Mass communication is undoubtedly one of the most popular courses in the art field for most Nigerian students seeking admission, and this is mainly due to its relevance to the Nigerian and international media systems.
The Mass Communication course is a course that teaches its students the method and techniques of disseminating information to a large audience using multiple media of communication.
Mass communication is important to today’s world as a result of the population boom and also the need for access to information by the large populace despite the advance of today’s world technology, which is brought about through the advent of social media and smartphones.
The popularity of mass mass Communication courses in Nigeria are not based merely on mass publication by students who studied the course; however, it is because of the opportunities the course does produce after graduation, which are far better than most of the courses offered in the art field in Nigerian universities.
The Mass Communication course is a course that is suitable for anyone who has an interest in journalism or advertising in Nigeria.
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Why Study Mass Communication?
● Career Opportunities in Mass Communication
Above other courses in the art field in Nigeria, mass Communication provides interesting and proven career opportunities, and this is largely determined by the fact that even with the change of trends from old journalism to new forms of journalism, its relevance still stands.
● Growing Media and Digital Industry
The explosion in the media and digital industry brought a trend in the demand for mass communication courses among Nigerian students in the art field.
● Transferable Skills Gained
● Global Relevance of the Course
Areas Covered in a Mass Communication
Mass communication is a broad course that encompasses other subjects and even some courses in it, and that is why in some universities in Nigeria students are categorized under a specific course in order to direct their focus and even reduce the load of many courses. Some areas and courses in mass communication are
● Journalism
● Broadcasting
● Public Relations
● Advertising
● Digital Media
● Film and Multimedia
● Communication Research
Core Subjects in Mass Communication Course
Core subjects in mass Communication is a subject that is widespread across the field and area of mass Communication is considered the pillar of the mass communication course.
Students who study mass Communication courses are expected to come across this subject during their duration of study regardless of specialization or area they are based in as a student. There are many subjects that are core in mass communication, but the most relevant ones are
● Introduction to Mass Communication
● News Writing and Reporting
● Media Law and Ethics
● Communication Theories
● Broadcasting Techniques
● Advertising and Public Relations
● Media Research Methods
● Online and Digital Journalism
Skills You Gain from Studying Mass Communication
One of the beauties of the mass communication course is the fact that the course will not only award you just a certificate as an acknowledgement of you studying the course, but it will also provide you with raw skills that will be needed for use in the outside world, and there are
● Writing and communication skills
Every mass communication student is often taught the principle of writing and communication skills, and they have been found to perform excellently in writing and communication skills above other courses, including English language.
● Public speaking
Rigorous training and practical experience coupled with class presentations help sharpen the skill of public speaking of mass communication students, as they will be trained in this aspect. This is an important skill far beyond the certificate earned in mass communication.
● Critical thinking
The requirement for journalism is critical thinking, and this is imbedded during the duration of study as a mass communication student.
● Research skills
● Media production skills
● Digital marketing skills
● Creativity and teamwork
Entry Requirements for Mass Communication Course
O’Level requirements
O level requirements include having five credits in O level subjects, including mathematics, English language,Government Literature in English and Other Art Subjects.
JAMB subject combination
Use of English, government/history/economics, and any other subjects
Direct Entry requirements
Diploma in mass Communication with a minimum of pass and IJMB with a minimum of C grade passes, including in subjects like economics or any Nigerian language, Government and History and five O-level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Government, and other subjects
Duration of Mass Communication Course
Duration in universities for mass communication for all universities is 4 years, and for polytechnics, including ND and HND, it is 5 years, while part-time and distance learning duration depends on the institution, but it can take a period of 4 years.
TOP INSTITUTIONS OFFERING MASS COMMUNICATION COURSES IN NIGERIA
Universities offering mass communication courses in Nigeria
Top Federal Universities
● University of Lagos (UNILAG)
● University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
● University of Benin (UNIBEN)
● University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
● Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
● Bayero University Kano (BUK)
● University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
● University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Top State Universities
● Lagos State University (LASU)
● Delta State University (DELSU)
● Ekiti State University (EKSU)
● Imo State University (IMSU)
● Benue State University (BSU)
● Rivers State University (RSU)
● Kaduna State University (KASU)
Private Universities
● Covenant University
● Babcock University
● Afe Babalola University
● Bowen University
● Caleb University
● Lead City University
● Redeemer’s University
● Madonna University
TOP Polytechnics Offering Mass Communication
Top Federal Polytechnics
● Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
● Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
● Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
● Federal Polytechnic, Offa
● Federal Polytechnic, Ok o
● Federal Polytechnic, Bida
● Auchi Polytechnic
State Polytechnics
Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH)
● Osun State Polytechnic
● Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
● Delta State Polytechnic
● Kaduna Polytechnic
● Kwara State Polytechnic
Factors to Consider When Choosing institution to study mass Communication course
Selecting the right institution to study mass communication should not be done randomly, especially if you want to study at Nigerian universities. Consider the following factors:
a. Accreditation Status
The number one factor to be considered if you want to study mass communication at any Nigerian university is accreditation status, which shows the school is licensed to offer the course and also award a certificate after completion of the program.
The accreditation body for universities in Nigeria is the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC), and the NBTE is in charge of polytechnic accreditation. Downplaying the issue of accreditation can result in wasting years and also an inability to serve when you graduate.
The above list provided indicates that the top universities and polytechnics are all accredited, and they have been reputed to not have accreditation issues for years.
b. Reputation of the School.
Consider the reputation of the school, as this will give you an edge when applying for a job; you might even come across a former alumnus of such a school.
If you want a reputation, consider federal universities, as they have more reputation than state universities and private universities in Nigeria.
C. Facilities and Equipment
Mass communication courses need proper facilities and equipment for proper learning and understanding of the course, and that is why you should factor in facilities and equipment when choosing any university to study mass communication.
d. Quality of Lecturers
The accreditation and the facilities and equipment will be wasted if there are no quality lecturers who can teach and also impart the relevant skills and knowledge that are essential to mass Communication students
e. Tuition Fees and Affordability
Tuition fees vary across universities in Nigeria to study mass communication, and that is why you should always check the fees of the university where you would like to study mass communication. Consider your budget and capacity when choosing a university to study mass communication in Nigeria.
Tips for Succeeding in a Mass Communication Course
● Build writing skills
Start learning writing skills far beyond what you are taught in class, as this will prove useful for you in the class and outside world after graduation. You can build a career when you have a good writing skill.
● Gain internship experience
Try as much as possible to gain internship experience, even if this is included in the syllabus for mass communication students in polytechnic and university.
● Learn digital tools
The world is shifting from the use of paper to the use of computer tools and software for mass communication, and that is why you should learn it in order for you to be far advanced in the mass communication field even before you graduate from mass communication.
● Build a portfolio
Start building your portfolio as early as possible by doing and engaging in gig work while even studying.
● Network early
Connect with many people across your field to improve your chances after graduation and also to build your brand and personality in the mass communication field.
Frequently Asked Questions
● Is mass communication a good course?
Based on various varieties and factor mass Communication is one of the best courses in the art field.
● Is mass communication hard to study?
Mass communication is not hard to study, but it requires very focused and intensive reading.
● How many years is mass Communication course
The Mass Communication course is 4 years for universities and can stretch up to 5 years for polytechnic combining ND and HND.polytechnics
● Can I study mass communication without literature in English?
It is not possible to study mass communication in any Nigerian universities without taking literature in English as a subject in secondary school.
Conclusion
Mass Communication is a good and one of the best art courses that is studied across many Nigerian universities. The attractiveness and the nature of the course have made it one of the most competitive courses in the art field, except for law.
If you want to study mass communication in Nigerian universities, it is best advisable that you aim for a high UTME score with a good result in O-level subjects, which include mathematics, English, government, literature in English, and one art or social science subject.
Adepoju Olamilekan is a blogger and student of economics at Adekunle Ajasin who has written for many educational blog across the country. His passion and love for blog and creating as found him always writing to provide solutions to all Nigeria Students