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DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

FACULTY OF ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA.

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME IN MASS COMMUNICATION

PHILOSOPHY
The postgraduate programmes in Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria are
structured to capture the broad issues in the study of mass communication as an industry,
profession, social agency, and a critical driver of national development. The programmes are
planned to cater to communication issues in the various other fields of human endeavour in
society, the arts and the sciences. The programmes have two major facets, namely
communication and media studies. The communication facet handles practical issues in human
communication, where attempt is made to connect communication with other allied areas such as
politics, economy, population, social diversity, religion, gender, development, science and
technology, health, urban affairs and the environment. The media angle addresses issues in the
communication of the above-mentioned issues and areas. Professionalism, freedom of
information and the political economy of the media are also covered in the media studies facet.
Based on the media facet, candidates choose areas of specialization from where they can connect
with the communication facet in choice of research and seminar topics. The areas of
specialization are print, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and ICT. The postgraduate
programmestherefore attempt toimbue candidates with the skill and knowledge to proffer
answers to questions relating to the role of communication to human society. The special areas of
mass communication are captured in the programmes to reflect every angle in human
communication, especially in this age of fast-pace developments in information and
communication technology.

OBJECTIVES
The broad objectives of the programmes include the training of highly skilled communication
practitioners in response to the demands of today’s complex and ever-expanding communication
industry in particular and national needs in general. Specifically, the programmes attempt to
produce students who will:
1. adequately understand and service the communication needs of society in its various
facets in industry, government agencies and other fields as contained in the philosophy of
the programme.
2. identify emergent and existing social communication problems and proffer workable
solutions, through social scientific methods
3. generate new ideas for running media outfits within the context of best practices
4. continue to evolve relevant communication ideas capable of being integrated into
communication policy from time to time in an age of fast-pace communication
technologies
5. uphold social stability through purposeful and positive reportage of Nigeria’s diversity
6. constantly upgrade approaches to media professionalism and guarantee the sustenance of
genuine democracy, free speech and human rights through their reporting of social issues.

SCOPE
The postgraduate programmes cover basic areas in communication education such as electronic
and print media, advertising and public relations. The programmes also encompass other
communication sub-fields geared towards social transformation such as communication and
population communication. The programmes take note of the huge multi-disciplinarity of mass
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communication, and cover ideas, topics and courses in almost all aspects of human existence.
However, the foremost issue is the communication questions arising from each area.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A. PGD Programme: The programme is open to candidates with:
i. Honours degree in any discipline other than mass communication
ii. HND pass at the credit level in any discipline
iii. First degree in Mass Communication that is below Second Class Lower.

B. Masters Programme
i. In line with the university’s policy of offering a quality education, the department
admits for the master’s degree programme candidates who possesses a good first
degree of the University of Nigeria or of any recognized university in and beyond
Nigeria in Mass Communication with at least second-class honours or its equivalent.
ii. Candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from an approved
University with its CGPA of not below 3.0 on a 5 points scale shall be considered for
admission.
iii. Candidates with a good Postgraduate Diploma (3.5 CGPA) in Mass Communication
from accredited Universities shall be considered.

C. Ph.D. Programme

For admission to the Ph.D. programme in Mass Communication, candidates should be

holders of a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication or Journalism from a recognized
University. The candidate will be expected to have a minimum grade point average of 4.0 on a
five point scale. Candidates must satisfy the University in the admission interview and aptitude
test.

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION: MA AND PH.D

 Multimedia and Journalism

 Broadcasting/Electronic Media
 Public Relations
 Advertising and Marketing Communications
 Communication Advocacy
 Development Communication
 Population Communication

DURATION OF PROGRAMMES

PGD

Maximum and minimum duration of Postgraduate Diploma programme shall be:

Full-Time: A minimum of 2 Semesters
A maximum of 4 Semesters

M.A.

Full-Time: A minimum of 3 Semesters

A maximum of 6 Semesters

Part-Time: A minimum of 4 Semesters

A maximum of 8 Semesters
Masters/Ph.D.: A minimum of 8 semesters
A maximum of 12 semesters
PhD
Full-Time: A minimum of 6 Semesters
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A maximum of 12 Semesters

Part-Time: A minimum of 10 Semesters

A maximum of 14 Semesters

For extensions beyond the specified maximum period, special permission of the Board of the
Postgraduate School shall be required.

MODE OF STUDY
The mode of study for the doctoral degree programme in Mass Communication is by
course work and comprehensive research to be embodied in a thesis. Each Ph.D. candidate is
also required to present two seminars (research proposal and internal thesis defence) and the
department may assign some advanced courses to be undertaken by candidates who were not
well grounded in certain areas at the Master’s Degree level. The courses and seminars must be
passed before candidates’ graduation. Candidate must do courses in Grant Writing and Synopsis
Writing. Candidate must take and pass a minimum of 30units as follows:
- Thesis - 12 units
- Course Work - 16 units
- Seminar/Workshops - 4 units
- Grant writing - 2 units
- Synopsis writing - 2 units
Total - 36 Units

DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME

Course work for the Ph.D. degree shall be for a minimum of six semesters for the fulltime
candidates and eight semesters for the part time candidates. Minimum pass grade for all courses
at Ph.D. level shall not be less than a B = 4.00 on a 5 points scale. The Ph.D.applicant shall
begin first as a Ph.D. student, and after successfully passing all the course work at the 4.00 GPA,
such a student now becomes a Ph.D. candidate. Total period for the Ph.D. programme in Mass
Communication shall be a minimum of three (3) years postmasters degree work.Extension of
programme duration shall be granted for not more than four semesters on the recommendation of
the Head of Department and approved by the Dean of school of postgraduate studies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

PGD Programme

I) To be awarded the PGD a student must have taken and passed the prescribed number of
required courses from the approved list, a total of 24 units as follows:

Core courses 18 units

Project 6 units
Total 24 units
II) In all cases, PGD students must write and submit to the department a project duly
supervised by a lecturer in the department whose qualifications are not below the
Masters.

M.A. Programme

I) To be awarded the Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication, candidate must take
and pass a prescribed number of courses from the approved list, a total of 48 units as follows:
Compulsory Courses 24 units
Core Courses 9 units
Elective Courses in areas of specialisation 3 units
Project 12 units
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Candidates must also successfully defend their projects before an approved panel of
Examiners to be constituted by the School of Postgraduate Studies.

Ph.D. Programme

Candidate must take and pass a minimum of 30 Units and Maximum of 36 Units as follows:
- Thesis - 12 units
- Course Work - 24 “

Every Ph.D. candidate must submit a thesis on a chosen and approved topic, supervised
by a member of staff whose qualification is not below the Ph.D, and who is not lower
than Senior Lecturer in rank.

The Ph.D. thesis must be defended before an external examiner dully nominated for that purpose
and appointed by Senate. Candidates admitted to the programme may be required to take at least
two advanced courses and present two seminars and two workshops. The seminars should be
given in the second year of study and should be selected from:

a) A group of foundation courses in communication or rhetorical theory

b) Theoretical perspectives in Mass Communication;
c) The core area of the candidate’s specialization.
Each candidate is also expected to present a thesis proposal to the appropriate committee and,
if approved will be required to finally defend the thesis on completion of the work, in
accordance with the stipulated university requirement.
Doctorate students with an average of 50% without failed courses will be allowed to proceed to
the seminar stage. Students with an average of 50% with outstanding course(s) will retake them
and as well proceed to the seminar stage. Students with an average of less than 50% will retake
the entire courses.

LIST OF APPROVED SUPERVISORS

Prof. Ike S. Ndolo - Electronic Media

(BA (Houston), MA (Texas Southern),
PhD (Howard), SLI (UCLA)

Prof. N.M. Okoro - Public Relations and Advertising

BA, MA, Msc. (Nig.), Dip (England)
Ph.D. (Awka)

Dr. R. A.Udeajah - Electronic Media

BA, MA,MSc.,Ph.D. (Nig.)

Dr. L.I. Anorue - Communication Advocacy and Journalism

BA, MA (Nig.) Ph.D (Awka)

Barr. (Dr.) P.N. Nwokolo - Development Communication

BA (ESUT) MA, LLB (Nig.),
Ph.D (Benue)

Dr. G. H. Ezeah - Media Advocacy and Development

BA, MA, Msc. (Nig.), Ph.D. (Uyo) Communication

Dr. M. O. Ukonu - Multimedia and Journalism

BA, MA, Ph.D. (Nig.)

Dr. J. O. Wogu
BA, MA (Nig.), Ph.D (Abakaliki) - Communication Advocacy

Dr. A.C. Ekwueme - Multimedia and Journalism

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BA, MA, Ph.D (Nig.)

Dr. C.C. Okpoko - Development Communication and

BA, MA, Ph.D (Nig.) Communication Advocacy

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the postgraduate programmes in Mass Communication can work as journalists in
the print and broadcast media as well as in the new media based outlets such as online
newspapers/magazines, webcasting, and social media platforms of conversional media. They can
serve as press secretaries and advisers/assistants on information and media matters to political
leaders. They can also work as programme producers and presenters in broadcast stations; as
editorial staff in book and magazine publishing outfits; as managers, copy writers and client
service personnel in advertising agencies; as public relations officers and corporate affairs
personnel in agencies, companies and institutions and as information officers at every tier of
government. Other areas that offer employment opportunities include communication
consultancy, and resource personnel in marketing and research departments of business
organizations and departments of communication in polytechnics and universities.

STRESS AREAS CODE

Basic foundation courses 0

Writing 1
Broadcasting 2
Print courses 3
Persuasion 4
Theories 5
History 6
Development Communication 7
Law and Ethics 8
Research 9

PGD ONE-YEAR PROGRAMME IN MASS COMMUNICATION

First Semester Courses (Full-Time) Units

MAC 0501 Introduction to Mass Communication 2

MAC 0511 News Reporting & Writing 2
MAC 0521 Principles of Broadcasting 2
MAC 0581 Mass Communication Law & Ethics 2
MAC 0591 Techniques of Social Science Research 2

And any MAC 0513 Feature and Magazine Article

one of Writing 2
these MAC 0523 Radio TV Script Writing
courses
Total 12 Units

Second Semester Courses (Full-Time) Units

MAC 0522 Radio/TV Production 2
MAC 0532 Print Production 2
MAC 0542 Principle of Advertising
and Public Relations 2
MAC 0592 Seminar Presentation 3
MAC 0593 Research Project 6

And any MAC 0512 Editorial Writing and Specialized

one of Reporting 2
these MAC 0524 Documentary Film Production
courses
Total 12 units
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First Semester (Part-time) Units

MAC 0501 Introduction to Mass Communication 2
MAC 0511 News Reporting & Writing 2
MAC 0521 Principles of Broadcasting 2

And any MAC 0513 Features and Magazine Article

one of Writing 2
these MAC 0523 Radio/TV Script writing
course s

Total 8 units

Second Semester (Part-time)

MAC 0581 Mass Communication Law & Ethics 2
MAC 0591 Techniques of Social Science Research 2
And any MAC 0512 Editorial Writing and Specialised
One of Reporting 2
these MAC 0524 Documentary Film Production
courses
Total 6 Units

Third Semester (Part-time)

MAC 0522 Radio/TV Production 2
MAC 0532 Print Production 2
MAC 0542 Principles of Advertising and Public Relations 2
Total 6 units

Fourth Semester (Part-Time) Units

MAC 0592 Seminar Presentation 3
MAC 0593 Research Project 6
Total 9

PGD COURSE DESCRIPTION

MAC 0501: Introduction to Mass Communication (2 units)

It is designed to initiate students into the discipline and reinforce the fundamental ideas of
those candidates whose understanding of the dynamics of mass communication during their
earlier encounter is inadequate. It is a survey and analysis of major concepts and principles of
mass communication and their application to contemporary social problems. Briefly, it evaluates
media operations, professionals, practitioners and their use of the mass media for varied purposes
in contemporary society.

MAC. 0511: New Reporting and Writing (2 units)

It provides a “conversion” to mainstream mass communication for graduates of other

disciplines. It introduces candidates to the principles and skills of effective news reporting and
journalistic writing. Students are made to understand and appreciate the nature of news and
develop writing skills and confidence in news reporting.

MAC 0512: Editorial Writing & Specialized Reporting (2 units)

Designed to provide instruction in the techniques of reporting such specialised subjects as

agriculture, government and politics, medicine, religion, sports, labour, the courts and the arts. It
exposes students to the fundamental strategies of editorial writing and it stresses a combination
of analysis and practice in writing on specialised themes.

MAC 0513: Feature and Magazine Article Writing (2 units)

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This course exposes students to writing beyond the straight news pattern. It involves
intensive writing exercises covering various types of features and such article types as essays,
reviews, personal opinion and fiction.

MAC 0521: Principles of Broadcasting

The course focusses on developmental phases of broadcasting as well as survey of

scientists involved in the evolution. It involves description of some individual equipment used in
broadcasting and how broadcasting relates with other aspects of life.

MAC 0522: Radio/TV Production (2 units)

This is a systematic analysis of basic technological elements of radio and television

studio/control room and the nature of sound. It involves practical exercises in standard operating
procedures and use of studio facilities, analysis of the techniques of managing a broadcasting
studio, outside broadcasting, and practical daily management of broadcast stations, involving
programme planning/scheduling, traffic control, and personnel management.

MAC 0523: Radio/TV Script Writing (2 units)

This is an introductory course in the pre-production and actual production of radio and
television programmes utilizing the full facilities of the university studios. Students will acquire
knowledge and skills required to produce programmes for radio and television. Practical
demonstrations characterise this course in orientation in broadcast programme productions.

MAC 0524: Documentary Film Production (2 units)

It is an analytical approach to documentary film production. It examines various forms of

documentaries with emphasis on film. Students combine analysis with practical workshop in
producing documentary films in specific areas of life.

MAC 0532: Print Production (2 units)

This introduces students to the publishing process, from editing of copy to the production
of the printed page. It analyses publishing as a mass industry organised in divisions. Students
acquired knowledge and skills in publishing newspapers, journals, magazines and books.

MAC 0542: Principles of Advertising and Public Relations (2 units)

This course is designed to acquaint students with basic advertising and public relations
principles. It teaches copy design and layout for print advertisements and special techniques for
radio/TV commercials. The course also analyses social problems commonly found in industrial
society and possible public relations strategies for handling them. It equally examines the media
plus law and ethics related to advertising and public relations.

MAC. 0581: Mass Communication Law & Ethics (2 units)

This is a study of communication laws, constitutional guarantees, libel, privacy,

contempt, censorship and pornography, privilege and Copyright Act. This course analyses the
responsibilities of the journalist in the media and evaluates news material and programme
content with respect to freedom of the press.

MAC 0591: Techniques of Social Science Research (2 units)

This course teaches core social science research methods. The course will also train
students to identify researchable problems and develop research questions or hypotheses. It will
involve detailed treatment of methods of collecting relevant research data, the format for
presenting research results (from designing the table of contents to referencing, bibliography and
appendix).
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MAC 0592: Seminar (relevant area) (3 units)

The student is expected to present a seminar in relevant area of his or her study.

MAC 0593: Research Project (6 units)

This provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of theoretical,

empirical and practical instructions in various sectors of mass communication through
supervised execution of research projects.

MA PROGRAMME IN MASS COMMUNICATION

Compulsory Courses

MAC 551 Communication Theories 3 Units

MAC 591 Applications of Research Methods in Mass
Communication 3 Units
MAC 531 Newspaper/Magazine Organisation,
Management& Production 3 Units
MAC571 Communication for Development 3 Units
MAC 511 Advanced Reporting and Writing 3 Units
MAC 532 Topical Seminar in Mass Media and
National Security 3 Units
MAC 582 Project Seminar 3 Units
PGC 601 Research Methodology and Application of
ICT in Research 3 Units
MAC 592 Research Project (Dissertation) 12 Units

Core Courses in Areas of Specialization

A. Multimedia and Journalism

Core Courses
MAC 501 New Media Theory and Society 3 Units
MAC 553 Science and Technology Reporting 3 Units
MAC 513 Multimedia Reporting 3 Units

Electives Courses for Multimedia Journalism

Specialisation (Choose one Course)
MAC 521 Public Affairs Reporting 3 Units
MAC 561 Specialized Publications 3 Units
MAC 581 Communication and Public Health 3 Units

B. Radio/Television and Film Specialisation

Core-Courses
MAC 505 Station Operations and Management 3 Units
MAC 555 Radio/TV Film Production Techniques 3 Units
MAC 533Topical Seminar on Issues in Broadcasting 3 Units

Elective Courses for Radio, TV & Film Specialisation

Choose one of the electives
MAC 523 News Electronic 3 Units
MAC 563 Announcing and Performance 3 Units
MAC 565 Docu-Drama Tech and Production 3 Units

C. Advertising and Public Relations (PRAD.)

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Core-Courses
MAC 541 Advertising and Public Relation Practices 3 units
MAC 557 Advertising, Public Relations and Society 3 Units
MAC 507 Creative Workshop in Advertising and 3 Units
Public Relations

Electives for Advertising and Public Relations

(Choose one out of the electives)
MAC 525 Management and Marketing Principles
in AdvertisingAnd Public Relations 3 Units
MAC 575 Ethics and Social Responsibility in Advertising
And Public Relations 3 Units
MAC 595 International Public Relations 3 Units

COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR THE MA PROGRAMME

1. MULTIMEDIA AND JOURNALISM SPECIALISATION

MAC 501 New Media Theory and Society

This course will examine issues in the evolution of new media theory and the impacts of new
media on society. It will also examine new media economics as well as issues in the operation of
new media as sole media establishments and as parts of mainstream media. The course deals
with technology acquisition and training, issues in the control and regulations of new media and
changes in the role and structure of the communication institution in society as a result of the
evolutions and revolutions in communication technology. It will make recommendations on new
media and the structure of the social communication institution in terms of training, organisation
of the communication industry, qualifications for media practitioners and how to mainstream
new communication technology into the fabric of public communication.

MAC 511 Advanced Reporting and Writing

The courses exposes students to advanced concepts and practices in news reporting and writing.
It calls attention to the identification and sustenance of news sources, sourcing for background
materials to news events and reports.

MAC 513 Multimedia Reporting

The course teaches students the methods for reporting for various media organisations. Its focus
is the use of new media equipment to package messages suitable for various media forms. It
exposes students to news syndication for multiple media organisations and working for various
media arms of media conglomerates or media chains. The course takes care of converging media
technologies and the blurring lines between them in terms of the technologies of news generation
and presentation.

MAC 521 Public Affairs Reporting

The course teaches students the techniques of reporting urban issues such as environment and the
justice systems. It acquaints students with knowledge of the structures of social institutions and
agencies (national and international). The course teaches the terminology necessary for reporting
social institutions in society in the language the audience will appreciate and understand.

MAC 561 Specialized Publications

The course acquaints students with the rudiments and principles of publishing special
publications such as house organs of firms or publications devoted to special areas such as
sports. The production processes, economics and structures are handled.
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MAC 553 Science and Technology Reporting

The course exposes students to the techniques of reporting news about science and technology.
Issues in the reportage of science and technology, terminology and topics for reportage are areas
of focus. Issues in the reportage of scientific breakthroughs, calamities arising from the use of
scientific discoveries, technology acquisition, and the introduction of technological innovations
are areas that will be stressed. The course will dwell a lot on practical assignments in science and
technology reporting.

MAC 581 Communication and Public Health

The course acquaints students with the principles of health reporting. It attempts to show the
applications of communication to public healthcare issues. It dwells on the communication issues
and questions in health reporting, healthcare delivery, health information system, knowledge and
attitudes of the citizenry to health information.

2. RADIO/TELEVISION AND FILM SPECIALISATION

MAC 505 Station Operations and Management

Acquaints students with general principles of management with reference to the peculiarities and
challenges of managing broadcast media establishments. The relationship between management
and pattern of ownership and the interplays between the two will be stressed. The course will
draw attention to broadcast personnel, management theory and principles and the strategies for
the day-to-day routine management of broadcast stations.

MAC 555 Radio/TV Film Production Techniques

Acquaints students with the principles and techniques of producing non-news broadcast contents
for radio and television stations. It also exposes students to the techniques of film production.

MAC 533Topical Seminar on Issues in Broadcasting

As a seminar course, students are expected to prepare seminar papers for presentation. Topics
must be approved by the course lecturer or by an authorised departmental panel, and will bear on
issues in broadcasting in Nigeria and beyond.

MAC 523 News Electronic

The course exposes students to the techniques of producing hard news bulletins for radio and
television stations. It will focus on procurement of news content, editing news content, video
editing, and studio and floor management for news presentation.

MAC 563 Announcing and Performance

This course is designed to audition students after teaching them the appropriate oral delivery,
dressing and comportment for news casting and continuity announcing for radio and television.
Students are required to gain practical experience through serving as continuity announcers,
news anchors, correspondents and programme presenters in the department’s radio and television
studios.

MAC 565 Docu-Drama Tech and Production

The course is practice-oriented. The planning and production of documentary will be discussed
followed by a production exercise. The production will tend towards documentaries for short
drama.

3. ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

SPECIALISATION
MAC 541 Advertising and Public Relation Practices
The course gives a background of advertising and public relations. Areas of convergence and
divergence are highlighted. Key issues in the practice of advertising and public relations are
discussed. Such issues include professionalism, laws, ethics, social impacts, constraints and
prospects
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MAC 557 Advertising, Public Relations and Society

The course exposes students to the social impacts of advertising and public relations. The
changing technologies of advertising and public relations are discussed.

MAC 507 Creative Workshop in Advertising and

Public Relations
The course is practice-oriented. It discusses pertinent problems and challenges in advertising and
public relations as professional fields. Topics are developed from existing and emergent
problems and challenges in the fields, and are thoroughly discussed in paper presentations and
workshops. Creative issues in the designing of advertisements and public relations writings and
programmes will be topics for workshops.

MAC 525 Management and Marketing Principles in Advertising

and Public Relations
The course exposes students to the marketing principles that underlie advertising and public
relations. The communication and promotional aspects of the two fields will be discussed.

MAC 575 Ethics and Social Responsibility in Advertising

This course raises issues in ethics and social responsibility in advertising and public relations
practice. The arguments, audience complaints and company responsibilities are raised. The
defenses of companies and the way forward on harmonising industry reality with ethical issues
are discussed. Ethical provisions and theory and social responsibility theories are also discussed.

MAC 595 International Public Relations

This course introduces students to techniques of public relations practice in international
organisations. It raises issues in law, technology, culture, message production and ethical
responsibilities as well as international public relations media.

4. COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR COMPULSORY COURSES

MAC 551 Communication Theories

The course will expose students to various theories of communication. It will also be a means of
teaching students how to use communication theories as frameworks in research projects. It
takes a deeper and critical look at the new emerging theories of mass communication in the
context of the information society.

MAC 591 Applications of Research Methods in Mass Communication

The course enables students to get approvals for project topics and work in conjunction with
approved project supervisors and department project examination panels to produce and defend
research projects

MAC 531 Newspaper/Magazine Organisation, Management & Production

The course aims at familiarizing students with contemporary trends in print media (newspaper
and magazine) management, editing and production. Production and management processes are
topics for discussion. This will normally cover procurement of content, newspaper production
personnel, editing techniques, and content packaging.

MAC571 Communication for Development

The course aims at deeper appreciation and understanding of the principles of using
communication for development. It begins from development as a concept, and takes up issues in
communication for development. The course connects communication with various areas of
national development and issues on dependency and hegemony in the international
communication and development arenas. It reviews the various understandings of development,
the contemporary reality in the era of globalization and the attendant changes in the modes of
operating development communication.

MAC 511 Advanced Reporting and Writing

The course teaches higher skills in reporting and writing relative to what was learnt in principles
of news reporting and writing at the undergraduate level. Reporting and writing techniques for
newspapers, magazines, public relations, advertising and new media are discussed.
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MAC 532 Topical Seminar in Mass Media and National Security

The course exposes students to techniques of seminar presentation. It enables students to learn
the various areas where papers are developed and presented. It is an occasion for teaching mini-
research project writing and communication. Methods of developing and presenting long essays
are also taught. Students are expected to get approved topics, and work under the supervision of
the course lecturer.

MAC 582 Project Seminar

This course enables students to develop seminar papers from their research projects. It creates
the platform to defend the research project before a panel of examiners approved by the
department.

MAC 592 Research Project (Dissertation)

Students are assigned to supervisors with whom they work on approved topics to be examined by
an external examiner appointed by the University through the School of postgraduate studies.

COURSES FOR THE PH.D PROGRAMME

First Semester
MAC 681: Mass Communication Research Methods 3Units
MAC 682: Digital Technologies in Communication 3Units
MAC 685: Seminar on foundation Courses in Mass Communication 3Units
MAC 686: Ethnocommunicology 3Units
MAC 687: Advanced Communication Theory 3Units
MAC 685 The Social Matrix of Communication 3Units

Second Semester
MAC 689: Media Aesthetics 3Units
PGC 701: Synopsis and Grant Writing 3Units
MAC 692: Thesis 3Units

Ph.D COURSE/SEMINAR DESCRIPTION

FIRST SEMESTER
MAC 681: Mass Communication Research Methods – (3 units)
This course is designed to update students’ knowledge on the techniques for the prosecution
of Social Science research in general and mass communication research in particular. It will
examine salient stages in the research process ranging from choosing socially relevant topics to
interpreting and presenting research findings. The course will expose students to current strides
in research in various areas of mass communication with particular reference to the theoretical
perspectives in the discipline.

MAC 682 Digital Technologies in Communication – (3 units)

This course is designed to update the knowledge of students with respect to the rapid
developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the digital age. It is
also expected to help students attain competence in the use of ICTs in acquiring, processing,
storing, retrieving and distributing information as part of the mass communication process.

MAC 683: Seminar on Foundation Courses in Mass Communication – (3 units)

Seminar paper presentations on such core areas as print and broadcast journalism, film
production, media and society, persuasion and information and communication technologies
(ICTs).

MAC 686:Ethnocommunicology(3 units)

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A study of the early communication systems up to the birth of print as well as their
import in the modern world. The problems of integration, the new world information and
communication order and options for the future.

MAC 687: Advanced Communication Theory (3 units)

Seminar on contemporary theories of communication and reviews of application with
particular reference to the African situation.

MAC 685 The Social Matrix of Communication (3 units)

A study of factors governing the flow of information in society, including social values,
communication media, institutional and organizational settings, roles, power status, etc.

SECOND SEMESTER
MAC 689: Media Aesthetics (3 units)
The study of aesthetic principles and creative uses of media not simply as transmission
devices but as art forms effectively communicating ideas and information.

PGC 701 Synopsis and Grant Writing (3 units)

A study in synopsis writing, title, abstract, background, aims and objectives, design,
methodology, findings and recommendations. To be organized by School of Postgraduate
Studies.

MAC 692 Thesis (12 units)

This is the outcome of a supervised study under an approved person/persons. It should
meet faculty specifications and format as well as the School of Postgraduate Studies regulations.