By Moses Gbande
This could be described as breaking news especially to those who have a degree in Mass Communication, or currently studying to get this degree, or you have friends who have something to do with this degree in Nigeria. The era of having Mass Communication as a degree programme in Nigerian universities is now officially over.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) says it has unbundled Mass Communication into seven separate degree programmes to meet present demand and this takes effect from 2020 admissions into Nigerian universities.
In a chat with journalists in Abuja, NUC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, said Mass Communication has been unbundled into Media Studies, Public Relation Studies, Cinematography, among others.
Recall that professors, professionals and practitioners of communication in Nigeria had presented new communication curricula to National Universities Commission (NUC) seeking the unbundling of mass communication into seven departments. The NUC had approved the Curriculum which resulted in the emergence of seven degree-awarding programmes and the phasing out of the single BSc/BA Degree Programme in Mass Communication currently offered in different Faculties in different universities.
The seven new Programmes/Departments, to be domiciled in a Faculty / School / College of Communication and Media Studies are: Journalism & Media Studies, Public Relations, Advertising, Broadcasting, Film & Multi-Media Studies, Development Communication Studies, Information & Media Studies.
Here are the seven new degree programmes replacing Mass Communication. If you have someone interested in enrolling into any mass communication related discipline just take a look at these seven new degrees and prepare the person effectively for any of them.
*Journalism & Media Studies*
This is one of the most popular degrees in mass communication schools across the world. It is more all-encompassing than many other degrees. This is why it is among the most sought-after degrees by candidates who wish to gain broad knowledge of activities and emerging trends in journalism and media world.
This degree course is aimed at students who wish to study Journalism and Media. Media studies programmes take an integrated approach and a broader look at media in all its forms. It is all-inclusive programme which equips candidates with relevant knowledge in print and broadcast journalism, digital journalism, media practice, public relations, and the history, development and ethics of journalism. The primary focus of this course is on balancing practical and academic aspects.
Journalism and Media studies education explores all forms of media, from print to film to digital communications. The programme focuses on mass communication and its effects on the public.
Media studies degree programmes are usually interdisciplinary in nature. It explores all media forms and their impact on society. Many schools have specific media studies departments while others may offer the programmes through their journalism or mass communications departments. However, the recommendation by Nigerian professors and professionals is to have a degree on Journalism and Media Studies, not to have two separate degree courses.
Journalism and Media degree equips you with a range of interests including advertising, media law and regulation, privacy, digital journalism, broadcast journalism, professional writing, comics, visual culture, live television and media events, gaming and virtual worlds, and hypertexts, film and video, multimedia, global media systems, virtual landscapes, social networks, interactive television, media and representation, cult TV, computer games and documentary.
Bachelor’s degree programme in Journalism and Media Studies is aimed at students interested in the broad range of media.
Source: https://massmediang.com/see-seven-powerful-courses-to-replace-mass-communication-degree-in-nigeria
Nasarawa Reporters 