporter, correspondent/special press reporter, feature writer, leader author, evidence reader's editor, writer critic, photojournalist and cartoonist for any newspaper company.

Because journalism is such a broad field, there are numerous chances to change jobs. Candidates can likewise shift to marketing and service departments in news companies.

In the current years, the market for web journalism has continuously broadened at a significant rate. A significant quantum of individuals prefer online media consumption compared to the traditional newspapers. This has carved out a broad niche for web journalists. Thus, various broadcasters, publishers and different news agencies contact consultants to make the most of this fairly recent innovation. However, competition remains stiff for jobs on news magazines, huge everyday documents, and the major cable television, TV, and radio networks.
Also read - Print and Broadcast Journalism Certification Course

Summary

In a broad sense, journalism is all about news reporting be it for the print, electronic or online medium while mass communication encompasses within itself a variety of media disciplines such as that of movies, online media, documentary, tv, radio, graphics, occasions, advertising, business communications and so on. But when you head out to register in a university or college you see the two courses normally overlap.

Depending upon your disposition, you can pick one in between mass communication and journalism. For, those who think that they are more likely towards current affairs and are quite passionate about providing info to individuals before anybody else they are more most likely to perform much better as reporters while those who are interested in elements of mass media other than news media such as interaction and culture studies, marketing, public relations, documentary and feature movies, radio and tv programs are most likely to do much better in the mass communication discipline.

Disclaimer

The salary figures mentioned in this article are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location and numerous other factors.