Malawi institute of Journalism Courses or Programmes Offered
PROGRAMME MODULES
Programme Modules for Certificate in Journalism
Entry requirements
Applicants should be holders of a Malawi Certificate of Secondary Education (MCE), with strong English skills and an interest in writing and current events. On top of English, they must also have at least 3 credits in any humanities subjects.
Programme structure
This is the entry point for a Diploma programme; it is considered as the first year for Diploma. At this level students concentrate on general knowledge and on developing the necessary skills. The last two months of the programme students are supposed to go for attachments as part of the assessment.
| Semester 1 | Code | Semester 2 | Code |
| Communication skills 1 | COS 101 | Photojournalism | PJ 100 |
| Computer skills | COM 100 | Understanding and reporting on social issues | URS 102 |
| Multimedia news writing and reporting 1 | MNW 101 | Multimedia news writing and reporting 2 | MNW 102 |
| Introduction to broadcast (radio) | BMR 100 | Introduction to broadcast (TV) | ENG 102 |
| Mass communication Theory and Practice | MCOM 100 | Economics and business | ECOS 101 |
| Legal issues in Journalism 1 | LEG 101 | Introduction to Literature | LIT 101 |
| Modern African History and Politics | HIST 100 |
Programme Modules for Diploma in Journalism
This two and half year programme has two parts; the certificate which covers 40% of the whole programme and 60 % is the diploma itself. We also offer courses on part time basis for those working professionals who cannot manage to do the course on full time basis.
Entry Requirements
Applicants into this programme should be holders of a tertiary qualification; either a certificate in journalism or a Degree or Diploma from a recognized institution.
Those with a Certificate in Journalism or a Degree in any field can do the course in less than two years. Applicants with a Certificate in Journalism must also provide a proof of their journalism skills obtained from their prior studies by including in their application their article in a publication, or proof that they have interviewed someone as a journalist, and/or have produced or broadcasted a programme on the radio as part of their attachments.
Programme structure
This is a two and half year’s programme, which focuses on applied journalism and practical skills. It constitute of 40% classroom instructions and 60 % practical skills. Students are supposed to complete a set number of hours in our radio studio and contribute to our weekly news paper as stipulated by their tutors. The last two months of the programme is spent on writing a project on any media related topic of their interest.
| Semester 3 | Code | Semester 4 | Code |
| Documentary and Feature Writing (multimedia) | DOC 200 | Legal Issues in Journalism 2 | LEG 202 |
| Desktop Publishing | DTP 200 | Integrated Marketing Communication | IMC 200 |
| Multimedia news production 1 | MULT 201 | Multimedia news production 2 | MULT 202 |
| Communication Skills 2 | COS 200 | Economics and Business Reporting | ECOS 200 |
| Literature 2 | LIT 202 | Journalism/media research project | MP 200 |
| Society and Culture | SOC 200 |
Short courses/ part time
With a view to contributing towards better understanding of different issues pertaining to mass communication in the context of Malawi and other developing countries and in order to make personnel from different fields aware of emerging trends and techniques and sharpening their skills, the Institute organizes a variety of short-term courses, workshops, seminars and conferences on various themes related to communication.
The Institute runs regular short-term academic programmes for personnel from different media in the country. A number of specialized short-term courses, ranging from one week to 12 weeks’ duration are also conducted for meeting the professional training needs of those working in various media and publicity organizations in the country as well as Public Sector Enterprises.