If you’re passionate about news, storytelling, and digital media, pursuing journalism courses after 12th class is one of the best choices. If the students enjoy writing, collecting facts, working ethically, and being in front of the camera, then journalism is definitely the right career path for them. Starting a media career early can definitely give students a competitive edge, and the journey often begins right after 12th class. Moreover, the best thing about journalism and mass communication courses is it can be pursued by the students of any stream, may they be from arts (humanities), commerce, or science.

In this blog, we will understand why to pursue journalism courses, journalism course fees, journalism course subjects, journalism course duration and much more. Moreover, we will explore and understand why K.R. Mangalam University (KRMU is the best university for journalism courses after 12th grade.

Overview of This Blog 

What is Journalism?

‘Journalism’ refers to the act of gathering, verifying, producing, and presenting news and information to the people, or sharing it in the public domain. Journalism plays a crucial role in the democratic environment, as it is responsible for updating the people about current events, new government policies, new laws & regulations, public affairs, and global issues. 

Journalism also means sharing the truth with the world through the use of writing, speaking, and broadcasting (video & audio), which people can easily understand and make informed decisions accordingly. 

Why is Journalism Important?

The main reason why journalism is important and we need more students to pursue journalism courses after 12th is that journalism keeps the people aware, it helps the society to stay informed, and it also makes the people feel empowered. Journalism is responsible for shaping public opinions, promoting transparency, and strengthening democracy. 

Some more reasons why journalism is important are as follows:

1. Informs the Public: Journalism provides accurate and timely information about the events happening locally, nationally, and even globally. This helps people to stay updated about what is going on in societies and countries across the globe.
2. Holds the Power Accountable: Good journalism often acts as a watchdog; it investigates, and exposes corruption, misuse of power, and wrong doings in the governments, businesses, and institutions. This keeps powerful individuals, and organisations in check.
3. Gives Voice to the Voiceless: Journalists often need to travel from one place to another in search of genuine news. In this process, they also get a chance to come across and report about marginalised communities, social injustice, and public issues which might otherwise go unnoticed.
4. Educates & Spread Awareness: Journalism also focuses on complex topics like climate change, economic reforms, and legal policies, which help to educate and spread awareness to the common people.
5. Encourages Debates: By presenting different sides of the same story, journalism encourages debates, and discussions, that help the people, or the viewers and readers think practically instead of just focusing on the rumours or propaganda (if any).
6. Introspection and Personal Development: Journalism serves as a mirror for introspection and personal development. Warts and all, they are a reflection of the status of society. This contemplation is a call to meditation and personal development. Societies are better equipped to deal with their shortcomings when they are aware of them. Journalism drives cultures toward change and improvement by drawing attention to structural racism, gender inequality, and environmental degradation.
7. Encouraging Cultural Awareness: Journalism presents art, music, literature, and customs from many communities through feature articles, interviews, and cultural reporting. This fosters tolerance and understanding amongst other groups while also honouring the diversity of human civilisations.
8. Promoting Civic Participation: By covering local concerns, events, and developments, journalism promotes civic involvement and a feeling of community. Participation in community events, such as town hall meetings and local charity events, is more likely when the public is educated.
9. Acting as a Historical Record: Journalism documents events, choices, and significant individuals by capturing moments as they occur. The socio-political and cultural circumstances of various eras can be better understood by historians, scholars, and future generations thanks to these chronicles.

Eligibility Criteria and Fees of These After 12th Programmes

Job Options After Getting Journalism Degree

Below are the career options that students are either planning to or pursuing journalism courses after 12th need to know about below job options: 

• Anchor: Being a news anchor is one of the most thrilling and reputable jobs in journalism and public communication. Presenting news, hosting television programs, conducting interviews, producing scripts for different news segments, offering analysis, and working with field reporters are all part of the job description for a news anchor.

Average Salary Range: INR 4 LPA – INR 15 LPA

• Reporter: A news reporter is a person who gathers data, conducts interviews, writes articles for publication, or creates news pieces for broadcast. You may anticipate one of the top jobs in journalism and public communication as a news reporter since you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including politics, crime, sports, local news, entertainment, science, and business. 

Average Salary Range: INR 3 LPA – INR 10 LPA

• Editor: Before the news articles and material are published or broadcast, a news editor will check them for journalistic ethics, veracity, and clarity. They will prioritise news stories based on news value, timeliness, impact, and proximity while working and coordinating with many departments and employees, including reporters, photographers, and subeditors. 

Average Salary Range: INR 5 LPA – INR 18 LPA

• Content Writer: Content writing is one of the most imaginative and rewarding professions in journalism and mass communication since it allows one to express information in a unique and imaginative way. In the form of articles, blogs, ad copy, website copy, and social media material, content writers are typically expected to provide high-quality, captivating, and thought-provoking content. 

Average Salary Range: INR 3 LPA – INR 8 LPA

• Public Relations Officer: Through a variety of communication techniques, public relations officers and professionals create and preserve a company’s or organisation’s reputation and image by examining how the public currently views the business. 

Average Salary Range: INR 4 LPA – INR 12 LPA

Note: The salary ranges mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, job role, organisation, location, and industry demand.

Why Choose KRMU to Pursue Journalism Courses After 12th?

K.R. Mangalam University ranks among the top universities of India when it comes to courses related to Mass Communication and Journalism. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate-level programmes. The two journalism courses after 12th are: B.A. (Journalism & Mass Communication), and B.A. (Hons. / Hons. with Research) Journalism & Mass Communication. While the former is a three-year course, the latter comes with research as a subject and is a four-year course. 

We will get to know more about these courses ahead, but first let’s understand why to pursue journalism courses at KRMU:

1. Practical Focus: The students get to discover a gateway to dynamic storytelling and innovation at K.R. Mangalam University. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) distinguishes itself by providing hands-on training over traditional learning methods. The syllabus is designed in a way that emphasises real world skills and industry insights, to prepare students for a dynamic media landscape.
   
2. State-of-the Art Facilities: The SJMC students have access to cutting edge facilities including the AV studio, production control room, radio lab, and computer lab. These resources not only help in hands-on training and practical focus, but also help in learning, and experimentation in various aspects of media production.
   
3. International Exposure: Selective students from the course get a fully sponsored two weeks trip to a prestigious European university as a part of the summer school programme. This helps students get more exposure and discover new inspirations to improve their art, and craft. KRMU has tie-ups with various other colleges and institutions in the world, this helps to make the students ready for global situations and not just national.
   
4. Career Development Centre (CDC): The university has a team of professionals who help the students to get the best internships and good job placements. Not only that, the team also focuses on improving the basics and soft skills of the students like body language, tech skills, and lots more. The CDC team also makes sure that students get great industry engagements from the industry experts and top-level professionals.
   
5. Innovation & Research: The students get to engage in groundbreaking projects fostering creativity and collaboration with top media organisations.
   

Also Read: A Detailed Overview of Best Journalism Courses After 12th Grade

Conclusion

Pursuing journalism courses after 12th class could be really beneficial for the students, as journalism is more than just reporting; it is a force that informs, educates, and empowers the society. In the current world full of misinformation, honest and responsible journalism helps people make informed decisions. In addition to all this, journalism is an excellent career option that offers exciting and rewarding job opportunities.

Students who study at K.R. Mangalam University get a lot of benefits, as the university focuses on practical knowledge, the holistic development of the students, and the career development team assists in finding great internship opportunities and the right jobs.

Apply today at KRMU and take the first step towards becoming a future-ready media professional.

Also Read: Popular Journalism Courses and Specialisations