MA in Journalism and Digital Media

MA in Journalism and Digital Media program at South Asian University is a comprehensive two-year academic program designed to provide students a deep understanding of journalism theory as well as practice.

This 4-semesters program provides students a holistic look at the nuances of journalism and its contemporary trends. It handles varied subjects with a South Asia and Global South perspective while putting an emphasis on technology, digital media and Artificial Intelligence. The program covers multi-media journalism and puts emphasis on video production and content distribution. Issues like environment, health, gender and human rights have been included in the syllabus.

Program focus

A hardcore professional program aligned with NEP 2020 and similar policies of other SAARC nations
Practice-based and industry-oriented learning
Inspired by international models of journalism education
Strong focus on technology and content in a global perspective

Highlights of the program

Duration: 2-year
Total Credits: 99
Credits in Year 1: 50
Credits in Year 2: 49

Eligibility

Two-Year Programme

A candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree under 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern from a recognized institution or an examination recognized by the University as its equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks (or an equivalent grade).

Modes of Admission

Admission to various Master’s programmes is offered through two modes:

1. SAU Entrance Test Mode:

For Indian Candidates: Center-based online tests conducted by the University.
For other SAARC Candidates (excluding India): Proctored online tests on stipulated dates.

2. Direct Admission Mode (Without SAU Entrance Test):

In India: Based on scores from national-level tests (Like JEE/CUET/NEET/CAT/CLAT/NET/GATE etc).
In Other SAARC Countries: Based on national-level test scores or qualifying examination results from recognized institutions.
For Non-SAARC Candidates: Based on scores obtained in their qualifying examination.

For more information – Click Here

Seat Matrix

Total Seats : 60
India: 30		Remaining SAARC Countries + Other Countries: 30
SAU Entrance Test: 15	Direct Mode: 15	SAU Entrance Test: 15	Direct Mode: 15

Note: Vacant seats in one category will be transferred to another category.

Format of the Entrance Test Paper

The entrance test will have a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes).
The test paper will have 70 multiple-choice questions.
Each question will carry one mark.
There will be no negative marking.

Syllabus for Entrance Test

Section	Components	Weightage (%)
General Awareness (SAARC, South Asia, Global South, Global North)	SAARC: Structure, Institutions & Regional Cooperation South Asia: Political, Economic & Media Landscape Global South: Development & Geopolitics Global North: Institutions & Global Governance Media & Global Affairs (Cross-cutting Sub-Section)	20%
Communication Theories & Media Concepts	Classical & Contemporary Communication Models Mass Communication Theories Media Effects Theories Communication in SAARC Context	20%
Digital Media, AI & Multimedia Journalism	Basics of Artificial Intelligence in media Digital platforms & content strategy Multimedia journalism Contemporary trend in journalism	20%
Media, Society, Culture, Laws and Ethics	Freedom of speech and expression Media regulations & Cyber laws Ethical principles in journalism Media & Sustainable Development Goals Basics of Human rights & migration issues Communication and Misinformation Environmental journalism Gender & LGBTQIA+ issues	20%
Media and Communication Research	Foundations of Research in Media & Communication Research Design & Methodology Qualitative & quantitative research methods Emerging Trends in Media Research	20%

For a sample test paper, click here.