PhD in Journalism and Mass communication is a research degree course where the course duration can range anything between 3-6 years, depending upon the area of research. The main focus of the course is to research the chosen topic and to equip candidates with teaching skills.
The candidates should have a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with an aggregate of 55% to become eligible. Some colleges may require candidates to write entrance exams
For admission to the course with the entrance exams, some candidates might be called for personal interviews or group discussion. Some popular entrance exams are LPU NEST, NET, SEAT and more.
Some top colleges offering PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication are Lovely Professional University, University of Madras, Mysore University, Bharathiar University, Sharda University, and more. The average fees for government universities range from 5,000-15,000, whereas fees for private universities can range from 60,000-1,50,000.
See more: PhD Journalism and Mass Communication Top Colleges
Some of the basic subjects taught in the course are Freedom of Expression Theory, Theory of Culture and Media, Law and Ethics of Telecommunication, etc. Each college offers its own electives to the students. The students are also given research training over the duration of the course.
After the completion of the course, candidates can get employed in the education, media, journalism, and writing industry. PhD is the highest qualification degree, after completion students can go for post-doctoral fellowships.
The job profiles for graduates of PhD Journalism and Mass Communication include Professor, Writer, Reporter, Editor, Researcher, Public Relations Executive, Communication Executive, etc. The average salary of these roles can range from 4-6 LPA depending upon the job role and expertise.
Table of Content
- PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Highlights
- PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: What is it about?
2.1 Why Study?
3.2 Entrance Exams
- PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Distance Education
- PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Syllabus
- PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Comparison
- PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Job Profiles
8.1 Future Scope
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Highlights
The table below provides a highlight of the course.
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Full-Form | PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination type | Credit System |
| Eligibility | Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Candidates should also have cleared either national/ state/ university level entrance examination |
| Admission Process | Merit and entrance based |
| Course Fee | INR 4,000- 1,20,000 |
| Average Salary | 3-9 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Hindustan Times, ZEE TV networks, NDTV networks, BBC, and Times of India, The Hindu, The Print, The WireIn, etc. |
| Job Positions | Free Lance Writer, Lecturer and Professor, Journalist, Editor, Researcher, Communication and Brand Promotion Executive, Marketing and communication Associate. |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: What is it about?
Key information and details about the course PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication are as follows.
- As the name mentions, it is a Doctorate level course in Journalism and Mass Communication.
- The main focus of the course is research or entering the teaching profession.
- The main subjects of the course are Advertising Theory, Theory of Culture and Media, Research Methodology, Ethics of Communication, etc.
- The candidate must keep up with current affairs and also provide critical analysis for the same.
- The person should already be well-versed with the basics of journalism and mass communication before applying for the Doctorate program.
Why study PhD Journalism and Mass Communication?
The purpose of pursuing a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication can vary from person to person. Here is the list of top reasons why people pursue a PhD.
- High Pay: Doctorate course is the highest level of qualification and also provides good pay for candidates. They can pursue a profession in career fields like Lecturer and earn up to 12 LPA.
- On completion of PhD, Candidates are given the title of ‘Doctorate of Philosophy and can put it in front of their name.
- Research potential: The main purpose of a PhD is to provide research opportunities to candidates, they can research on the topic of their choice within the course and become experts in the field.
- Skills: PhD is a course that requires extensive research. It allows the candidates to inculcate essential skills like Analytical skills, Problem-solving skills, Project management, Discipline, and Communication skills.
- Future Benefits: The degree allows people to become experts in the field of journalism and mass communication. It opens up various career opportunities as a journalist, writer, professor, news critic, news reporter, etc.
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Admission Process
Admissions in PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication are mostly done on the basis of merit. Some colleges also accept entrance exams like NET JRF. Private universities like Lovely Professional University conduct their own entrances.
- Registration: The first and foremost step for a candidate in the admission process is to register for the course through the college or university’s website. Exams forms are released before the start of the course and provide ample time for people to fill in their details.
- Details and Application fee: While registering, it is important to fill in the correct details like name, educational level, address, etc. After filling in the details, the candidate must submit the application fee.
- Admit card: After filling in the necessary information and paying the fee, the candidate should download the admit card and keep it safe till the admission process goes on.
- Examination: The entrance exam has to be given to respected colleges and universities. It is important to adhere to the syllabus and read the previous year's question papers for better preparation.
- Results: Once results are released, candidates who qualify and further move ahead with their admission process. Some might also release a cut-off list for admissions based on merit. Marks of post-graduation are considered for this.
- Counselling and admission: Candidates who qualify for the entrance exam or merit can proceed to the college for their course.
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility criteria for admissions in PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication are mentioned below.
- Candidate must have completed their post-graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication from a recognized university.
- They should also have a minimum percentage of 55% to pursue a PhD. Entrance exams like NET JRF also require the candidate to have a minimum of 55% during post-graduation.
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Entrance Exams
As mentioned, few universities take admissions on the basis of entrance exams. These exams are discussed further in detail.
- NET/NET JRF: It is a national-level examination conducted for admissions in PhD. To pursue PhD along with a stipend, candidates must clear NET JRF, whereas after clearing NET candidates can become eligible to apply for universities as professors. However, NET JRF candidates are preferred by universities.
- SET: SET is conducted to provide research opportunities at the state level. Candidates who pass become eligible to apply for research or to become professors at any university within the state they have appeared.
- LPUNEST: LPUNEST is the entrance exam conducted by Lovely Professional University. Candidates can also become eligible for scholarships if their score in the entrance exam is high.
- SUAT: Sharda University also conducts its own entrance test for admissions in PhD. However, candidates who have scored good marks in NET/ JRF/ SET are exempted and are directly called for an interview.
The list below provides further details for the exams mentioned.
| Examination | Application Date | Date of exam | Mode of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| NET/NET JRF 2023 | To be Announced | To be Announced | Computer-based test |
| SET 2023 | December 15, 2022 – April 12, 2023 | May 6, 2023 (Test 1 - 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) May 14, 2023 (Test 2 - 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) |
Offline |
| LPUNEST 2023 | 1st week of November 2022 – January 20, 2023 |
February 1- February 10, 2023 |
Online |
| SUAT 2023 | January 3, 2023 - 4th week of May 2023 | 2nd week of June 2023 | Online |
How to prepare for the PhD Journalism and Mass Communication entrance exam?
Here are a few points which can help candidates prepare for the entrance exam.
- Go through the syllabus of the exam thoroughly. It will help you focus on important topics rather than studying a completely different topic.
- Develop a timetable for studying. It will help you focus on every subject and give equal time to every topic.
- Rather than mugging up the answers, it is important to understand the basics of the topics. It will also help you solve complex or HOTs questions
- Go through the previous year's question papers for a better understanding of the entrance exams. There are several books available for NET which contain previous year question papers along with the answers.
- Even though entrance exams focus on Mass Communication and Journalism, there is a separate section for Analytical skills, aptitude skills, teaching skills, Logical reasoning, Communication, People and Environment, Reading Comprehension, etc.
- All the entrance exams are conducted as MCQs with one correct answer. There is also a negative marking.
- It is important to only attempt the questions which you are sure of. Since there is a negative marking, guesswork should be avoided.
How to get Admission to a Top PhD Journalism and Mass Communication College?
Here are a few tips which will help candidates get admission to a good college for a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication.
- It is important to be through with the Post-graduation syllabus to excel in entrance exams.
- Apart from Journalism and Mass Communication, it is important to focus on general subjects like Reasoning, Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, etc.
- It is extremely important to be aware of registration dates, exam dates, and result dates. It will help you avoid any mishaps and provide you with enough time to prepare well.
- Keeping up with current affairs is also essential, especially while appearing for interviews. It leaves a good impression on the board members.
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Top Colleges
The list below provides details of a few of the top colleges offering PhD Journalism and Mass Communication.
| College Name | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | INR 10,000 |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 50,000 |
| Andhra University, Visakhapatnam | INR 7,000 |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | INR 1,20,000 |
| University of Madras, Chennai | INR 8,005 |
| Mysore University, Mysore | INR 35,740 |
| Bharathiar University, Coimbatore | N/A |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: College Comparisons
The table below compares the top colleges offering PhD Journalism and Mass Communication.
| Parameters | Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | Amity University, Noida | Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Aligarh Muslim University is one of h the leading universities in India for Doctorate courses like Journalism and Mass Communication | Amity University is a private university, offering the best faculties for research courses like PhD. | Lovely Professional University is a popular private university well established in the field of doctorate courses. |
| Location | Aligarh, UP | Noida, UP | Phagwara, Punjab |
| NIRF Ranking | 17 | 37 | 78 |
| Average Fee | INR 10,000 | INR 50,000 | INR 1,20,000 |
| Average Placement | INR 4,50,000 | INR 5,00,000 | INR 9,00,000 |
| Top Companies Visited | Marque Impex, Cordis Technology, EFS Facilities Service Pvt. Ltd, Genpact, Allana Sons Pvt Ltd, Soft nice, Tacenda Publication LLP, Hamari Pahchan NGO, ETC. | Wipro, IBM, Genpact, TCS, The Times of India, The Print, Penguin Random House, etc. | Amazon, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Air Vistara, Urban Pitara, Club Mahindra, Golden Robot Animation, etc. |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Distance Education
Few colleges also offer distance education mode in PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication. Through this mode, candidates need not visit the college campus for their research and can study through the comfort of their homes.
Candidates can also pursue their PhD from international universities through distance education mode.
The table below provides information about the various colleges offering distance education mode along with their fees and duration. It will help the candidates choose the best college as per their needs.
| College | Average Fee |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi | INR 16,800 |
| University of Leicester, United Kingdom | EUR 18,126 (INR 15,66,050) |
| Chandigarh University, Chandigarh | INR 50,000 |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | INR 1,20,000 |
Note: Chandigarh University and Lovely Professional University provide a part-time course where students do not have to visit the campus regularly.
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Syllabus
Since it is a PhD program, there are several core, elective and practical subjects to choose from. Unlike Bachelor or Master courses, there is no defined semester and candidates carry out their research in their chosen subject.
The core subjects are given below:
| Research Methodology 1 | Research Methodology 2 |
| Communication Theory | Research Writing and Ethics |
The elective subjects are given below:
| Journalism Studies | Specialized and Analytical Journalism |
| Advertising and Public Relations research | Communication and Development Issues |
| Analyzing media, Messages, and audience | Hindi Cinema Studies |
| Issues in Media Economy | Media, Youth, and Participatory Government |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Recommended Books
Here are a few books which can help candidates achieve a better understanding of the course.
| Name | Author |
|---|---|
| Writing to Change the World | Mary Pipher |
| Introduction to Media Production: The Path to Digital Media Production | Gorham Kindem and Robert B. Musburge |
| Left Turn: How Liberal Media Bias Distorts the American Mind | Tim Groseclose |
| The Ethics of Journalism: Individual, Institutional and Cultural Influences (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism) | PhD. Wendy N. Wyatt |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Comparison
| Parameters | PhD Journalism and Mass Communication | PhD Media Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Focus Area | The main focus of PhD Journalism and Mass Communication is on understanding journalism and mass communication on a deeper level. | PhD Media Studies focuses on studying media and its influence on people and society. It can include various forms of media like films, shows, music, etc. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication with an aggregate of 55% | Masters in Media Studies with an aggregate of 55% |
| Admission Criteria | Merit and National level examinations | Merit and national level examinations |
| Average course fees | INR 5,000-90,000 | INR 6,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Job Options | Free Lance Writer, Lecturer and Professor, Journalist, Editor, Researcher, Communication and Brand Promotion Executive, Marketing and Communication Associate | Marketing executive, News Anchor, Reporter, Media Researcher, Media Planner, Blogger, Professor, etc. |
| Areas of Employment | Media, News Companies, Writing companies, Educational departments, etc. | Media, Digital media companies, Television Media companies, Social Media companies, Blogging websites |
| Average Placement Package | 4,00,000 to 10,00,000 | 4,00,000 to 9,00,000 |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Job Profiles
There are several career options available for people who pursue a PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication.
- After the course, candidates can become professors, writers, news reporters, news editors, Marketing experts, Journalists, etc.
- The top sectors of the economy which employ people from this course are media, news, Marketing sector, educational sector, etc.
- Candidates can also get employed in both government and private sector. In the government sector, they can become civil servants by giving other national and state-level examinations. They can also become professors in government institutes.
- In the private sector, people can become writers, work for a marketing company, become journalists, and even policy critics.
Some of the top job roles are mentioned below.
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Journalist | Journalists write, edit, proofread, research, and find new news reports and deliver them using various forms of media. | INR 6,00,000-8,00,000 |
| Writer | Writers can work for a company or publish their work independently. It includes writing in a book, blog, articles, news reports, etc. | INR 5,00,000-6,00,000 |
| Event Manager | A degree in Mass communication allows the candidate to become an expert in event management as it mostly involves communicating with people of different backgrounds and work. | INR 5,00,000-7,00,000 |
| Professor/ Lecturer | After becoming an expert in the field, people can also help other individuals learn about the subject by becoming professors. | INR 9,00,000-11,00,000 |
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: Future Scope
Candidates usually start working after this course as it is the highest level of educational qualification in this field. However, here are a few things that people can pursue if they do not wish to work.
- Competitive Exams: Candidates can prepare for various competitive exams, especially for joining the civil services. They can use their expertise in the field to excel in exams as well as interviews.
- PhD in related fields: There is no limit as to how many PhDs can a person pursue. Thus, after completing a PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication, people can also pursue other PhDs Media studies.
- MBA: MBA is one of the most opted-for professional courses by candidates of all ages and educational backgrounds. People can choose from a variety of specialities like Human Resource, Marketing, Finance, etc.
PhD Journalism and Mass Communication: FAQs
Ques: Can I pursue a PhD even if the NET exam is not cleared?
Ques: What happens after a person clears NET JRF?
Ques: How can I become a professor in Journalism and Mass Communication?
Ques: What are the job prospects after a PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication?
Ques: Is PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication hard?
Ques: Can I give the NET exam during my Masters's course?
Ques: What are the eligibility criteria for a PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication?
Ques: What are the best colleges for a PhD. Journalism and Mass Communication?
Ques: Is a PhD worth it?
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