University of Namibia 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 |
See Also
University of Namibia Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences