Are you passionate about storytelling, investigation, and being at the forefront of news and events? If so, pursuing a career in journalism could be an excellent choice for you.
A career in journalism can be rewarding and diverse, with opportunities in print media, television, radio, online platforms, and more. In this article on "Journalism Courses After 12th", we will explore the different educational paths you can take to kickstart your career as a journalist.
What is Journalism?
Journalism is a dynamic field that plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. As a journalist, you have the power to inform, educate, and hold those in power accountable.
To excel in this field, you need a unique set of skills, including excellent communication, research, critical thinking, and storytelling abilities.
Explore Different Types of Journalism Courses
The path you choose after completing your 12th grade plays a crucial role in shaping your future as a journalist. Let's explore the various options available for aspiring journalists.
Bachelor's Degrees for Aspiring Journalists
1. Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
- Course Syllabus: Reporting and Editing Techniques; Media Laws and Ethics; Mass Communication and Society
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹50,000-2 lakhs per year
- Job Roles: News Reporter/Anchor, Content Writer
- Average Salary: ₹3-5 lakhs per annum
2. Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Course Syllabus: Introduction to Journalism, News Writing, and Reporting Skills
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹30,000-1 lakh per year
- Job Roles: Feature Writer, Copy Editor
- Average Salary: ₹2-4 lakhs per annum
3. Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM)
- Course Syllabus: Introduction to Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, and Media Research
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹60,000-2 lakhs per year
- Job Roles: PR Executive, Social Media Manager
- Average Salary: ₹3-6 lakhs per annum
4. Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Course Syllabus: News Reporting and Writing, Radio and Television Journalism, Digital Media
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹40,000-1 lakh per year
- Job Roles: Investigative Journalist, News Producer
- Average Salary: ₹4-7 lakhs per annum
5. Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Course Syllabus: Science Reporting, Environmental Journalism, and Health Communication
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹50,000-1.5 lakhs per year
- Job Roles: Science Writer/Reporter, Medical Correspondent
- Average Salary: ₹3-6 lakhs per annum
6. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Journalism
- Course syllabus: Business Essentials for Journalists, Marketing and Advertising for Journalists, Entrepreneurship for Journalists
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: ₹80,000–2 Lakhs per annum
- Job roles: Business Journalist, Financial Reporter
- Average salary: ₹4–7 lakhs per annum
Master's Degrees for Aspiring Journalists
1. Master of Journalism (MJ)
- Specialisations: Political Journalism, Investigative Journalism, Broadcast Journalism
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹1 lakh-3 lakhs per year
- Job Roles: News Editor, Media Analyst
- Average Salary: ₹5-8 lakhs per annum
2. Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Specialisations: Public Relations, Advertising, and Photojournalism
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹80,000-2.5 lakhs per year
- Job Roles: PR Manager, Media Planner
- Average Salary: ₹4-7 lakhs per annum
3. Master of Mass Communication (MMC)
- Specialisations: Print Journalism, Electronic Media, and New Media
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹1 lakh-3 lakhs per year
- Job Roles: News Producer, Radio Jockey (RJ)
- Average Salary: ₹5–8 lakhs per annum
4. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mass Communication
- Specialisations: Digital Journalism, Sports Journalism, Television Production
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹90,000–3 lakhs per annum
- Job roles: News Writer/Reporter, Sports Analyst
- Average salary: ₹4–7 lakhs per annum
5. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Media Management
- Specialisations: Media Marketing, Media Analytics, Film Production
- Duration: 2 years
- Fees: ₹1–5 lakhs per annum
- Job roles: Media Manager, Film Producer
- Average salary: ₹6–10 lakhs per annum
Diplomas for Aspiring Journalists
1. Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism
- Specialisation: Mass Communication, Print Journalism, Electronic Media
- Duration: 1 year
- Fees: ₹20,000-50,000
- Job roles: News Reporter, Content Writer
- Average Salary: ₹2-4 lakh per year
2. Diploma in Broadcast Journalism
- Specialisation: Television Reporting, Anchoring, Video Production
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Fees: ₹30,000-60,000
- Job roles: News Anchor, Video Editor
- Average Salary: ₹3-5 lakh per year
3. Diploma in Digital Journalism
- Specialisation: Online Reporting, Social Media Journalism
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Fees: ₹25,000-40,000
- Job roles: Social Media Manager, Digital Content Writer
- Average Salary: ₹3-6 lakh per year
4. Diploma in Business Journalism
- Specialisation: Financial Reporting, Stock Market Analysis
- Duration: 1 year
- Fees: ₹35,000-80,000
- Job Roles: Business Journalist, Financial Analyst
- Average Salary: ₹5-8 lakh per year
5. Diploma in Sports Journalism
- Specialisation: Sports Writing and Reporting
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Fees: ₹20,000-50,000
- Job roles: Sports Journalist, Commentator
- Average Salary: ₹3-6 lakh per year
6. Diploma in Photojournalism
- Specialisation: News Photography, Photo Editing
- Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- Fees: ₹25,000-50,000
- Job roles: Photojournalist, Photo Editor
- Average Salary: ₹2-5 lakh per year
Upskilling Opportunities for Journalists
In today's rapidly evolving media landscape, upskilling is essential for journalists to stay competitive and relevant. Here are some upskilling options available for working journalists:
- Data Journalism Certification
- Video Editing Training
- Social Media Management Course
- Multimedia Reporting Workshop
Career Growth in Journalism
The field of journalism offers a wide range of career opportunities with room for growth and advancement. Let's take a look at the progression of a journalist's career and some senior job positions:
- Starting Job Roles: News Reporter, Content Writer, Desk Writer, Assistant Producer
- Mid-level Job Roles: Copy Editor, Senior News Producer, Senior Reporter
- Senior Job Positions: Editor-in-Chief, Programming Executive
Kickstart Your Career In Journalism
Journalists are in demand across various platforms, including print, digital media, television, radio, and online publications. With the rise of digital journalism and new media outlets, there are also ample opportunities for freelance journalists.
Remember to explore your interests and consult experts at WIZR who can guide you towards making informed decisions about your career path.
FAQs
1. Do news reporters need to edit their own videos?
Yes, video editing skills have become essential for news reporters, as they allow the reporters to present comprehensive stories that engage audiences visually.
2. Which media platform pays more: digital or television?
The pay scale varies depending on the organisation and experience level, but generally, television tends to offer higher salaries compared to all other media platforms.
3. How can AI tools help journalists?
AI tools can assist journalists by automating tasks like data analysis and fact-checking, enabling faster information gathering and providing valuable insights for investigative reporting.
4. Is AI a threat to journalism?
While AI may automate certain tasks, it is not a threat but rather an opportunity for journalists to enhance their work by focusing on higher-level tasks such as analysis, storytelling, and interpretation.
5. Are there any entrance tests for journalism courses?
Yes, many universities and institutes conduct entrance tests like the IIMC Entrance Exam, the SET-JEEMC Exam, etc., as part of their admission process for journalism courses after 12th grade.
