When your child
expresses interest in pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
(JMC), it’s natural to feel curious and a little cautious about what this path
holds. With media evolving faster than ever, careers in communication, digital
storytelling, and news production are no longer limited to traditional
journalism. Today, JMC graduates work in social media, advertising,
broadcasting, content creation, public relations, and digital platforms that
influence millions every day.
However, before your
child applies, you may want clarity on what the course teaches, whether it
offers stable opportunities, and what skills are needed to succeed. This blog
breaks down everything parents should know about this degree so you can support
your child’s choice with clarity.
Uderstanding
What a JMC Degree Covers
A JMC degree teaches
learners about journalism, communication, and media. For instance, in AAFT's School of Journalism and Mass Communication, learners gain knowledge about digital storytelling, news
writing, video production, public relations, media history, advertising, and
even media ethics.
Here, the main objective
is to help them understand exactly how the media functions and how to create
effective content today.
Below are the main
sections of the JMC programme discussed in detail:
●
Reporting and Journalism: Learners get to know how to write proper news articles, interview
people, report on events, and fact-check the information.
●
Online Journalism and Digital
Media: Students gain knowledge about online
storytelling, social media work, and content writing.
●
Media Studies and Mass
Communication: These subjects offer insights into how
online platforms, radio, television, and newspapers work and influence society.
●
Media Production Skills: Learners receive hands-on practice in documentary production, video
shooting, radio work, editing, and photography.
●
Advertising and Public
Relations: These subjects teach how exactly businesses
communicate with the public, create ad campaigns, and manage their
image-building.
Skills Students
Need to Succeed
To make sure the journalism degree courses are suitable for your child, they should be ready to
cultivate certain qualities and skills. As a parent, it’s important to assess
whether your child is comfortable with the following:
●
Clear Communication: Students should have the ability to write and speak in a clear and
simple manner. JMC is all about sharing information with people, explaining
ideas, and telling stories.
●
Curiosity: A good media learner asks a lot of questions. They understand what is
happening around, observe individuals, and notice details.
●
Comfort with Technology: These days, media uses sound equipment, phones, cameras, computers,
and editing tools. Every learner must be open to learning how to use such
tools.
●
Ability to Adapt: The media landscape is constantly evolving. Social platforms, digital
news, online content, and video formats are rapidly becoming primary sources of
information. Learners must stay updated with emerging trends and remain open to
new tools, techniques, and ways of working.
●
Staying Calm During Deadlines: Media work often demands quick turnarounds and fast-paced execution.
Learners who can remain composed under pressure and manage their time
effectively will find it easier to keep up with the industry's demands.
When your child shows any of these qualities or is all set to develop them, they might do quite well in a JMC course.
Related Blog: How the Digital Revolution is Redefining the Future of Journalism?
Choosing the
Right JMC Programme
Not every diploma or bachelor's degree in
journalism is the same. Parents should choose a course that offers
effective training, actual opportunities, and even practical exposure to their
children.
Here is what you must
consider when selecting a JMC degree for your child:
Pick a
Programme That Teaches Practical Work and Theory
A strong JMC course
should cover media laws, ethics, and foundational concepts, but it also needs
to offer practical experience in areas like reporting, writing, video
production, and editing. For example, the programmes at AAFT combine classroom
learning with real-world, hands-on training.
Proper
Equipment and Studios
Media is a hands-on
field, and learners need access to the right infrastructure. Institutes
equipped with sound studios, cameras, editing labs, and newsroom setups enable
students to practise what they learn.
Chance to Work
on Actual Projects
Students learn best when
they apply their knowledge in real scenarios, whether it's writing for the
college newspaper, managing event-based social media pages, producing videos,
or creating radio segments. Choose an institute that offers internships, regular
field assignments, or live projects so learners can gain industry experience
even before graduating.
Educators Who
Have Worked in the Media Sector
Choose an institute
whose faculty have worked in journalism, PR, digital media, or television and
bring real-world insight to the classroom. Their experience helps learners
understand industry standards and expectations.
Conclusion
Letting your child opt for the journalism degree courses in
India may feel like an unconventional step, but if your child is curious,
observant, and comfortable expressing ideas, this field can offer them a
fulfilling and future-ready career. A JMC degree is not limited to
newsrooms anymore; it opens doors to digital media, PR, advertising, content
creation, broadcasting, and many emerging roles that thrive on creativity and
communication.
There are many
institutions offering journalism degree courses in India, but the right one
should give students more than theory; it should help them experiment, gain
hands-on exposure, build a professional portfolio, and understand how the media
works in the real world. That is exactly what AAFT focuses on through
studio-based learning, industry-trained faculty, and opportunities to work on
real assignments.
If you believe your
child is ready to explore a media-driven career that values ideas, expression, and innovation, this journey can begin
with a single step.
Fill out the enquiry form, and the
AAFT team will guide you through the admission details and help you make an
informed decision.
Read More:
FAQs
What are the five
basic communication skills?
Contextual
communication, written communication, active listening, visual and non-verbal
communication, oral communication and written communication are the basic
communication skills.
In the field of
Journalism, which subject is more essential?
Media studies,
photography, English literature, and creative writing are some of the most
essential subjects in this domain.
Does a JMC degree
guarantee a job after graduation?
A JMC degree does not
automatically guarantee a job, but it offers strong opportunities when the
learner builds the right portfolio, gains internship experience and develops
practical skills. Students who actively work on projects, stay updated with
media trends and build industry connections are more likely to secure good
roles in media houses, digital agencies, broadcasting companies, etc.
Can students from any
stream pursue a JMC degree?
Absolutely. Whether your
child is from Science, Commerce, or Arts, they can apply for JMC courses as
long as they meet the eligibility criteria defined by the institute.
Do JMC students need
expensive equipment like cameras or laptops?
Not necessarily. Most
good institutes, including AAFT, provide access to media labs, studios, and
equipment. A personal laptop can help with assignments, but students are not
required to invest heavily at the beginning.
Is the industry
future-proof with AI and automation?
Yes. While AI automates
basic content tasks, industries still need skilled professionals for original
storytelling, verification, creative direction, brand communication, and
ethical judgment, human skills AI cannot fully replace.
How many hours a day
do JMC students typically study or work?
The workload depends on
projects and deadlines. On average, students spend 4–6 hours on classes and
assignments, with additional time needed during media productions or field
reporting.
Do media courses
require strong general knowledge?
General awareness helps, especially in
journalism, but students build this gradually through discussions, current
affairs learning, and practical assignments.
