UNAM Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies Course

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1 UNAM Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies Course

1.1 Degree

1.2 Introduction

1.3 Admission Criteria

1.4 Duration of Study

1.5 Modules

1.5.1 Specializations

1.6 See Also

University of Namibia Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies

Degree

Bachelor of Arts Honours

Introduction

The BA degree programme in media studies offers a formal qualification for those who wish to obtain skills and professional practice in electronic, print or new media, as well as public relations and advertising. The programme allows three areas of specialisation as from the third year level. This develops skills in the areas of writing (including specialised fields such as business reporting, sports reporting, etc.), broadcast production (both radio and television) or public relations (including corporate communications) and advertising. All graduates will have a broad knowledge of media theories, media laws and ethics, as well as competencies in areas such as web page design and desktop publishing. They will have the ability to think for themselves in logical patterns and possess the qualities necessary for professional managerial roles in media organisations.
Upon completion of the programme graduates should be able to:

Common to all Specialisations
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the theoretical and historical framework of media principles and theories.
- Identify and describe new technologies and use them to gather and distribute information.
- Independently apply leadership skills in communication organizations.
Public Relations (PR) Specialisation
- Research, write and collect data, plus plan and implement integrated marketing and communicat
  ion campaigns.
- Manage the process of communication and public relations and media institutions in organisations within the framework of good governance.
Print Media Specialisation
- Research, gather, edit and write relevant, creative and high quality print products.
Electronic Media Specialisation
- Identify, collect edit and produce materials for radio and television production

Admission Criteria

To register for an undergraduate degree programme a candidate must hold a valid Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) or a recognised equivalent qualification.
English is a compulsory subject and should normally have been obtained as English as a Second Language at NSSCO level with a minimum C symbol, or English as a First Language at NSSCO level with a minimum D symbol.
A candidate should obtain a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM Evaluation Point Scale in his/her five (5) best subjects (of which English must be one) to be admitted to undergraduate studies (cf. 7.3 General Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Programmes in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook). Obtaining the minimum number of points, however, does not necessarily ensure admission. Admission is based on places available in Courses, subjects and programmes and is awarded on the basis of merit.
In addition to the above, admission to the Tourism, Geography and Environmental Studies courses require at least a D symbol in Mathematics on NSSC level or the equivalent and/or at least a C symbol in Geography at NSSC level or the equivalent.
The University reserves the right to interview students before admission.
Certain Courses, subjects or programmes may require special written application by and/or screening of candidates before admission is considered. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to such Courses, subjects or programmes may, however, register for any other Courses, subjects or programmes to which they are admitted subject to relevant University and Faculty regulations.
Admission can also be considered for persons who qualify through the Mature Age Entry Scheme upon successful completion of the relevant examinations as set out in the General Regulations (cf. 7.4 Mature Age Entry Scheme in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook). A special application form is available for this purpose.

Duration of Study

The Bachelor’s degree cannot be completed in less than four (4) years of full-time study, unless a student is granted credits on the basis of studies completed elsewhere, and/or for another qualification.
The programme for a Bachelor’s degree must be completed within six years of full-time registration, unless special permission is granted for this period to be exceeded.

Modules

Year 1, Semester 1
Media Theories and Practice

Year 1, Semester 2
English for Media Studies

Year 2, Semester 1
Desktop Publishing

Year 2, Semester 2
Media Writing and Reporting
Media Laws, Ethics and Policies
Rural and Community Reporting
Web Development
Specialised Reporting

Year 3, Semester 1
Knowledge Management
Investigative Reporting

Year 3, Semester 2
Media and Information Studies Research

Year 4, Semester 1
Research Project
Professional Practice (Internship)
Management and Marketing of the Media
Entrepreneurship (half course)

Year 4, Semester 2
Research Project
Professional Practice (Internship)
Management and Marketing of the Media
Political and Economic Reporting (half course)

Specializations

Public Relations

Year 3, Semester 1
Corporate Communication

Year 3, Semester 2
Advertising Campaigns
Integrated Marketing Strategies

Year 4, Semester 1
Advanced Public Relations and Advertising

Year 4, Semester 2
Advanced Public Relations and Advertising

Electronic Media

Year 3, Semester 1
Broadcast Writing

Year 3, Semester 2
Radio Production
Television Production

Year 4, Semester 1
Advanced Broadcasting

Year 4, Semester 2
Advanced Broadcasting

Print Media

Year 3, Semester 1
Advanced Reporting: Magazines and Photo Journalism

Year 3, Semester 2
Principles and Practice of Newspaper Editing
Specialised Journalism: Sports and Elections

Year 4, Semester 1
Advanced Print Journalism

Year 4, Semester 2
Advanced Print Journalism