Categories
Mass communication & Media

Creative Digital Media

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA AND WHO IS A CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST?

Creative and digital media is defined as artistic and cultural content that is created for digital platforms (e.g. on social media like Facebook and twitter) or distributed digitally to reach the public. In creative and digital media, you learn how to create and distribute content that will be watched or listened to by people using gadgets such phones, tablets and computers, or TV and radio. A creative and digital media specialist is a person who creates and distributes content using digital platforms. These are the personnel that create the adverts that we see or hear on TV, radio and social media. They also make the websites that we visit on a daily basis to look attractive and be user-friendly and edit photos and videos among other things.

WHERE DO CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALISTS WORK?

Creative and digital media specialists commonly work in the media, cultural and creative industries. If you do this programme you can work in media houses including the print media (newspapers and other publishing companies), television and radio stations. Examples of such work places in Zambia are ZNBC (radio and television), Prime TV, Diamond TV, Radio Phoenix, Zambia Daily Mail, The Mast Newspaper etc. You can also work for an advertising company or creative and digital advertising agencies that exist in the country.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

One of the tasks in the work of a creative and digital media specialist is graphics design. This is just combining words (text) and pictures in advertisements, magazines or books. They also do photography and videography but more especially the editing of photos and videos that have been taken by photographers and videographers. Creative and digital media personnel also carry out advertising and branding. They make adverts for newspapers, flyers, magazines, social media etc. Other media specialists work in website design and development. This mainly involves creating websites for various companies, businesses, learning institutions, banks etc. 

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST?

Work is mostly from 08:00hrs – 17:00hrs on weekdays (Monday to Friday). Most media houses are open even on weekends and public holidays. As such, you may be required to report to work every day of the week, depending on where you work.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

The job market for the creative and digital media specialists can be described as fair. With the coming of digital migration, the number of media houses in the country is increasing which in turn increases the need for creative and digital media specialists. Even without getting into formal employment, someone can still work for themselves. They can open their own studios that specialise in areas such as video production and photography, creation of adverts, website development and many other creative works.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

For you to do the program you need to be first of all creative. This will allow allow you to create content that is catchy and appealing to the viewers or target audience. When you do an advert for a business, it needs to help the business grow and therefore you have to be good at catching the attention and curiosity of people. You also need to have an interest in working with computer software and technology in general.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

Some of the courses that you will have to learn when you decide to do creative and digital media include creative writing, magazine design, interaction design, moving image (films and videos), motion graphics, visual art and design, photography etc.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

The minimum entry requirements for this program are 5 O’ level credits or better inclusive of Mathematics and English.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST?

As an alternative to creative and digital media, you can choose to study Media and Journalism, Animation and Multimedia, Graphics and Multimedia, Information Technology and other ICT related courses.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

You can upgrade to a degree in creative media or graphics and media. The reasons for upgrading is that it offers you a chance to work in different companies because you acquire extra skills. With a degree you can work as a public relations specialist, digital marketing specialist, media planner and web content manager for the websites of companies.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA

EVELYN HONE COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Media & Information Studies
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 225127 or +260 211 220971 or +260 964 032960
E-mail: info.ehc@evelynhone.edu.zm
Website: www.evelynhone.edu.zm/academic-fees/

ZAMBIA INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Programme duration: 2 years (certificate) and 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Intakes: January and September
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 251 811 or 0974342476 or 0954199493
E-mail: info@zamcom.ac.zm
Website: www.zamcom.co.zm

DMI – ST.EUGENE UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma) / 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Department of Science and Humanities
Intakes: January and July
Location: Chibombo
Contacts
Tel: +260 977 613644 or +260 976 216068 or +260 977 200088
E-mail: dmiseuzm@dmiseu.edu.zm
Website: www.dmiseu.edu.zm/academics-departments/school-of-it/

OAK UNIVERSITY
Programme duration:
4 years (Degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 975 907678
E-mail: admissions@oakuniversity.co.zm
Website: oakuniversity.co.zm

Categories
Mass communication & Media

Mass Communication

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING MASS COMMUNICATION LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS MASS COMMUNICATION AND WHO IS A MASS COMMUNICATOR?

Mass communication is a multi-disciplinary field of study, incorporating elements of related fields such as strategic communication, integrated marketing communications, journalism, public relations and advertising. It’s the process of creating, sending, receiving, and analysing messages to large audiences via verbal and written media

A Mass Communicator is someone who has studied and graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mass Communication from a university which may include fields of study like public relations, journalism, advertising etc.

WHERE DO MASS COMMUNICATORS WORK?

They can work as Database Administrator and Applications Developer at companies like ZAMNET Communications Limited, Advisors on Social & Behavioural Change Communication at organization like John Snow In Zambia, Zambia Health Education and Communication Trust and USAID, Donor and Media Relations Officer at organizations like Habitat for Humanity Zambia and Alliance for Communication Action, Communications and Marketing Officer in government departments and agencies like The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), News Media Director, Journalist, Web Content Specialist and Web Producer, Marketing Specialist at ZNBC and other media houses.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

For the mass communicators who go on to specialize in marketing they become Marketing Specialists. The day to day tasks of marketing specialists involve, work under the supervision of marketing directors to implement marketing and advertising campaigns. While marketing directors may design the concept for a new marketing plan, specialists execute on these plans by writing relevant and engaging content, creating videos and graphic designs to engage readers, and conducting regular consumer research to ensure that their marketing strategies remain relevant and up-to-date with the latest technologies and consumer preferences.

For the mass communications graduates who go on to specialize in Public Relations they are called public relations officers/Director, and their day to day tasks include manage the development and execution of strategic communication initiatives that help enhance a company or organization’s public reputation and manage a positive relationship with consumers, competitors, investors, and the press. They generally supervise a team of public relations staff and oversee development of media practices that align with the organization’s mission and values.

Web Content Specialist and Web Producer: Web content specialists, including social media specialists, search engine optimization (SEO) specialists and directors, and web producers, are experts in crafting engaging and informative content for online audiences. They typically manage one or more websites or online properties (such as social media accounts), and conceive of and implement content plans that address their target readerships’ interests. These professionals use search engine and web traffic analytics software to assess the performance of their website in terms of web traffic and reader engagement, and continually update their site’s content to ensure it stays relevant to their target audiences.

Journalist: Working under the supervision of news media directors, journalists find, investigate, and write about or report on important events or issues that are relevant to their readers. They employ not only the written word, but also multimedia and even interactive technology to develop stories that engage readers while educating them. Journalists often specialize within a given area of news media, such as politics, health, economics, or social issues.

News Media Director: News media directors manage teams of journalists and the production of news stories. They possess an understanding of their readership and audience, create editorial calendars to address stories of interest, and oversee production of informative content around social, political, cultural, and economic issues.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A MASS COMMUNICATION GRADUATE?

The work schedule of a mass communicator depends on where someone is working. For those that work for media houses their work schedule depends on the production deadlines of the news organisation. Long and unpredictable hours are common, especially when responding to major incidents.
If one is working for a government departments or any other business company apart from media houses they typically follow the normal 08hrs to 17hrs work schedule Monday to Friday. And they are entitled to public holidays.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

The job market for Mass communicators is readily available and promising and the chances of finding a job is explained as follows. A mass communicator who specializes in journalism can find a job in the same institution of learning before or after graduation. There is media set up at every learning institution that offers mass communication. E.g. at UNZA there is UNZA Radio and UNZA TV, at Evelyn Hone there is Hone FM and they are also into media and film production. And outside the institution a journalist will find a job at any media house like ZNBC, MUVI TV, The Mast newspaper etc.

For graduates of public relations they can find jobs in any company, all business companies employ public relation officers at least one or two because they are the face cariers of the company, they are in charge of marketing and keeping the company profile well known to their stake holders.

Business companies continue to look for more communication and marketing officers. Therefore, a business firm can have mass communicator working as marketing and sales or advertising officer. The government is another employer in its various departments and agencies such as local government, RTSA, RDA, and PACRA etc. Non-governmental organisations are another employer, there is a very good number of NGOs operating in Zambia looking for mass communicators.

The job market in the Media industry increases as the number of media houses and business companies increase.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

To enjoy being a mass communicator, you need to be a person who loves Commitment, dedication and sincerity towards work and assignments, good written communication skills in English, ability to open your mouth and speak out words with clear content. Apart from that, good sense of design comes in handy. In a case where you have casual attitude, ignorance and laziness, Mass Communication can’t not be a good match for you.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING MASS COMMUNICATION LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

When you enrol to study mass communication at the university or college you are expected to do the following courses: Media Ethics and Media law, introduction to public relations, marketing and advertising, basic communication (writing and presentation), introduction to media studies and introduction to journalism. Initially if you major in any mass communication course like journalism or public relations it was advisable to take up a minor program in any of the social sciences courses such as development studies but now it has changed, when you major in public relations for example you will take up all courses that only relate to public relations from second year until final year.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

To qualify for this program you need to have (6) Ordinary levels including Mathematics and English. When enrolling for a degree, a Diploma in Mass Communication is an added advantage and you can be exempted for one year and study for three years only.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A MASS COMMUNICATOR?

To work as a Mass Communicator, there is no alternative qualification apart from journalism and other business based qualification such as Marketing or public relations and advertising.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

Once you study Mass Communication, you may decide to pursue a master’s degree in Mass communication, marketing, public relations or Business Administration or any social science program such as public administration, political science etc. A master’s degree gives you an upper hand when it comes to finding new jobs in competitive environments especially abroad. It’s a sign that apart from general skills, you have taken keen interest to master one area of your job more than other people. With a master’s degree one would become a university lecturer as well.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER MASS COMMUNICATION

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Media and Communication Studies)
Mode: Full time only
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Tel: +26 021 129 3348
Email: dean-hss@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-media-and-mass-communication-bmcs

CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 year (Bachelor of Mass Communication and Public Relations)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Arts Education and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and June
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Email: jchikonde@cavendish.co.zm
Website: www.cavendishza.org/admissions/fee-structure

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Communication in Public Relations)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Business Studies
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kabwe
Contacts:
Tel: +260 215 228 004
Email: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm

ZAMBIA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication)
Mode: Full time and Part time
Admitting school: School of Social Science
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kalulushi
Contacts:
Tel: + 260 974 305033 or +260 212 730209
Email: registrar@zcuniversity.edu.zm or regoffice@zcuniversity.edu.zm
Website: www.zcuniversity.edu.zm/financeandfees.html

ZAMBIA INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Communication in Public Relations) and 3 years (Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations)
Mode: Full time
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Tel: +260 211 251 811
Email: info@zamcom.ac.zm
Website: www.zamcom.co.zm

DMI SAINT EUGENE UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Science and Humanities
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Tel: +260 977 613 644
Email: info@dmiseu.edu.zm
Website: www.dmiseu.edu.zm

RUSANGU UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Monze
Contacts:
Tel: +260 976 271138 or 972 546193
Email: info@ru.edu.zm
Website: www.ru.edu.zm

LIVINGSTONE INTERNATION UNIVERSITY OF TOURISM, EXCELLENCE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: January, June and September
Intakes: January, June and September
Location: Livingstone
Contacts:
Tel: (+260) 977 766 866
Email: support@liutebmuniversity.org
Website: www.liutebmuniversity.org

GIDEON ROBERT UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Studies
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Tel: +260 969 899875
Email: vc@gideonrobertuniversity.com

KENNETH KAUNDA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication)
Mode: Full time
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts:
Tel: +260 965 943695
Email: admissions@kkmu.edu.zm
Website: www.kkmu.edu.zm

Categories
Mass communication & Media

Journalism

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING JOURNALISM LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS JOURNALISM AND WHO IS A JOURNALIST?

Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities.
A Journalist is someone who has studied and graduated with a diploma or degree in journalism and is involved with gathering information for public consumption in a variety of media. They may work on researching, reporting, and writing newsworthy topics, or work on the business side of journalism in positions like editors and publishers.

WHERE DO JOURNALIST WORK?

The field of journalism encompasses a variety of careers related to the dissemination of information. Journalists work as news reporters, writers, editors and publishers at newspaper companies, Website companies, Magazine firms, Television stations, Radio stations and other Media organizations.

In Zambia we have a lot of TV stations where journalists can work dominantly in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces such as MUVI TV, ZNBC, DIAMOND TV, CBC, REVELETION TV, CAMNET TV, and Q TV. And we have radio stations in all the parts of the country, Newspaper companies such as The Mast, Lusaka Times, The times of Zambia, Zambia Daily Mail etc. And there are a lot of business companies dealing in websites and magazines where journalists can work.

Journalists can also work in various business corporations like ZESCO limited, RDA and ZRA and also in government departments and various organizations as public relations officers and call centre agents.
They also have an opportunity to be recruited by various business companies and banks that offer trainable jobs as graduate trainees especially degree holders.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

The tasks involved in the work of TV and Radio journalists include:
Investigating and preparing the stories they will report, which can include covering events, researching and interviewing people. Journalists may report on location at the scene of a story or from the television station. Reporting live at the scene of a breaking news story requires putting together information on the spot with little preparation time. Other job tasks include working with editors, camera crew and video editing crew, and working with other crew members to prepare for the broadcast.

Some radio and TV presenters attend press conferences so they can present up-to-date and accurate information to listeners and viewers. They coordinate with producers to develop program material while taking into consideration the type of show they are creating and requests from the audience. Presenters who work in public radio may also participate in fundraising efforts for the station.

News analysts interpret the news from many sources and relay it to an audience through a television or radio broadcast.
Regardless of the specific job duties, all journalists must adhere to strict ethical policies and deadlines. Accuracy and timeliness are key aspects of news gathering and reporting.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A JOURNALIST?

It is a journalist’s job to find news and to report on it as quickly as possible, in an arresting and engaging style. The work schedule depends on the production deadlines of the news organisation. Long and unpredictable hours are common, especially when responding to major incidents. For example, Radio presenters and TV personalities can work for few hours a day from 10hrs to 13hrs when their show ends but still get engaged in the process of editing news and going out in the fields in search of news. Journalists may be expected to attend evening meetings. Some work shifts, including early starts, nights and some weekends and holidays. Journalists have to travel to where the news is. At times, journalists can find themselves working outdoors in all weather conditions. They may encounter hostile or aggressive people at times.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

Journalists are at the forefront of information sharing. Most content we read or consume started out in the hands of a journalist, so they have an incredible ability to share their stories with the country. For that reason, they are in high demand, as media organisations grow so does the demand for more journalists to give content in Zambian media.

Journalists will mostly graduate with a wide variety of highly transferable skills, along with talent in communication, presentation, analytics, and research. This makes the job market too broad for them, they can be employed even outside the field of media that implies they can get employed in government departments and NGOs as public relations officers.
Many graduates work in traditional communication fields such as advertising and public relation and broadcasting but increasingly graduates expertise and knowledge are sought after in healthcare, tourism, IT, and in community organisations.

Above all, journalism graduates are informed and adaptable to new challenges, and they are able to synthesize and see patterns in complex ideas. This fact makes so many of graduates quickly become skilled professionals, launching rewarding and productive careers while helping to shape the future of the Media and Communication field by opening up new radio stations, magazine firms etc.

Journalists can find a job in the same institution of learning before or after graduation. There is media set up at every learning institution that offers mass communication. E.g. at UNZA there is UNZA Radio and UNZA TV, at Evelyn Hone there is Hone FM and ZAMCOM are also into media and film production.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

To enjoy being a journalist, you need to be a person who loves Art, because Journalists tend to be predominantly artistic individuals, meaning that they are creative and original and work well in a setting that allows for self-expression. They also tend to be enterprising, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. Increasingly, journalists must possess a working knowledge of computers and databases. People skills, tenacity and flexibility are other important traits of a journalist.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING JOURNALISM LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

When you enrol to study journalism you are expected to do the following courses: Journalism Ethics and Media law, TV documentary journalism, basic communication (writing and presentation), introduction to media studies and two more social science courses like development studies and public admiration at first year.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

To qualify for this program, you need to have (5) Ordinary levels including Mathematics and English, when enrolling for a degree a Diploma in journalism is an added advantage and you can be exempted for one year and study for three years only.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A JOURNALIST?

There are a few related careers that require a bachelor’s degree, including public relations, film and video editing, advertising and marketing. Editors are responsible for reviewing and revising work prior to publication. Public relations specialists represent various organizations and help their organizations present a positive public image. They may accomplish this through media releases. Film and video editors and camera operators create, manipulate and change the images that an audience sees. All these are alternative qualifications to journalism.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

Once you study a diploma in journalism, you may decide to pursue a degree in journalism, but in a case where you do a degree in journalism then you can pursue a Master’s degree in journalism, a degree usually opens up to more fields of study at Master’s degree level, you can pursue a Master’s in the area of your interest for example Master’s in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, Development Studies etc. you can also pursue a PHD once you complete the Master’s degree. This opens up doors for promotions and chances of advancing your career by taking up managerial positions at work, once you study masters you can even become a lecturer at the universities.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER JOURNALISM

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree) / 2 years (master’s)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 021 129 3348
E-mail: dean-hss@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-media-and-journalism-studies-bmjs

ZAMBIA INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Programme duration: 2 years (certificate) / 3 years (Diploma) / 2 years (degree for Diploma holders)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Mass Communication and Public Relations
Intakes: January and September
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 0211 251 811 or 0974342476 or 0954199493
E-mail: info@zamcom.ac.zm
Website: www.zamcom.co.zm

EVELYN HONE COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years Diploma only
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Media & Information Studies
Intakes: January and June/July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 225127 or +260 211 220971 or +260 964 032960
E-mail: info.ehc@evelynhone.edu.zm
Website: www.evelynhone.edu.zm/academic-fees/

RUSANGU UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and August
Location: Monze – Main Campus
Contacts
Tel: (+260) 21-3-255471 or (+260) 976271138
E-mail: info@ru.edu.zm
Website: http://ru.edu.zm.dedi542.jnb1.host-h.net/downloads/

DMI – ST.EUGENE UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Department of Science and Humanities
Intakes: January and July
Location: Chibombo
Contacts
Tel: +260 977613644 or +260 976216068 or +260 977200088
E-mail: dmiseuzm@dmiseu.edu.zm
Website: www.dmiseu.edu.zm

KENNETH KAUNDA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Distance and Evening Classes
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January, April and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: 0977770213 or 0962327852 or 0974280202
E-mail: admissions@kkmu.edu.zm
Website: kkmu.edu.zm

ZAMBIA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: Faculty of Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kalulushi
Contacts
Tel: (+260) 212 730 209 or (+260) 974305033 or (+260) 968948551
E-mail: registrar@zcuniversity.edu.zm or regoffice@zcuniversity.edu.zm
Website: www.zcuniversity.edu.zm/financeandfees.html

LIVINGSTONE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TOURISM EXCELLENCE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma) / 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities
Intakes: January, July and September
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: (+260) 977203923
E-mail: admissions@liutebmuniversity.org
Website: www.liutebmuniversity.org

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma) / 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Mass Communication
Intakes: January and September
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260-211-845754 or +260-211-221662
E-mail: icu@icuzambia.net
Website: https://icuzambia.net/course_info.php?name=Bachelor%20of%20Arts%20in%20Journalism

SUPERSHINE UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260211234053 or +260966791120 or +260977982447
E-mail: registrar@supershineuniversity.net
Facebook: Supershine University

Categories
Agriculture & Natural Resources Management Mass communication & Media

Agricultural Journalism

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM AND WHO IS AN AGRICULTURAL JOURNALIST?

Agricultural journalism, otherwise known as Farm journalism is a specialized field of communications that focuses on reporting news and information about agricultural related events in the society.  People who specialize in this filed are called Agricultural journalists.

WHERE DO AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM WORK?

Agricultural Journalists work for both public and private sector media houses. These include ZNBC TV and Radio, Prime TV, Diamond TV, Radio Phoenix, Lusaka Times, The Mast, Times of Zambia and the Zambia Daily Mail, to name a few. Agricultural Journalists work across a range of different mediums including Newspapers, Magazines, Online, TV, Radio and Photography. Some newspapers have writers who are agriculture reporters and these work alongside communications personnel when writing stories or reports for their brochures, websites, and press releases. These Journalists also use their writing, photography, and videography skills to cover important agriculture events that are then reported on social media, TV, radio, in newspapers and magazines.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

At their work places, agricultural journalists collect, process and disseminate agriculture and livestock based information. They also collect and analyse data that has been published from agricultural research and report on the findings. They use mass media platforms like; newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, film and internet to report their stories, publish articles or release short films and documentaries. Most of the research and data verification is done on the internet. Agriculture journalists use social media sites to push stories, build traffic on social channels, and distribute their work content. Agricultural journalists may cover topics including new technologies in agriculture, farming practices, agriculture news, weather, training opportunities and government regulations on agriculture practices.

 WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN AGRICULTURAL JOURNALIST?

Most agricultural journalists employed in both privately owned and government media work full-time schedules during the regular business hours starting at 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs from Monday to Friday. Others working independently or in media research organizations often set their own hours. They may work in the evenings or on weekends to wrap up their stories and reports. Those working with international media houses like BBC usually put in overtime work shifts to cover their stories in time.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

Job opportunities for agricultural journalists will vary by the level of education obtained and work experience. After graduation, agriculture journalists usually intern at the many media houses in the country in order to gain some work experience. With the coming of digital migration, there has been a notable increase in the number or press and media agencies which has resulted in an increased demand for journalists in general.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

Journalism involves proper communication of information to the public. Therefore to work as an agricultural journalist, you must have written communication skills, visual communications skills, and oral communication skills. You must also be open-minded, ready to put personal beliefs aside and view situations from different points of view. This will help you to overcome biasness in your reporting. Apart from that, journalists are determined people who are passionate about their work. You must be motivated to report on events no matter how difficult obtaining a key piece of information will be.

To enjoy studying this program, you must have an interest in information subjects such as History, Civic Education, Geography, Language and Literature.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

Subjects covered in this program include Introduction to Journalism, Introduction to Mass Communication Editing, Techniques in Media Laws and Reporting Methods, Writing for Media, Socio-Economic & Political Scenario, Introduction to Communication, Basics of Design & Graphics Media, Print Journalism, Development & Communication, Radio Journalism, Production Basics of Camera, Agriculture and Public Relations, New Media, Advertising Practices and Public Relations, and History of Journalism.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Minimum entry requirements for this program are five O’ level credits inclusive of English and Mathematics.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

After obtaining the diploma in agricultural journalism, you choose to advance your qualification to degree and master’s level in Journalism, Public Relations, Media and Communication studies, or Communication for Development. These higher qualifications increase your chances of getting a job in higher positions and also in other fields such as law, healthcare, tourism and IT. With a master’s, you can also work as a lecturer in a university.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER AGRICULTURE JOURNALISM

ZAMBIA INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Duration: 2 years (Diploma)
Mode: Full time
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 251 811
Email: info@zamcom.ac.zm
Website: www.zamcom.co.zm