Journalism and Mass Communication has been considered the voice of voiceless. The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication was Established in 2011.The main purpose of the establishment of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication was to provide platform to the young locals where they can prepare themselves to play their part in the Development. It fills the gap arisen in the absence of communication between the Stakeholders. Living in this age of information and global village no one can deny the importance of media. There has been enormous upsurge in media sector in Pakistan in the previous decade. The significant point is that the growth has been in the private sector. Everything happened so rapidly that adequate number of trained persons was not ready to operate these facilities professionally. The area where Malakand University is located has immense economic potential. It is full of resources, which need to be harnessed. The purpose of establishing a full-fledged department is to provide an opportunity to the local youth to prepare them to join in the efforts to raise the level of awareness of the common person in the area.

The objectives of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Malakand, like many other academic departments in this field, generally revolve around providing a comprehensive and high-quality education in journalism and mass communication. These objectives may include:To provide students with a solid foundation in the theories, principles, and practices of journalism and mass communication:

• To provide students with a solid foundation in the theories, principles, and practices of journalism and mass communication.
• To equip students with practical skills such as reporting, writing, editing, and digital media production, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in journalism and related fields.
• To foster critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to evaluate and analyze media content critically.
• To encourage research and analysis in the field of journalism and mass communication, fostering a culture of academic inquiry.
• To prepare students for the changing media landscape by providing training in multimedia production, including digital journalism, video production, and social media management.
• To promote cultural sensitivity and diversity in media reporting and production, ensuring that students can effectively engage with diverse audiences.
• To facilitate internships and practical experiences that allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
• To provide an understanding of media management and business aspects of journalism, preparing students for roles in media organizations.
• To educate students about media laws and regulations, ensuring they are aware of legal and ethical constraints in journalism.
• To develop strong written and verbal communication skills, which are essential for success in journalism and mass communication.

• To encourage students to engage with their local and global communities through journalism and communication initiatives.

A degree in journalism and mass communication can open up a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors, including media, communication, public relations, marketing, and more. Here are some of the job opportunities that graduates from the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication can pursue:

• Journalist/Reporter: Working for newspapers, magazines, online news outlets, or broadcast media to research, write, and report on news and events.

• Freelance Writer/Reporter: Working independently as a writer or reporter, often contributing to multiple publications or media outlets.

• Editor: Responsible for reviewing and editing content for accuracy, style, and clarity in various media outlets.

• News Anchor: Presenting news stories on television or radio, often in a live broadcast setting.

• Radio Host/Podcast Producer: Hosting radio shows or producing podcasts on topics of interest, including news, entertainment, or niche subjects.

• Broadcast Producer: Overseeing the production of television or radio programs, including news broadcasts, talk shows, and documentaries.

• Digital Content Creator: Producing written, audio, video, or multimedia content for websites, social media, blogs, and online publications.

• Social Media Manager: Managing and curating content for social media platforms, as well as engaging with followers and analyzing performance metrics.

• Public Relations Specialist: Developing and maintaining positive relationships between organizations and the public, creating press releases, and managing media relations.

• Advertising Executive: Planning and executing advertising campaigns, working with clients to promote products or services.

• Media Planner: Researching and selecting the best media outlets for advertising campaigns, considering target demographics and budget constraints.

• Documentary Filmmaker: Creating documentary films that explore various subjects, often for television, film festivals, or online platforms.

• Media Analyst: Analyzing media trends and audience data to inform decision-making in media planning and content creation.

• Media Researcher: Conducting research on media effects, audience behavior, and communication theories for academic institutions or research organizations.

• Media Educator/Professor: Teaching journalism and mass communication courses at colleges and universities to prepare the next generation of communication professionals.

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Journalism & Mass Communication is an undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of journalism and mass communication. This program typically span four years and cover a wide range of topics related to media, communication, and journalism.

The vision of Department of Journalism & Mass Communication is to promote excellence in instruction, research, and professional practice by preparing future professionals in the fields of Journalism, and Mass Communication. Journalism and Mass Communication program will help students build a broad understanding of the role of media in society.

We believes that higher education should prepare students for career success, but also civic success. To play a leading role in developing media professionals who may facilitate qualitative and ethical growth across all verticals of journalism and mass communication. We envision that the talent produced by us will help to develop an environment where everyone will respect, trust, and support the media.

Due to the changing environment in Journalism & mass media, in which the boundaries of each traditional medium such as newspaper, radio and television have been integrated online, this program will prepare students to enter the field of new media in the new globalized world. The program objective to produce graduates with the necessary and advanced knowledge in communication, preparing them to be the leaders in mass communication with morality, creativity, insightful attitudes and other necessary related skills, particularly, English language skills. Focusing on concepts, theories and professional practices in digital lab and studio, students are taught to think and analyze issues critically, and gain a comprehensive understanding in their field. The goal is for graduates to apply their knowledge and contribute to helping develop society in a positive way.

BS Program Outcomes

• To produce scholar graduates with strong academic knowledge and professional skills so they are prepared to join a media related profession.
• To produce graduates who will contribute positively to society.
• To produce graduates to be leaders of the society with a sense of high morality advanced skills and insightful attitudes.
• To produce graduates to be leaders in mass communication and social development

BS (4-Year) in Journalism & Mass Communication 4 year program having 08 semesters. Students are required to earn 128 credit hours to complete this program (degree course). Degree is titled “BS (4-Year) in Journalism & Mass Communication”.

*Note: MPhil and PhD Programs will be stated soon.

MPhil Program Objectives:

MPhil program in Mass Communication aims to provide students with a comprehensive and advanced education in mass communication, preparing them for careers in various media-related industries, academia, research, and leadership roles.

• To provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theories, concepts, and principles in the field of mass communication.
• To prepare students to conduct original and rigorous research in areas of mass communication.
• To foster critical thinking abilities to evaluate media content, societal impacts of mass communication, and emerging trends in the field.
• To encourage students to critically analyze media messages, media effects, and media representations.
• To develop expertise in the chosen specialization through advanced coursework and research.
• To develop students' research skills by training them in research methodologies, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• To prepare students for pursuing doctoral studies (Ph.D.) in mass communication or related fields if they choose to continue their academic careers.

MPhil Program Outcomes:

An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) in Mass Communication is a postgraduate degree program that focuses on advanced studies and research in the field of mass communication. The outcomes of an MPhil program in Mass Communication can vary depending on the specific curriculum and research interests of the students, but generally, graduates of this program can expect to achieve the following outcomes:

• Graduates will have a deep and comprehensive understanding of theories, concepts, and practices in mass communication. They will be well-versed in the history, development, and current trends in media and communication.
• MPhil programs typically emphasize research and critical analysis. Graduates will have honed their ability to conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and evaluate media content and communication strategies.
• Graduates will have developed strong critical thinking skills, enabling them to critically assess media content, identify biases, and analyze the societal impacts of media messages.
• Graduates could acquire leadership and management skills applicable to roles in media organizations, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and other communication-related industries.
• The program may prepare students for further academic pursuits, such as a PhD in a related field, as well as for professional roles in academia, research, media, or communication-related sectors.
• Graduates will be capable of assessing the impact of media on society, including issues related to media influence, media effects on behavior, and the role of media in shaping public opinion.
• As part of the MPhil program, students often undertake original research projects. The outcomes include the ability to contribute new insights, perspectives, and knowledge to the field of mass communication.

PhD Program Objectives

A Ph.D. program in Mass Communication typically aims to provide advanced education and training in the field of mass media, communication theory, research methodologies, and related areas. The specific objectives of such a program can vary depending on the university and its focus, but here are some common program objectives: 

• To provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the theories, concepts, and practices within the field of mass communication.
• To develop students' ability to conduct independent and original research in mass communication, including designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
• To raise students' critical thinking skills, enabling them to critically evaluate and analyze media content, media effects, communication strategies, and societal implications.
• To equip students with a strong foundation in communication theories, enabling them to apply these theories to analyze and interpret complex media phenomena.
• To train students in various research methodologies used in mass communication research, including quantitative and qualitative methods, surveys, content analysis, ethnography, and experimental designs.
• To encourage interdisciplinary exploration by integrating knowledge from related fields such as sociology, psychology, cultural studies, technology studies, and more.
• To prepare students for roles in academia by offering opportunities to develop teaching skills and mentorship abilities, including designing courses, delivering lectures, and supervising undergraduate research.
• To equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership roles within the mass communication field and advocate for positive changes in media practices and policies.

PhD Program Outcomes

The outcomes of a Ph.D. program in Mass Communication reflect the skills, knowledge, and competencies that students are expected to acquire by the time they complete their doctoral studies. These outcomes are often aligned with the program's objectives and provide a clear understanding of what students should be able to achieve upon graduation. Here are some common Ph.D. Mass Communication program outcomes:

• Graduates should demonstrate a deep understanding of key mass communication theories, concepts, and paradigms, and their applicability to diverse media contexts.
• Graduates should be able to design, execute, and communicate original and significant research in the field of mass communication. This includes identifying research gaps, formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
• Graduates should possess advanced critical thinking skills to critically evaluate and analyze media content, media effects, communication strategies, and the societal implications of media phenomena.
• Graduates should be proficient in a range of research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, and be capable of selecting and applying appropriate methods to address research questions.
• Graduates should have the ability to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals and present their findings at academic conferences, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Graduates should be prepared to excel in academic teaching roles, including designing courses, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Graduates should be capable of integrating knowledge from various disciplines to enrich their research and provide a more comprehensive understanding of mass communication phenomena.
• Graduates should demonstrate the ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions to contemporary challenges in the field of mass communication.