Department of Media and Communication Studies

Journalism around the world is in a state of rapid evolution. The lines between print, broadcast and online journalism are being erased. Reporters are increasingly required to produce stories for all the media platforms, as well as reproducing it for mobile communications. For the next generation of journalists, this will be an essential skill. Universities on every continent are reviewing their curricula to accommodate the new skills. There are several elements to this global reform in journalism education:

1. Shifting away from theoretical courses to “hands-on” skills-based classes;
2. The collapse of the traditionally-separate print, broadcast and photo-journalism sequences into a single “multi-platform” or “converged” major in which students learn the skills associated with all media platforms.

Pakistan’s journalism departments/schools are uniquely positioned to take their place at the forefront of this reform movement. The Pakistani journalism sector has experienced a revolution in the past decade, spurred by the government’s reform of media regulations. This has created a huge need for well-trained, ethical and responsible young journalists able to operate in print, broadcast and on the internet.

Thus, the Department of Media & Communication Studies, University of Swat has designed degree programs in Media & Communication Studies to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering critical thinking, media literacy, storytelling, and research to address the evolving landscape of media and communication. These curricular standards, developed by subject experts from across the country, aim to enhance graduates’ competencies, enabling them to contribute effectively to national and global media industries, digital communication, public relations, and journalism.

To provide best possible quality education in Journalism & Mass Communication in the country.

The mission of the Department of Media & Communication Studies is to serve the country by producing qualified and skilled journalists and scholars, who can meet the market demand.

To sustain its mission, the Department of Media & Communication Studies dedicates itself to provide leadership to:

• Maintain advance standards of excellence in media studies.
• Compete with journalism programs offered at national and international level.
• Assess the current trends and meet the challenges ahead.
• Transfer the value and benefits of journalism education to students, academia and field.

The department goals have been identified in terms of student performance, enhanced learning and research.

BS Media& Communication Studies

The Department of Media & Communication Studies intends to start BS (4 year) program this year. The aim of the program is to produce a cap of graduates who can meet the field challenges. During the 4-year stay in the department students will be equipped with theory and practicals.  

Eligibility: HSSC or equivalent with minimum 45% marks

MS Program

The Master of Studies (MS) in Media & Communication Studies is structured in accordance with the HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023 and is designed to provide students with a rigorous and in-depth understanding of advanced theories, concepts, and methodologies in the field of Media and Communication Studies.

ELIGIBILITY & ADMISSION CRITERIA

a)   An undergraduate degree (involving 16 years of education) in Media & Communication Studies or any of its specialized areas is the basic eligibility requirement for admission in the Master of Studies in Media & Communication Studies. Or, sixteen years of schooling or 4 years education after HSSC or equivalent certificate in the relevant field from HEC recognized university, with at least 2nd Division (in annual system) or a CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (In Semester System).

b)    Candidates with an undergraduate degree (involving 16 years of education) in any other discipline relevant to the field of Media & Communication Studies may also be considered for admission, provided that they complete deficiency courses up to a maximum of 9 credit hours in accordance with HEC Graduate Education Policy (2023).

c)    . The qualifying percentage in admission test for MS degree program is mentioned below in table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Qualifying percentage for entry test of MS degree program

• BS Journalism
• MS Program 
• BS Program

Academic Block B, University of Swat
Email: mediastudies@uswat.edu.pk