MA Communication: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Duration: 2 Years
Avg Fees: ₹20K - 20 LPA
Kripal Thapa
Kripal Thapa

Updated on - Jan 4, 2023

The MA Communication course is a two-year postgraduate degree in the field of Mass Communication that deals with the advancement of communication, technologies, and the complexities of communication and mass media principles. MA Communication graduates can find work as an Editor, Journalist, Media Consultant, Communication Manager, Designer, Public Relations Specialist, and so on.

MA Communication Course Details

Degree Masters
Full Form Master of Arts in Communication
Duration 2 Years
Age No Age Limit
Subjects Required Honors or Graduate Degree in the field of Mass Communication or relevant subject recognized by UGC
Minimum Percentage 50% in Bachelors in Mass Communication or any subject from a recognized university
Average Fees ₹20K - 20 LPA
Similar Options of Study M.Phil, MBA, PG Diploma
Average Salary INR 30,000 - 10 LPA
Employment Roles Journalist, Editor, Communications Manager, Public Relations, Communication Coordinator, Media Consultant
Top Recruiters Times Group of India, Anandabazar Patrika, Vogue, Elle, Conde Nast, Zee Entertainment Enterprise, India Today Group, Star Entertainment Pvt. Ltd

About MA Communication

MA Communication full form Master of Arts in Communication Is a subject that deals with the study of communication, its principles, and the analysis of the factors that influence communication medicine. The course is available as a full-time or distance learning option. Candidates who pursue this fieldwork will be working in the ever-expanding field of communication and mass media. The course falls under the umbrella of MA course.

According to mastersincommunication.com, “Mass communication (or communications) can be defined as the process of creating, sending, receiving, and analyzing messages to large audiences via verbal and written media It is an expansive field that considers not only how and why a message is created, but also the medium through which it is sent. These mediums are wide-ranging, and include print, digital media and the Internet, social media, radio, and television.”

Table of Contents

Eligibility Criteria for MA Communication

MA Communication eligibility in India varies by university. A bachelor's degree in Mass Communication or a related subject from a recognised university with a grade point average of 50% or higher is required for MA Communication admission. A candidate must have completed an undergraduate programme in Communication or a related subject to be eligible for the MA Communication course. Some universities may conduct entrance examinations. There are no age restrictions at MA Communication.

How to get admission for MA Communication?

The candidates applying for MA Communication have to meet the eligibility criteria set by the universities which may vary when applying for the course. Mentioned below are the general guidelines for admission in the course:

How to Apply?

Aspirants can apply online or offline to the universities of their choice, but they must meet the eligibility criteria of the universities in order to be considered for the next round of entry. The aspirant can apply online through the university's admission portal or in person by visiting the university.

Selection criteria

Some MA Communication universities in India may require a written examination for admission to the course. Some universities do not hold entrance examinations, instead opting for merit-based selection, followed by P.I (Personal Interview) or G.D (Graduate Diploma) (Group Discussion).

Who Should do a MA in Communication?

The scope of the study is to train students in the field of communication at both individual and organizational levels. Aspirants wishing to pursue a career in  Communication, media and public relations can apply for the course right after graduation. 

When to do MA  Communication?

Typically, one can apply for the course after graduating with a MA in Communication in  Communication. Graduates from other MA  Communication programmes are also welcome to apply.

Types of MA  Communication

Aspirants can enrol in the MA  Communication programme full-time or part-time. The following MA  Communication courses are described in detail:

Full-Time MA  Communication

The full-time MA  Communication programme typically lasts two years, during which time students must attend classes in person, submit assignments, and take exams on campus. The benefit of a full-time MA  Communication course is that students will gain significantly more exposure, experience, and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.

Part-Time MA  Communication

The part-time MA  Communication programme is designed for students who are unable to attend regular classes. Depending on the type of course, part-time courses may include weekend or evening classes, as well as online classes. The advantage of the part-time MA  Communication course is that students can pursue it while working, researching, or doing other things. Due to the flexibility, the course is longer than a full-time course. The course may take up to three or five years to complete.

Distance MA  Communication

The Distance MA  Communication course is offered by several universities and colleges in India. The course is built around the Distance Education methodology. This course is intended for students who cannot afford to attend on-campus classes or who are working and cannot take time off to pursue a full-time course.

Distance MA  Communication

MA Communication is available as a distance education course for students who may not be financially sound or have full-time employment leaving little opportunity to devote themselves to the course. The distance education structure is such, that allows flexibility for the students to pursue courses at their own pace and proceed with examinations on their suitability. The students are provided with notes via online correspondence and one to an online education portal. The syllabus is similar to that of the MA Communication full-time course. Colleges that offer MA Communication as a distance course are Tamil Nadu Open University, Acharya Nagarjuna University- Center For Distance Education, Dhanwate National College, Rover College of Education and Indian School of Business Management and Administration.

Distance MA Admissions

Candidates wishing to pursue an MA Communication course through online mode must have a valid  MA Communicationchelor’s degree in the field of mass communication or relevant field of study with a total of 50% aggregate marks. Students can then apply through the university’s admission portal under the distance education tab. They should submit all the required documents as per the guidelines of the university’s portal.

MA Communication Courses

MA Communication itself is a specialized field under the umbrella of MA. The course offers courses for in-depth study so the students can excel in the field of communication. Below is a list, of course, offered in MA Communication:

  • Electronic Media
  • Media Planning
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Event Management 

There are entrance exams conducted by many colleges in India for admission to the MA Communication course. Here is a list of some of the popular entrance courses conducted by universities: 

A Quick Glance At The MA Communication Entrance Exam

The entrance exam is the entry point to top universities. Entrance exams are held by the top MA Communication colleges in India to determine the final merit list. The entrance exam serves as a basis of merit for the candidate's admission. The cut-off for entrance exams varies between universities. Here's a rundown of the MA Communication entrance exam:

  • The entrance exam is generally conducted offline. 
  • The examination is for 2.5 hours.
  • The questions are of objective type 
  • The exam focuses on qualitative ability, data interpretation and computer skills. 

Study MA  Communication in India

Many premier colleges in India host Communication studies programmes. Amongst all, the most popular is MA Communication which is offered in many of the premier institutions. These are either funded by the government or run by private investors. Below is a list of a few colleges offering MA in Communication.

Top 10 MA Communication Colleges

India is a host to many MA Communication colleges. Students can choose a college based on their merit and specialization needs. Below is the list of the top 10 MA Communication Colleges in India:

MA Communication Colleges

SI.NO

Name of College

1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi
2. SIMC Pune
3. Savitribai Phule Pune University
4. University of Hyderabad
5. Xavier Institute of Communication
6. Christ University
7. Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media
8. Manorama School of Communication
9. MCC Chennai
10. MCNUJC Bhopal

Top MA Communication Colleges in New Delhi

India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for  MA Communication in India. Check the table below for the top  MA Communication colleges in New Delhi:

Sl.No Institution
1 Galgotias University
2 Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
3 Delhi University
4 JMI
5 GD Goenka University

Top MA Communication Colleges in Pune

Pune also has some of the best institutions for  MA Communication in India. Check the table below for the top  MA Communication colleges in Pune:

Sl.No Institution
1 SIU Pune
2 UniPune
3 MIT Arts. Commerce and Science Colege
4 Tilak Maharastra Vidyapeeth
5 Bharati Vidyapeeth

Top MA Communication Colleges in Chennai

Tamil Nadu’s capital city is home to some of the premier institutions for  MA Communication in India. Check the table below for the best  MA Communication colleges in Chennai:

Sl.No Institution
1 University of Madras
2 Stella Maris College
3 Madras Christian College
4 Mahatma Gandhi University
5 National College of Media and Communication

Top MA Communication Colleges in Bangalore

The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top  MA Communication programmes. Check the table below for the best  MA Communication colleges in India:

Sl.No Institution
1 Christ University
2 Reva University
3 Jain University
4 Kristu Jayanti College
5 Presidency College

Top MA Communication Colleges in Kolkata

West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for  MA Communication courses in India. Check the table below for the best  MA Communication colleges in Kolkata:

Sl.No Institution
1 Presidency College
2 St. Xavier’s College
3 Adamas University
4 Lady Brabourne College (LBC)
5 Jadavpur University

Top MA Communication Colleges in Hyderabad

The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for  MA Communication courses in India. Check the table below for the top  MA Communication colleges in Hyderabad:

Sl.No Institution
1 Annapurna College Film and Media
2 St. Francis College for Women
3 MANUU
4 University of Hyderabad
5 Guru Nanak University

Top MA Communication Government Colleges

There are several top Government Colleges offering quality  MA Communication programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top  MA Communication government colleges in India:

Sl.No Institution
1 Delhi University
2 Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
3 Calcutta University
4 Kashmir University, Srinagar
5 University of Mumbai

Top MA Communication Private Colleges

India has seen significant growth in the number of quality  MA Communication private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top  MA Communication private colleges in India:

Sl.No Institution
1 SIU, Pune
2 SJC, Bangalore
3 St. Joseph College of Communication, Kerela
4 Doon Business School, Dehradun
5 Galgotias University, Delhi

Study MA Communication Abroad

In comparison to India, the master's structure is subject-specific. Students with adequate financial resources can pursue an MA. in another country. MA in Communication is one of the best courses for studying abroad due to its diversity. The list below includes some of the best universities in the world offering MA, as well as tuition and facility information.

MA Communication Abroad Top Colleges

The table below contains the list of the some of the best colleges abroad for  MA Communication:

MA Communication Abroad Colleges 
Colleges Fees
University of Liverpool, UK GBP32,737.07
University of Toronto, Canada CAD 24,988.09
University of British Columbia, Canada CAD 27,671.37
Arizona State University, USA USD 27,217.65
MIT, USA USD 26,955.94
University of Greenwich, UK GBP 22,377.12
Teesside University, UK GBP 16,521.43
York University, Canada CAD 19,453.81
University of Melbourne, Australia AUD 35,509.51
University of East London, UK GBP 21,958.86

Top MA Communication Colleges in the USA

The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch  MA Communication programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top  MA Communication colleges in the USA:

Sl.No Institution
1 Harvard University
2 University of California, Berkeley
3 Yale University
4 Stanford University
5 New York University

Top MA Communication Colleges in the UK

The UK has institutions that date  MA Communicationck to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a  MA in Communication. The table below shows the top colleges in the UK for  MA Communication:

Sl.No Institution
1 University of Oxford
2 University of Cambridge
3 University of Edinburgh
4 University College London
5 University of East London

Top MA Communication Colleges in Canada

Known as the ‘Great White North, Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for  MA Communication programmes in the world:

Sl.No Institution
1 University of Toronto
2 University of British Columbia
3 McGill University
4 University of Montreal
5 York University

Top MA Communication Colleges in Australia

Known as the ‘Land Down Under’, Australia has emerged as one of the top destinations for higher studies for many students. The list of top  MA Communication colleges in Australia is as follows:

Sl.No Institution
1 University of Melbourne
2 Australian National University
3 University of Sydney
4 Monash University
5 University of New South Wales

Fee Structure For MA Communication

On average, the MA Communication fee structure in India ranges from INR 20,000 - 20 LPA. MA Communication course fees vary by college and university across the country, depending on the infrastructure and faculty available. Below is the list of some of the top MA Communication Colleges and their fee structure:

MA Communication Course Fees

Sl No.

College

Average Fees

1. IMC - Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi INR 72,000 PA
2. Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune INR 18.20 LPA
3. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune INR 4.30 LPA
4. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad INR 7 LPA
5. Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai INR 3.25 LPA

Syllabus and Subjects For MA Communication

MA Communication courses in India are designed to teach students about communication principles as well as the advancing technologies that aid in the medium of communication. The first year of MA in Communication in India is dedicated to familiarizing students with various forms of communication, media, and communication mediums. They will have to research communication and how it affects the social, political, economic, and environmental aspects of human behaviour. Between the first and second years, communication theories, print media, marketing communication, communication behaviour, media ethics, and laws are also taught. MA Communication specializations come in a variety of forms. These are the subjects for MA Communication is:

  • Media, Politics, and Society
  • Media management and policies
  • Cyber communication
  • Global communication
  • Social Media Management
  • Web Designing
  • Media and culture studies
  • Advanced Photography
  • Media and Current Affairs
  • Dissertation and others

Read More MA Communication Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose MA Communication?

Before enrolling in a course, students frequently inquire about MA Communication details. Before deciding on a career, students may have questions such as "What is an MA Communication?" and "Why choose MA Communication?" We have framed the following three points to help you understand the answers to these questions:

What is MA Communication All About?

MA Communication is an abbreviation for Master of Arts in Communication, which is a two-year postgraduate degree programme in which students study subjects related to communication such as Media Laws and Ethics, Print Journalism, Interpersonal Communication, Policies, Management, and so on. It is a specialized course that prepares students for careers in media and communication. Prestigious and acknowledged media houses like Times Group, Zee, Conde Nast, Star Pvt. Ltd. are some of the major recruiting and employment partners for professionals of MA Communication course.

What Does an MA Communication Graduate Do?

MA Communication graduates work both in the public and private sectors. They are hired as Media Consultant, Web Producer, Public Relation Specialist, Media Content Manager, Communication Manager, etc. 

Public Relation Specialist:  Public Relation Specialist goal is to serve as a liaison between the employer and the general public. They cultivate positive relationships with their clients and strive to keep them for the long term.

Reasons Why MA Communication Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

MA Communication is a diverse field, and with the ever-advancing technology being implemented, there are a plethora of opportunities swimming around. Here are some of the reasons why you should pursue an MA in Communication:

Growth: The course guarantees that the candidate will receive a relevant, well-founded, high-quality education and skill base, as well as a clear and comprehensive understanding of communication and mass media. The course will help students express their ideas logically, clearly, concisely, and dynamically in writing and orally.

Diverse career options: Aspirants can check positions in middle and upper management in the media industries, and also in the broader private sector (e.g., consulting and advertising firms), the public sector (e.g., government ministries, regulatory authorities), international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Read More MA Communication Job Opportunities and Scope

MA Communication Course Comparison

MA Communication is the study of the different forms of communication used at personal and organizational levels via different channels. Students graduating from the course have diverse career opportunities and growth. Below is a course comparison of MA communication with other courses:

MA Communication vs M.Sc Communication

The table below showcases the differences between  MA Communication and  M.Sc Communication:

MA vs M.Sc in Communication: Course Comparison
Course MA M.Sc
Full-Form Master of Arts  Master of Science
Stream Arts and Humanities Science and Technology
Course Duration 2 years 2 years
Eligibility MA Communicationchelors in Mass Communication or in any stream with 50% aggregate MA Communicationchelor’s Deegree in Relevant field of study with 50% aggregate.
Entrance Exams CAPTEST, MU OET IPU CET, IIMC Entrance Exam
Top Colleges University of Hyderabad, Madras Christian College, ASBM University Christ University, Jain University, Periyar University
Fees INR 20,000 - 30,000 PA INR 50,000 - 2 LPA

Preparation Tips For MA Communication

Here are some of the preparation tips for the students to keep in mind are listed below :

Make Sure To Keep Your Computer Practice On Point: The key element is never to lose computer practice skills and keep yourself updated with the latest technical gizmos as media is an ever-advancing technological field. 

Get Advice And Consultation Regarding Syllabus: Make sure aspirants know what the syllabus is all about and if in doubt consult with seniors or advisors. 

Take A Month-Long Preparation: Make sure to keep a month’s gap for proper preparation. Note what you need to study and practice and start working on it.

Scope For Higher Education

After graduating from the course, the aspirant can choose to pursue higher courses in Communication. The aim of the program is to develop scholars into researchers who can make substantial contributions in the field of mass media and commerce. 

Here is the list of Higher Education after post-graduation:

  • MBA
  • Phd in Communication and Media
  • M.Phil in Communication

Salary for MA Communication

The average MA Communication salary in India (according to Glassdoor) is INR 30,000 PA for freshers. The salaries and annual earnings depend on the specific kind of practice and performance, expertise, and other related aspects.

Read More: MA Communication Salary

Career Options After MA Communication

There are a plethora of career options for a MA Communication graduate. India has multi-national companies which hire MA Communication graduates for various positions. Here is the list of some of the top recruits: 

  • Times Group Network
  • Zee Entertainment Network
  • HT Media
  • Conde Nast
  • Star Media House
  • Dharma Productions

Skills Required For MA Communication

An aspirant wishing to pursue MA Communication needs to have the necessary skills to develop in the course. The course is a theory-based course where knowledge skills are required. Here is a list of a few skills an applicant should have:

  • Writing and Editing
  • Research and Analysis
  • Content Creation
  • Critical Thinking 
  • Visual and Graphic Communication

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