IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) Syllabus 2026: Year-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
The IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication is a two-year, 80-credit programme with practicals, an internship, and a major project. The first year begins with MJM 120, "Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication," a 6-credit course.
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) syllabus structure: 2 years, 80 credits
The IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication programme requires 80 credits for completion, spread across two years. Learners must complete 40 credits each year. The programme fee is Rs. 13,500 per year for the July 2026 session, making the total fee for the minimum two-year duration Rs. 27,000, excluding other charges.
Practical courses like MJML 220 (Print), MJML 221 (Audiovisual), and MJML 023 (Digital Media) are included in the first year, each carrying 6 credits. The second year features MJMT 021 (Internship) and MJMP 120 (Major Project Work), both also worth 6 credits.
MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 9 courses | 46 |
| 2nd year | 10 courses | 52 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) 1st year subjects: Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication
The first year of the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) programme focuses on foundational concepts and practical skills. MJM 120, “Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication,” is the heaviest theory course at 6 credits and covers communication basics, media evolution, and integrated marketing communication.
Practical application begins early with three dedicated practical courses, each worth 6 credits: MJML 220 (Print), MJML 221 (Audiovisual), and MJML 023 (Digital Media). These practicals complement theoretical courses like MJM 021 “Reporting Techniques” and MJM 022 “Writing and Editing for Print Media.” MJM 023 “Broadcast and Online Journalism” introduces radio, television, and online journalism, while MJM 025 “Media Ethics and Laws” covers ethical principles and legal frameworks for the media.
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) 1st year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJM 120 | Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication | 6 | |
| MJM 021 | Reporting Techniques | 4 | |
| MJM 022 | Writing and Editing for Print Media | 4 | |
| MJM 023 | Broadcast and Online Journalism | 4 | |
| MJM 124 | Media and Society | 6 | |
| MJM 025 | Media Ethics and Laws | 4 | |
| MJML 220 | Practical: Print | 6 | Practical |
| MJML 221 | Practical: Audiovisual | 6 | Practical |
| MJML 023 | Practical: Digital Media | 6 | Practical |
MJM 120 Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Communication
- Block 2: Evolution of Mass Media
- Block 3: Ownership and Organizational Structures of Mass Media
- Block 4: Integrated Marketing Communication
MJM 021 Reporting Techniques: study blocks
- Block 1: New Concepts
- Block 2: Reporting Techniques
- Block 3: Beat Reporting-I
- Block 4: Beat Reporting-II
MJM 022 Writing and Editing for Print Media: study blocks
- Block 1: Writing Skills
- Block 2: Analytical Writing
- Block 3: Editing
- Block 4: Layout and Designing
MJM 023 Broadcast and Online Journalism: study blocks
- Block 1: Radio Journalism
- Block 2: Television Journalism
- Block 3: Online Journalism
MJM 025 Media Ethics and Laws: study blocks
- Block 1: Media Ethics
- Block 2: Media Laws
- Block 3: Laws on Information
- Block 4: Advertising and PR Ethics and Laws
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) 2nd year subjects: Print Media, Electronic Media, Digital Media
Students study MJM 126 Print Media, which carries 6 credits, and MJM 130 Media and Communication Theories, also a 6-credit course. The programme includes MJM 027 Electronic Media and MJM 028 Digital Media, each worth 4 credits. MJM 029 Advertising and Public Relations and MJM 031 Communication Research Methods are also 4-credit courses.
The practical components are significant in the second year. MJML 222 Practical: Research Methodology is a 6-credit practical course. MJMT 021 Internship is another 6-credit component, requiring practical experience. Students must also complete MJMP 120 Major Project Work (Dissertation) and MJMP 022 Research Portfolio, each carrying 6 credits. The eGyanKosh blocks for MJM 028 Digital Media include “New Media and Society” and “Social Media in Indian Scenario.”
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) 2nd year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJM 126 | Print Media | 6 | |
| MJM 027 | Electronic Media | 4 | |
| MJM 028 | Digital Media | 4 | |
| MJM 029 | Advertising and Public Relations | 4 | |
| MJM 130 | Media and Communication Theories | 6 | |
| MJM 031 | Communication Research Methods | 4 | |
| MJML 222 | Practical : Research Methodology | 6 | Practical |
| MJMT 021 | Internship | 6 | Internship |
| MJMP 120 | Major Project Work (Dissertation) | 6 | Project |
| MJMP 022 | Research Portfolio | 6 | Project |
MJM 126 Print Media: study blocks
- Block 1: Specialised Reporting
- Block 2: Development Journalism
- Block 3: Specialised Writing
- Block 4: Digital Technology in Print Media
MJM 027 Electronic Media: study blocks
- Block 1: Audio Production
- Block 2: Digital Photography
- Block 3: Audiovisual Production-I
- Block 4: Audiovisual Production-II
MJM 028 Digital Media: study blocks
- Block 1: New Media and Society
- Block 2: Social Media in Indian Scenario
- Block 3: India's Experience with the Internet
- Block 4: ICT for Development
MJM 029 Advertising and Public Relations: study blocks
- Block 1: Overview of Advertising
- Block 2: Practice of Advertising
- Block 3: Practice of Public Relations
- Block 4: Corporate Communication
MJM 130 Media and Communication Theories: study blocks
- Block 1: Sociological Theories
- Block 2: Psychological Theories
- Block 3: Critical and Cultural Theories
- Block 4: Media-Society Theories
MJM 031 Communication Research Methods: study blocks
- Block 1: Communication Research
- Block 2: Research Methods-Quantitative
- Block 3: Research Methods-Qualitive
- Block 4: Analysis and Interpretation
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication courses are assessed through assignments and term-end examinations. Practical and project courses also have specific assessment components. Learners must submit assignments before appearing for the Term-End Examination (TEE).
Assignments for the current session are available for download on the IGNOU website. Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country and abroad. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if they registered in English medium, except for language programmes. The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II, or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication (MAJMC) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Learners in the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication programme receive printed self-instructional study material. This material is provided as a print book, an e-book, or both. If a learner opts for soft copy instead of printed material, a 15% discount applies to the programme fee. The self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes is available on eGyanKosh.
The eGyanKosh study blocks for MJM 120, “Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication,” include four blocks: Introduction to Communication, Evolution of Mass Media, Ownership and Organizational Structures of Mass Media, and Integrated Marketing Communication. MJM 021, “Reporting Techniques,” covers New Concepts, Reporting Techniques, Beat Reporting-I, and Beat Reporting-II across its four blocks.
MJM 022, “Writing and Editing for Print Media,” has blocks on Writing Skills, Analytical Writing, Editing, and Layout and Designing. MJM 023, “Broadcast and Online Journalism,” covers Radio Journalism, Television Journalism, and Online Journalism. For MJM 025, “Media Ethics and Laws,” the blocks are Media Ethics, Media Laws, Laws on Information, and Advertising and PR Ethics and Laws. Counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn up by the Learner Support Centre, and attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes with practicals.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication programme?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 27,000. This amount is based on the Rs. 13,500 annual fee from the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include the registration, development, or examination fees.
How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication?
The IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication requires a total of 80 credits for completion.
Are there any practical courses or projects in the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication syllabus?
Yes, the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication includes several practical courses and projects. In the first year, there are three practical courses: MJML 220 Practical: Print (6 credits), MJML 221 Practical: Audiovisual (6 credits), and MJML 023 Practical: Digital Media (6 credits).
Which courses in the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication require a research supervisor?
The MJMP-120 Major Project Work (Dissertation) course in the second year of the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication requires learners to arrange for a research supervisor. This is a 6-credit project course.
What are the study blocks for MJM 120 Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication?
The MJM 120 Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication course has four study blocks available on eGyanKosh. These blocks cover Introduction to Communication, Evolution of Mass Media, Ownership and Organizational Structures of Mass Media, and Integrated Marketing Communication.
What is the eligibility for lateral entry into the second year of the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication?
Lateral entry into the second year of the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication is available to those who completed PGJMC from IGNOU with 40 credits from January 2025 onwards.
What happens if I have an old PGJMC with 32 credits and want to join the second year of MAJMC?
If you have an old PGJMC with 32 credits from the January 2020 to July 2022 admission cycle, you will be assigned two additional 4-credit courses. These are added to your second-year courses to make up for the credit deficit, totaling 48 credits for the year.
Can I get a Post Graduate Diploma if I do not complete the full MAJMC programme?
Yes, there is a provision for lateral exit after one year of the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication. Learners who do not wish to continue after completing the first year will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication.
Is the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication syllabus available in multiple languages?
Yes, the IGNOU MA Journalism & Mass Communication programme is offered in three mediums. Learners can study the syllabus in English, Hindi, or Tamil.