• To be considered for admission to the MSc programme, a candidate should normally hold an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Journalism and/ or Media Studies or related discipline such as Communication Studies, Public Relations and Advertising.
• Candidates with at least a Second Class Honours degree in the above areas shall be required to have at least three years post-qualification practical experience in a recognized media house.

Candidates with any good first degree and a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and/or Media Studies or related field may be admitted into the Masters programme

On a full-time basis, the programme shall be studied over a period of 18 months, of which a minimum of six months shall be for the dissertation. On a Block release basis, the MSc programme shall be studied over a period of 24 months. A full-time MSc student may, for good reason and subject to approval by Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty Board, transfer to the part-time programme or vice-versa, provided the student meets the requirements of the part of the programme he/she is transferring to.

Purpose of the Programme

The aim of the Master of Science in Journalism and Media Studies is to impart an advanced understanding of contemporary journalism practice, the role of the media in society, as well as the philosophies that inform journalism practice.

 

Programme Characteristics

Areas of Study

The programme focuses on several key areas, including:

• Media theories, film theory, and journalism debates and trends.
• Advanced news and feature reporting and writing.
• Advanced television and online journalism, as well as advanced documentary and magazine production.
• Advanced investigative journalism and editing practices.

 

Specialist Focus

• Print, broadcast and online journalism.
• Media studies.
• Science and environmental journalism.
• Media management.

 

Orientation

The programme gives equal weight to theory and practice.

 

Career Opportunities and Further Education

Graduates can work in several fields, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, online publications, public relations, advertising, government, non-governmental organisations, and in academia. Graduates of the programme can also proceed to doctoral studies in journalism and media studies, public relations, advertising, and developmental studies, among others.

 

Programme Delivery

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory practical, group work, research projects, and independent study. Students are assessed through essays, tests, oral presentations, practical work (news and feature stories, documentaries, radio programmes, etc), published news and feature stories, and dissertations, among other means. Students taking practical modules are expected to produce industry-standard work.

Programme Competencies

Generic Competencies

• Ability to analyse and synthesise information.
• Methodological problem solving.
• Critical thinking.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to reason and argue persuasively.
• Commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.

 

Discipline Specific Competencies

• Multimedia reporting and writing skills.
• Media literacy.
• Multimedia production skills.
• Media critique and analysis.
• Research skills.
• Commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.

 

Exit Level Outcomes

Graduates of the programme should be able to:

• Report and write news and features for print, broadcast and online media.
• Produce television programmes.
• Utilise communication and publicity skills to pursue careers in the communication and public relations fields.
• Produce and understand a wide variety of media products, including films/documentaries, blogs/websites, magazines/newspapers, etc.
• Utilise their knowledge of the media industry and its techniques to analyse and critique its operations.
• Conduct research that identifies problems and suggests solutions that benefit the media industry and society.

 

• Scheme of Examination and Assessment
  • Examination
    • A formal three-hour examination shall be conducted in all modules at the end of each semester, except for the dissertation and IJM 6104 and IJM 6105, which shall require the submission of a final practical project and a final paper respectively.
    • Coursework shall account for 40% of overall assessment, while the formal examination shall account for 60% of the overall assessment.
  • Carrying Over
    • Candidates may be allowed to proceed carrying only two (2) courses to the next Stage or Part.
    • No candidate may carry over a particular Course for more than two (2) years.
    • No candidate will be allowed to proceed to Stage 3 (Dissertation) without clearing all Courses in Stages 1 and 2.
  • Dissertation

A dissertation shall carry the overall weight of 30% of the entire programme.

• The dissertation should have approximately 20 000 words.
• After the dissertation has been submitted, a student shall be required to defend it before the Departmental Board of Examiners. Oral defense of the dissertation shall constitute 25% of the total dissertation marks.
• A student must submit four copies of the dissertation, bound according to departmental specifications.

Grading Scheme

The following classification shall be used for the programme:

80% and above            -           Distinction

70% - 79%                  -           Merit

60% - 69%                  -           Credit

50% – 59%                 -           Pass

49%     and below        -           Fail

 

Award of the Master of Science Degree in Journalism and Media studies

In order to be awarded the Master of Science degree in Journalism and Media studies, a student shall be required to pass all modules taken in the programme.

 

Year One (160-169 Credits)

 

Semester I (80-84 Credits)

 

Core Modules

IJM 5101                      Media and Society: Theories and Perspectives (24 Credits)

IJM 5102                      Contemporary issues in Journalism (30 Credits)

 

Electives (Choose One)

IJM 5103                      Science, Health and the Environment Journalism (30 Credits)

IJM 5104                      Advanced Investigative Journalism (30 Credits)

IJM 5105                      Electronic Publishing (26 Credits)

 

Semester II (80-85 Credits)

 

Core Modules

IJM 5201                      Research Methodology in Journalism and Media Studies (25 Credits)

IJM 5202                      Journalism, Development and Democracy (30 Credits)

 

Electives (Choose One)

IJM 5203                      Advanced News Writing and Editing (30 Credits)

IJM 5204                      Advanced Television Journalism (30 Credits)

IJM 5205                      Film Theory and Practices (30 Credits)

IJM 5206                      Conflict Transformation, Management and Journalism (25 Credits)

 

Year II

 

Semester I (104-110 Credits)

 

Core Modules

IJM 6100         Dissertation (26 Credits)

IJM 6101         Strategic Media Management (24 Credits)

IJM 6102         Media Texts and Audiences (30 Credits)

 

Electives (Choose One)

IJM 6103         Advertising and Corporate Communications (24 Credits)

IJM 6104         Journalism Production Project (30 Credits)

IJM 6105         Special Topics in Journalism (30 Credits)

 

Semester II (27 Credits)

IJM 6200         Dissertation (27 Credits)

Year I

 

Semester I

IJM 5101        Media and Society: Theories and Perspectives (24 Credits)

The module examines the philosophical foundations of journalism practice and the sociological nature of media institutions. As such, issues related to the professionalisation of journalism, the sociology of news, objectivity and fairness shall be examined in detail. The module shall also apply the instrumental and advanced critical perspectives to the understanding of the role of the media in society. 

 

IJM 5102        Contemporary issues in Journalism (30 Credits)

The module shall explore global trends in journalism emanating from how different news media organizations are structured and the resultant implications on practice and professionalism. Issues related to the role of journalism in a world characterized by many changes shall be looked at in relation to the impact of global trends on journalism and also on whether journalism influences these trends. The module shall also look into developments in new information and communication technologies and how they have given birth to concepts such as blogging, ‘citizen journalism’, advocacy journalism and many other issues related to the role of journalism in society. 

 

Electives

IJM 5103:      Science, Health and the Environment Journalism (30 Credits)

The module is aimed at equipping students with knowledge that is needed to become outstanding science, environment and health journalists. In the first instance, students learn the importance of the three areas to achieving sustainable development and also examine key topics in the philosophies of the practice of science, toxicology, environmental law, risk assessment, epidemiology, science and environmental databases. Students shall learn to research and write incisive stories from scientific journals, papers and conferences. Prominent guest speakers in the above areas shall also be invited to make presentations and interact with students. Special attention shall also be given to topical issues of relevance to Zimbabwe.

 

IJM 5104:       Advanced Investigative Journalism (30 Credits)

This module is aimed at equipping students with the skills required for them to become effective investigative journalists. Key aspects of the module include sourcing of story ideas, research, interviewing and building sources for effective investigative journalism. Students also undertake investigative journalism case studies and also trace the history, challenges and the potential of investigative journalism practice in Zimbabwe.

 

IJM 5105        Electronic Publishing (26 Credits)

The module critically examines the history and practice of journalism in new media, with special reference to Southern Africa. Aspects to be covered shall include study of the Web as a communication medium, online research and referencing, user centered–designs, lear navigation, general information architecture, graphics and the various online story telling techniques. The module shall also explore the reception of online content and examine the implications of this to the practice of online journalism in Zimbabwe.

 

Semester II

 

Core Modules

IJM 5201        Research Methodology in Journalism and Media Studies (25 Credits)

The module aims at equipping students with both the theoretical and practical knowledge of conducting research in journalism and media studies. Students explore the history of research in journalism and media studies, the philosophy informing major research approaches, various key data gathering and analysis techniques commonly used in the field. Emphasis shall also be given to research ethics, report writing and the general state of journalism and media studies research in Africa.

 

IJM 5202        Journalism, Development and Democracy (30 Credits)

This module provides students with an understanding of the role of journalism in development and democracy. Students problematise the concepts of development and democracy and also critique the various journalism understandings, such as the public sphere, watchdog and advocacy understandings, as well as the implications of these understandings to development and democracy. Special focus shall be given to the practice of journalism in Africa and its implications to development and democracy on the continent.

 

Electives

IJM 5203        Advanced News Writing and Editing (30 Credits)

This module explores the international trends in news writing and editing, with special attention given to advanced narrative story telling techniques and recent editing practices.  This module shall be mainly practical and students shall also be expected to undertake practical critiques and reviews of news writing and editing practices locally.

 

IJM 5204        Advanced Television Journalism (30 Credits)

This module equips students with skills to produce non-fiction television content and to report on air, on location and in the studio. Other issues to be covered include mechanical and aesthetic editing of news clips, knowledge of various news writing formats, newsroom organisation and other key aspects. Students shall be expected to produce news clips and demonstrate news judgment by organizing news stories into 20-minute newscasts.

 

 

 

IJM 5205        Film Theory and Practices (30 Credits)

In this module, students study the history and contemporary film production practices in Africa. Film production practices in successful African countries like Nigeria shall also be studied in greater depth. Students shall also learn the practical aspects related to film production and, as part of module work, students shall be expected to produce a 20-30 minute short film. Experienced film producers in the country shall also be invited to give seminars on film production.

 

IJM 5206        Conflict Transformation, Management and Journalism (25 Credits)

The module explores the role of journalism in conflict transformation and management, with specific focus on the African continent.  Using the theoretical knowledge gained in other modules, students examine the role that can be played by the media to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts. Case studies of the media’s coverage of conflicts shall be undertaken.

 

Year II

 

Semester II

IJM 6100        Dissertation (26 Credits)

Students are expected to initially attend prescribed research seminars and then identify a research topic of their choice, submit a research proposal, review relevant literature and identify the theoretical framework. The choice of topics shall be subject to the availability of supervisors.

 

IJM 6101        Strategic Media Management (24 Credits)

The module is aimed at equipping students with the skills of developing long term strategies of improving business performance through improved advertising, circulation and general resources utilization. This subject introduces students to concepts and practical issues concerned with strategic management. Topics to be examined include strategy formulation and planning, business environment analysis, strategy implementation, strategy and competitive advantage, dynamics of strategy, among others.

 

IJM 6102        Media Texts and Audiences (30 Credits)

In this module students shall study the history of audience studies and explore how different theoretical perspectives on active and inactive media audiences and the nature of texts impact on our understanding of everyday media audiences. Students further explore the practical challenges related to textual analysis beyond the common representation and stereotyping dimensions. Specific attention shall also be given to the study of ‘rural’ audience analysis, persuasion, public opinion and the public use of different media and media content. 

 

Electives

IJM 6103        Advertising and Corporate Communications (24 Credits)

The advertising aspect of the module examines the managerial, economic, legal and cultural implications of the advertising industry, as well as practical aspects such as advertising planning, creative strategies and media planning. In corporate communications, students examine issues related to internal communications, media relations, as well as reputation and image management. The module shall provide students with an insight into the contemporary advertising and corporate communications practices worldwide.

IJM 6104        Journalism Production Project (30 Credits)

This is a production-based module that shall allow students to produce a sustained and sizable piece of work to demonstrate their theoretical understanding and practical print, television and/or film production skills. Production proposals must be accepted by the department in advance and shall be allocated to individual supervisors. 

 

IJM 6105        Special Topics in Journalism (30 Credits)

In this module, students may select individual topics in journalism and, with the assistance of their lecturers, delve into them in detail and submit detailed critical papers of at least 25 double spaced pages. Students must show both exhaustive depth and a high level of analysis in covering contemporary understanding in their chosen areas.

 

Semester II

6200                Dissertation (27 Credits)

During this semester, students shall continue working on their dissertations by conducting field research, analyzing findings and writing up their research project reports.