Definition

The Degree Program in Communication Studies offers a concentration of media-focused courses mixed with general social science and arts education. Journalism and public relations allow students to combine study areas from the Social Science. It also integrates the Arts with theoretical and practical Communication Studies.

The program is based on a study program called The Total Study Program (TSP), which is to the requirements of the University of Ghana, namely:

• General University Requirements
• Faculty of Social Studies/Arts Requirements
• Core Courses in Communication Studies
• Prescribed Electives in Communication Studies
• Free Electives (Journalism or Public Relations)

The program is organized to give the undergraduate student a professional choice either in Journalism or Public Relations. Thus, all students enrolled in the B.A. Communication Studies Degree Program pursue one of two sequences or professional areas of study:

Journalism Sequence

The journalism program prepares students for careers in newspaper and magazine work. It also prepares them for reporting careers in news agencies and broadcast journalism.

Public Relations Sequence

Students enrolled in Public Relations are prepared for careers in public affairs. They also get training in corporate relations management. This includes press relations and community practice.

Objectives:

The goal is to equip students with skills to spread news to the public. They will learn to do this through the print media or broadcast in a professional manner.

COURSE CONTENTS FOR THE B.A. DEGREE PROGRAM AT GIJ:

Level 100 Courses Journalism and Public Relations

First Semester:

1. University required Courses: Language and Study Skills – Academic Writing
2. Core Courses: Communication Studies – Introduction to Media Systems in Ghana
3. Prescribed Electives: Communication Studies -Mass Communication 1
4. Free Electives: Social Science/Arts -According to the elective areas of study at the WASSCE/SSSCE Level.

Second Semester

1. University Required Courses: Academic Writing !!
2. Core Courses: Communication Studies – Precision Language for Journalism
3. Prescribed Electives: Communication Studies – History of Journalism in Africa
4. Free Electives: Social Science/Arts

Level 200 Courses Journalism and Public Relations

First Semester

African Studies, Language and Study Skills, Graphics of Communication, News Writing, Public Relations, and Social Studies/Arts.

Second Semester

African Studies, Academic Writing, Basic Statistics, Editing, Information Gathering, Advertising, Broadcasting and Social Studies/Arts

Level 300 Courses Journalism and Public Relations

First Semester

Use of a Ghanaian Language, Mass Communication Theory, History of Journalism in Ghana, Advertising Principles and Radio Broadcast News

1. Journalism Sequence: Advanced News Writing, Reporting Contemporary Issues
2. Public Relations Sequence: Public Relations Principles I, Internship (4 weeks), Project Work

Second Semester

Media Relations and Publicity, Internship (12 Weeks), Project Work

Level 400 Courses Journalism and Public Relations

First Semester

Use of Ghanaian Language I. Introduction to Media Ethics. Audience Research. Information Technology and Communication Systems. International Communication Systems. Reviewing and Criticism.

1. Journalism Sequence: Reporting of Public Affairs, Investigative Reporting, Editorial Writing, Column/Humor Writing
2. Public Relations Sequence: Public Relations Principles II, Public Relations Production, Internship (4 Weeks), Project Work

Second Semester

Use of Ghanaian Language, Introduction to Media Law, Magazine Editing and Production, Advertising Production, Radio Broadcast Production, Television Broadcast Production.

1. Journalism Sequence: Population Reporting, Sport Writing, Economics Reporting, Science/Environmental Reporting.
2. Public Relations Sequence: Public Relations and Society, Project Work

Institutions Offering Program:

Ghana Institute of Journalism. University of Ghana. University of Cape Coast. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. African University College of Communications. University for Development Studies. University of Professional Studies, Accra. BlueCrest University College. University of Education, Winneba. Jayee College. University of Cape Town. University of the Witwatersrand. University of Stellenbosch. University of Johannesburg. University of Pretoria. University of Ibadan. Makerere University. University of Nairobi. Some notable universities include University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, University of Toronto, Pennsylvania State University. Others are University of Washington – Seattle and Harvard University. Additionally, University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Stanford University. Finally, University of Pennsylvania, University of California – Berkeley, etc.

Duration:

Four years for direct SHS candidates for the B.A. and two years for the Diploma.

Formal Employment Opportunities:

Reporters, Presenters, Photo Journalism, Producers, Public Relations Officers, etc.

Employers:

These include GTV, TV3, Metro TV, Newspapers and Magazines, Business entities and organizations, Public relations officers, etc

Opportunities for Self-Employment:

Graduates can become self-employed by setting up their own advertising agencies or press houses, free-lance journalism, etc.

Opportunities for Further Academic and Professional Development:

Graduates can pursue a Master’s/PhD in Communication Studies. They can also engage in graduate studies in law, mass communication, public advertising, and other fields of their choice.

Program/Subject Combination Required for Admission:

For all Programs, a candidate must have obtained passes in Core English, Core Mathematics, Core Science, and Core Social Studies. They must also have passes in three Elective subjects. The aggregate score should be 24 or better. In determining the aggregate, count the grade in Core Social Studies for applicants who did non-Science programs. Count the grade in Core Science for those who did Science programs. The grade in English shall be a ‘C’ or better.

Entry Requirements for the Diploma Program:

Passes in three core subjects are required. These include English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science for Science Candidates. Alternatively, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies are needed for non-science candidates.

The grade in English Language should be D or better. Science candidates must pass Core Social Studies at least at Grade E. Non-Science candidates also need to pass Integrated Science at least at Grade E. Passes in three Elective Subjects shall also be required.

Cut off aggregate (2024/2025):

B.A.: 15; Diploma:20.

Annual Total Application and Admission:

At GIJ, about 1500 apply, and about 300 are admitted for the B.A. program.

Special Advice to Students Who Intend to Offer this Course:

Admission is very competitive, so aim for the best grades.

Advice to Graduates from this Course Seeking Employment:

Graduates should not worry much if after graduation jobs are not coming by. They can try writing articles on various topics and presenting them to the media houses.

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