Blantyre International University Bachelor of Journalism Course
Blantyre International University Bachelor of Journalism; The journalism programme at Blantyre International University (BIU) has been running for the past five years. The document is a proposal following the review of the current journalism curriculum. The proposed curriculum is modular for incremental learning and it is modelled after the UNESCO Model Curricula for Journalism Education. It is aimed at producing a graduate who would work in any journalistic set up and other related fields at the domestic and international level with professional competence.
Journalism is a fast growing industry in Africa today. With issues of globalisation, Malawi and the region have to make sure that they do not lag behind. Today, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region in general and the country in particular, has witnessed the proliferation of media houses that require trained journalists. BIU intends to contribute to journalism education by filling the present human resource gap in the industry and fulfil the requirements of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). The journalism field has recently changed with the coming of the Internet, social media, satellite technology and modern printing technologies. These developments require new approaches to journalism training, hence the reviewed curriculum. The curriculum has taken into consideration the use of modern technologies and foreseeable developments socially, politically and economically. Issues of cultural and media imperialism, human rights, national and international policies have also been reflected in the curriculum.
Aim of the Programme
The Journalism programme at BIU aims at developing professional media personnel that understand the dynamics of the industry. They should also be able to lead their organisations in adapting to the changes in their environment for them to survive and continue providing quality service to their clients.
See Also:Assemblies of God University Postgraduate Courses
Objectives of the Programme
By the end of this programme, students should be able to:
Perform any media function or job ethically.
Guide their organisations to higher levels despite changes in environment
Contribute meaningfully to the journalistic and media field
Perform other media related jobs like Public Relations, Advertising, Human Resources, Training, Management and Development Communication
Establish own media houses
Conduct both academic and professional research
Entry Requirements
Applicants for admission into the undergraduate programmes will be subject to selective screening based on academic achievement at the secondary level. The table below shows the standards for evaluating secondary school’s credentials for undergraduate admission.
Examination Minimum Requirement
Malawi School Certificate of Education [ MSCE ] or IGSCE/GSCE A full certificate with at least six credit passes including the following subjects:
English/English Literature
History/Geography
Social and Development Studies/Life Skills/Bible Knowledge/Religious studies
A-Level : One ‘A’ level pass
IB : One upper level pass
Mature Entry : Work or Business Experience of three years or more
