byDinesh
Updated on - 25 May, 2024
Master of Arts in Communication also referred to as MA in Communication is a master’s postgraduate degree that aims at providing in-depth knowledge into communicative practices, theories and research. This course in general lasts for a period of two academic years and is also available in two different modes namely, full time as well as part time by different colleges and universities.
The following are the subjects taught in the MA Communication course: mass communication theories, public relation, advertise media laws and ethics, research methods in communication intercellular communication, organizational communication and communication technology. In most of the programs, the students are required to write a dissertation or research project in their respective specialization at the end of the program.
The entrance examination accepted as a medium for offering admission to the MA Communication program are CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, CMAT, GMAT, and GRE. Few institutions use GD, PI, and academic performance as parameters to admitting students. The only stipulation that a student has to fulfill to be able to take this course is that they must have been a graduate in any discipline with at least 50% of marks. Some colleges have specific requirements that one should have prior work experience in the media or communication fields.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Arts (MA) |
| Duration | 2 years (Full-time) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate Degree |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree (preferably in Communication, Media, Humanities, or Social Sciences) with a minimum percentage (often 50% or above) from a recognized university. |
| Top Colleges (India) | * Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi * Symbiosis Institute of Communication (SICOM), Pune * Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi * Manav Rachna International University (MRIU), Faridabad * M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS), Bangalore (Some Commas Added) |
| Semester | Subjects (Indicative) | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | * Communication Theory * Research Methods in Communication * Media & Society * Organizational Communication * Elective Course I (e.g., Public Relations, Media Studies) | * Core communication theories (mass communication, interpersonal communication, etc.) * Developing research skills (quantitative & qualitative methods) * Impact of media on society and culture * Communication within organizations and leadership styles * Explore a specific area of communication (PR, advertising, journalism) |
| Semester 2 | * Communication & Technology * Intercultural Communication * Media Ethics & Law * Development Communication * Elective Course II (e.g., Film Studies, Social Media Communication) | * Role of technology in communication (digital media, social media) * Understanding communication across cultures * Ethical considerations in media production and content creation * Communication for social change and development * Explore communication in specific media contexts (film, social media) |
| Semester 3 | * Advanced Communication Skills * Seminar in Communication (topic-specific) * Media Management * Gender & Communication * Elective Course III (e.g., Health Communication, Visual Communication) | * Refining communication skills (written, verbal, presentation) * In-depth study of a chosen theme or area in communication * Management practices in media organizations * Exploring gender representation and communication styles * Specialized communication approaches (health communication, visual communication) |
| Job Title | Specialization | Description | Industry | Average Salary (₹ per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | Public Relations (PR) | Manage communication campaigns, media relations, and brand reputation. | Public Relations Firms, Corporations | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000+ (depending on experience and agency size) |
| Journalist/Content Writer | Journalism, Media Studies | Research, write, and edit news articles, features, or content for various media outlets. | Media & Publishing, Digital Media | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000+ (depending on experience, skills, and media platform) |
| Social Media Manager | Social Media Communication | Develop and manage social media strategy, create engaging content, and interact with online communities. | Marketing & Advertising Agencies, Brands | ₹3,00,000 - ₹6,00,000+ (depending on experience, company size, and industry) |
| Communication Specialist/Consultant | Organizational Communication | Develop and implement communication strategies within organizations, manage internal communication channels. | Corporations, Nonprofits, Consulting Firms | ₹4,50,000 - ₹8,00,000+ (depending on experience, expertise, and employer type) |