BJMC Vs BA Journalism: What's Better

BJMC Vs BA Journalism: What's Better

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Updated on Jan 12, 2023 15:54 IST

The syllabus of BJMC and BA Journalism is quite different. If you are also trying to know the difference between these two courses, then read this article as it discusses the main elements of both the courses in detail.

 

BJMC Vs BA Journalism

Basically, both BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication) and BA Journalism (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism) are three-year degree programmes offered at the undergraduate level. Talking about the major differences between these two degrees, BA Journalism is relatively narrow in scope, whereas BJMC degree covers all aspects of journalism and mass communication in depth. Apart from this, literature, politics, constitution and foreign affairs are also included in this course. Even though the job prospects of both the courses are largely similar, there are a few things that make the BJMC and BA Journalism courses different. Candidates can understand the difference between these two courses through the following article.

BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)

The three-year bachelor's degree in journalism and the media industry programme is spread across six semesters. The BJMC course teaches how to gather, transmit, and disseminate news to the general public. Because the Media and Entertainment industry is predicted to increase at a rate of 13.5 percent between 2014 and 2024, a career in journalism and mass communication is a highly lucrative option in India. Candidates who successfully complete BJMC can choose to work for news channels, newspapers, publishing houses, televisionradio, internet, etc and earn a healthy remuneration. 

BA Journalism (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism) 

BA Journalism is a specialist programme that focuses on the news and media industry. As a result, the contents presented are tailored to this vocation. Functional English, Communicative English, Computer Fundamentals, Newspaper Management, and Creative Journalistic Writing are just a few of the subjects available. This course focuses on various aspects of the media industry like research, reporting, compiling, writing, editing as well as presentation of information. After completing BA Journalism candidates can join various mass communication-related fields such as TV news channels, newspapers, radio stations and the like. 

Eligibility Criteria for BJMC & BA Journalism

Candidates meet the eligibility criteria for both the courses, if they have completed their class 12 from a recognised board and institute. Apart from this, some colleges also state that aspirants are eligible to pursue BA Journalism and BJMC course if they possess a minimum of 50% aggregate marks at their 10+2 level. Students from any stream (Arts/ Commerce/ Science) can opt to pursue any of these courses. Admission to these undergraduate degrees is done on the basis of an entrance test, which consists of a written test, group discussion and interview. However, some institutes also offer admission on the basis of merit.

Skills Required for BJMC & BA Journalism

In order to pursue BJMC or Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, aspirants need to have a nose for news and also be motivated enough to work long hours. Some key skills that aspirants need to possess in order to pursue a BJ course are as mentioned below:

Skills Required
Keen observer Discipline Writing skills
Inquisitive Good perception and General awareness Intellectually curious
Interest in details Clear headed Self-motivated
Creative Ability to work under rough conditions Analytical skills
Fluent in language Good judgement Organised
Good time management skills Ability to work in stringent deadlines Strong networking skills

BJMC and BA Journalism: Job Prospects & Top Recruiters

Even though the programmes have a little bit of difference, but the job profiles and recruiters are pretty much same. A BJMC graduate or a BA Journalism graduate can go for job profiles given below:

Journalist/ Reporter: A journalist's primary role is to conduct honest and ethical investigations, document, write, and present news. A journalist spends a lot of time interviewing informants, looking for information from other sources, and occasionally visiting the scene of a notable occurrence.

Radio Jockey/ RJ: The role of an RJ is to inform, entertain, and amuse its listeners/ audience. Their work entails delivering a variety of music programmes as well as engaging audiences with other activities such as guest interviews of well-known personalities like musicians, celebrities, and more.

Director: A director is in charge of both the dramatic and creative parts of a film or television show. The director envisions the storytelling and directs the performers and crew in bringing that vision to life.

Columnist: A columnist is a professional who writes and edits copy for a newspaper's regular column. A columnist disseminates public information and expresses opinions to their readers.

News/ TV Anchor: The role of a news anchor is to present news stories on radio or television broadcasts. Aside from that, an anchor selects and analyses news as well as conducts interviews with visitors.

Photographer: A photographer is the one, who uses his/ her artistic ability along with technical skills, and takes pictures of people, places, landscapes, food, and a lot more. They closely work with the clients to discuss the type of pictures they need and how they wish to use them.

Proofreader: A proofreader is a specialist that is in charge of making sure that any information that is published in a newspaper or magazine is free of errors. A proofreader goes over a copy and checks for spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors.

Event Manager: An event manager is in charge of overseeing the entire event. He/ she organises and manages the details of an event, and oversees the entire process, from planning to execution to post-event review.

Content Writer: A content writer gathers information on industry-related issues from web sources, interviews, and other sources before writing content to market a product or service. To develop work, a content writer uses a variety of web formatting tools and content management systems.

Other job profiles to which a BMM graduate can apply are – Screenwriter, Producer, TV Correspondent, Sound Mixer, Sound Recordist, PR officer, Sound Engineer, Video Jockey, Editor, Graphic Designer, Digital Media Specialist and more. Listed below are some of the top companies that hire graduates in this field:

Netflix Hindustan Times The Hindu
Amazon BBC India Today Group
NDTV Network Times of India ABP News

Popular Colleges Offering BJMC and BA Journalism

 Tabulated below are some of the popular colleges offering the programmes:

Colleges offering BJMC Programme Colleges offering BA Journalism Programme
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Madras Christian College, Chennai
Mewar University St Xavier's College, Kolkata
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore
National Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism Chandigarh University
Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi Christ University
International Institute of Mass Media, New Delhi Jyoti Nivas College, Bangalore

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Job Profiles after Mass Communication

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Nansubuga Martha

4 months ago

can I specialize in public relations if I do BA journalism

Reply to Nansubuga Martha