IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission – Complete Guide 2025

The media industry changes rapidly, and the skills required to succeed in it are also changing. The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission by IGNOU (PGJMC) is designed for students who wish to enter journalism, digital technology, or communication with a structured approach without changing cities or leaving their jobs.

Unnati Education has many students who dream of working for newsrooms and content studios. We also see students who want to be part of corporate communication teams, digital platforms or corporate communications teams. Some are new graduates seeking a clear start. Others may be working, but wish to enhance their skills in reporting, writing or media production through IGNOU's journalism and mass communications distance learning programme. PGJMC is a direct response to both groups.

This 40-credit diploma, completed in one year, brings together the core journalism skills and media theory with practical practice on print, broadcast and online platforms. This course is for anyone who wants a better understanding of how media impacts society and the creation of content that is engaging, relevant and responsible.

Tentative Last Date: 31 Aug 2025 Duration: 1 Year UGC Approved • ODL

Why choose the Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication program? PGJMC offers a structured course in journalism and media for working professionals and students who do not want to commit to a campus-based full-time course.

Why this program stands out from other distance learning journalism programs:

Built for real-world media work
It is not only theory that is taught, but practical skills, such as reporting, writing and editing, broadcasting, presentation, digital media production and so on.
Ideal for working professionals
This programme allows us to study while working, freelancing or taking care of family.
The smoothest path to a Master's degree:
The IGNOU allows learners to complete 80 credits after they have completed this diploma.
Multi-language support:
This is a great opportunity for those who come from diverse regions or languages.
Relevant to the digital age
The programme does not stop with print media. It introduces multimedia storytelling, digital journalism and online reporting. All of these are vital for today's content and news ecosystem.

This IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communications is an excellent, flexible place to start if you're serious about starting a career as a journalist, in mass communication or in digital content.

Highlights from the program

A snapshot of the PGJMC Programme:

Programme Type: Post Graduate Diploma (PGJMC)
Open Distance Learning
School of Journalism and New Media Studies
Duration: One Year
Medium of Instruction: English (Hindi and Tamil)
Specialization: Journalism and Mass Communication
Total Credits: 40
Structure: Six theoretical courses and two practicals covering broadcasting, print media, and digital media

The programme is designed to allow learners who have no formal media training to build their competence in the field.

What is the Program?

The Post Graduate Diploma is designed for three groups of learners.

  1. Graduates who are looking to build a foundation for journalism and media.
  2. Media professionals or other working professionals who did not have a formal journalism education but would like to obtain one.
  3. Students who wish to learn about the role media plays in shaping society, public opinions, and democracy.

The programme is divided into:

  • The news industry, from the idea of a story to its publication.
  • How to structure a news story, how to verify facts and report the news accurately.
  • The correct way to write and edit for digital and print platforms.
  • What is broadcast journalism and online journalism? How are formats such as TV news, radio, podcasts and web videos produced?
  • How technology and media influence each other.
  • Why media law and ethics are important for every newsroom, content team and journalist.

The PGJMC course does not just benefit those who wish to become "traditional reporters"; it is also useful for content creators, bloggers, YouTubers, social-media managers, communication officers and anyone who wishes to responsibly handle public information.

Not only do we learn to write or speak, but also to shoot and think critically about the impact of what we publish.

Course-wise Details (Accordion)

MJM 120 - Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication

This course gives a good foundation. This course teaches us what journalism is and how the mass media works. It covers key theories, concepts and the history behind media so we can not only "use" but also understand it.

MJM 021 - Reporting Techniques

In MJM 011, the emphasis is on fieldwork, information gathering and obtaining. We will learn how to conduct interviews, identify news, take notes, confirm facts, and manage different types of beats. The course also helps to improve our understanding of deadlines, objectivity and balanced reporting.

MJM 022 Writing and editing for Print Media

MJM 002 develops our writing abilities. We focus on creating clear leads, structuring articles, using quotes correctly, and editing the copy to ensure accuracy and clarity. This is essential for anyone who wants to pursue a career in journalism, whether it be print, online, or content.

MJM 023 Broadcast and Online Journalism

In MJM 023, web journalism and audio-visual formats are introduced. We will learn how to write scripts for TV and Radio, as well as basic presentation skills and how to adapt content for online platforms. This course is particularly useful for students interested in digital storytelling and multimedia journalism.

MJM 124 – Media and Society

MJM 124 zooms in and asks the bigger questions. How do the media shape public opinion? How does the media represent different social groupings? What is their relationship to politics and culture? This course will improve our critical thinking skills and media literacy.

MJM 025 - Media Ethics and Laws

Through MJM025, we will learn the legal boundaries, rights and responsibilities of working in the media. Topics covered include defamation of character, contempt for court, privacy and codes of ethics. It's important to maintain your professional reputation and avoid legal issues.

MJML 220 - Practical: Print

The course is designed to help us apply the skills we've learned in writing and reporting. You may be working on news writing exercises, layout basics and headlines. The goal is to simulate an environment in a print newspaper where every single word counts.

MJML 221 – Practical: Audiovisual

In MJML 211, the emphasis shifts from audiovisual storytelling to audiovisual storytelling. We can practice voice-overs and basic camera work. We also learn scripting, editing, and basic sound. This practical helps to build confidence in front of the camera.

MJML 023 – Digital Media: Practical Applications

This practical introduces us to the digital realm. We will create content for websites, social media and blogs. We will also adapt stories for online readers. Digital focus is essential for today's media landscape. Any journalism and mass communications diploma that focuses on the digital world will be a valuable one.

Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Curriculum & Syllabus Overview

Course CodeTitle of the CourseCredits
MJM 120Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication6
MJM 021Reporting Techniques4
MJM 022Writing and Editing for Print Media4
MJM 023Broadcast and Online Journalism4
MJM 124Media and Society6
MJM 025Media Ethics and Laws4
MJML 220Practical: Print6
MJML 221Practical: Audiovisual (Choose any two: 6+6 = 12)6
MJML 023Practical: Digital Media6
Total Credits40

The PGJMC program is a structured curriculum of 40 credits that combines both theory and practical application. It includes core journalism and mass communications concepts, as well as specialised print, online, and broadcast media courses. There are also practical labs to simulate the conditions of a newsroom. The theory and practical components are balanced so that students gain both conceptual knowledge and actual content creation experience in one academic year.

Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Eligibility

The IGNOU Journalism diploma has clear eligibility criteria.

  • Bachelor's in any field from an accredited university.

Students are also expected to:

  • You should have a good working knowledge of English and be able to express your ideas using simple sentences.
  • Computer literacy is the ability to use MS Office and similar tools.
  • You will need to have access to the Internet for online reading, digital media, and online interaction.

This program is suitable not only for English or Arts graduates, but for learners with backgrounds in commerce, law, management and other fields who are interested in mass media and communication careers.

Objectives

Simple points can help you understand the objectives of IGNOU PGJMC.

  • Build core skills for journalism and mass communications:
    Learners develop a strong foundation in news gathering and writing, editing, media production, and other aspects of the media.
  • Helping working professionals improve their media skills
    Theoretically, those already in communications roles can get a formal certification and improve their understanding.
  • Students can learn about the media and its role in society by:
    The programme encourages critical thinking about the way the media affects attitudes, politics, public debates, etc.
  • Prepare students for digital media:
    The course covers online journalism, multimedia and basic digital tools.

Learning Outcomes

The PGJMC program should result in a significant improvement in our ability to communicate and confidence. Among the expected outcomes, we can expect:

Ability to understand the workings of newsrooms, media organisations and their functions.
Skillful in gathering, verifying, and presenting various types of information.
You should be able to write news and feature articles within given deadlines.
Knowledge of media laws and ethical standards.
Basic hands-on knowledge of print, audiovisual, digital, and other media platforms.
Improved critical thinking regarding media content, biases, and agenda-setting.

For a more concrete example, we can consider how each course code contributes to these outcomes.

Career Opportunities

Career development is one of the main reasons why learners enroll in an IGNOU journalism program after graduation. PGJMC offers a wide range of opportunities in media and communications.

Reporter Online and Print:
Writing news, features, explainers and news for newspapers, magazines and digital news portals.
Sub-editor (also called copy editor):
Editing, writing headlines and ensuring accuracy in content.
Journalists for Radio or TV:
Working in broadcast media as a producer, reporter or script writer.
Digital Content Creator
Content creation for blogs, news sites, YouTube channels and OTT platforms.
Social Media Executive (or Content Manager):
Handling social media communication for brands and organisations.
Corporate Communication/PR Executive:
Manage internal and external communication, press releases, media relations, and companies.
Freelance Journalists or Media Consultants:
Take on assignments in different publications, platforms, or organisations, based on your interest and expertise.

The diploma also supports careers in education and advocacy.

Why Choose Unnati Education?

Distance learning may seem overwhelming when we try to manage everything by ourselves - the assignments, the theory, the practical work and the exams. Unnati Education is here to help make the journey easier and more structured.

We support learners in:

The IGNOU PGJMC course syllabus can be broken down into manageable study plans.
Explaining key concepts of journalism, media theory and ethics in simple language.
How to balance theory and practical work, such as writing or content creation.
Clarifying how practical components, exams and higher study options are connected.
Encourage students to develop a small portfolio during the course.

The focus of our efforts is not only to complete the diploma but also to make learners feel like media professionals. We are with you every step of the way and will help you feel confident and comfortable at each stage.

Add-On Courses

You may wish to combine the IGNOU Journalism & Mass Communication Distance Learning Programme with other courses that focus on specific skills, such as:

  • Short-term certificates in digital marketing or SEO content writing.
  • Learn video editing, graphic design or sound design.
  • Learn to speak English or regional languages with our Language Enhancement Courses.
  • Public relations, advertising or corporate communications training programmes.
  • Workshops on documentary filmmaking, podcasting or news anchoring.

These skills are a great asset when applying for news organisations, agencies or digital platforms looking for content creators with multiple skills.

Benefits Summary

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from PGJMC.

IGNOU's one-year focused postgraduate diploma in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Media theory and practice in print, broadcast and digital media are well balanced.
Flexibility is important for both working professionals and distance students.
All graduates are eligible.
There is a clear pathway to a Master's Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
There are many career options in the media industries, including news, digital platforms, corporate communications, and content.

This program is ideal for those who want to develop their skills in writing, news or media.

FAQs - Post Graduate Diploma Journalism and Mass Communication

Q1. Who should take the PGJMC programme?

This course will be useful to anyone looking to upgrade their skills or build on them in the areas of journalism, mass communications, and digital media. It is suitable for all learners, including recent graduates, freelancers or professionals.

Q2. Do I need a background in media to join?

No. Anyone with a degree in any field can enroll. The only requirement is that you have an interest in news, writing or content creation.

Q3. Is this program useful for digital media careers and jobs?

Yes. This course covers online journalism and digital media, which is important for the creation of multimedia content, web portals and social platforms.

Q4. Can I study PGJMC while working full-time?

Yes. The course is flexible as it is an open, distance-learning program. While you will need to be disciplined and plan ahead, it is possible to do this alongside a job.

Q5. Does this diploma help in corporate communication roles?

Definitely, all three are relevant for roles in corporate communication, public relations, and brand content.

Q6. What can I achieve after receiving my diploma?

You can either work in different media and communications roles or you can join the second-year MA program in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Q7. How does Unnati Education support PGJMC learners?

We provide study planning and conceptual clarity. We also offer exam preparation strategies and general guidance. This helps learners to stay organised and confident throughout their IGNOU journey.

You can also read our conclusion.

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission provides a clear path into the media industry for learners who need serious training while also needing flexibility. It combines journalism, media ethics and broadcasting in a compact one-year structure.

This program is ideal for anyone who wants their words, images, and stories to be heard in a responsible, impactful manner. This opportunity can be turned into a career shift with the right mindset and academic support.

Unnati Education is here to help. We'll guide you through the media journey.

Get Started – Contact Unnati Education

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