VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Department of Mass Communication

Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication strives to provide students with a creative, diverse, and challenging academic environment that encourages risk-taking and promotes an examination of human values, cultural differences, and social questions and to prepare students for areas in the print and telecommunications media sectors. The course contents of BS Mass Communication are focused on Print Media, Electronic Media and Digital Media.

Objectives

After completing the BS Mass Communication, the students will be able to:

• Educate students on the theoretical concepts and historical developments in the field of mass communication along with providing the exposure to the interdisciplinary areas of knowledge.

• Develop creative and critical skills with proficient use of ICT, integrated, analytical and quantitative reasoning required in evaluating the content and effects of media.

• Empower students with the understanding of cross-disciplinary knowledge in exploring mass communication intersections with diverse fields

• Provide hands-on experience that reinforce theoretical understanding within the context of mass communication studies

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants with a 2-year Associate Degree in Mass Communication/ Journalism (from an HEC-recognized institution) will be able to join the 5th semester of a BS program. Those with an Associate Degree in a different discipline or a conventional BA/BSc degree (annual system) must complete a bridging semester/deficiency semester to address academic deficiencies.

The minimum admission eligibility is a 2.00/4.00 CGPA for Associate Degree holders (semester system) or 45% marks for BA/BSc or equivalent (annual system). The University may set higher standards for specific programs.

Assessment Criteria

The students’ study progress evaluation mechanism is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester by giving assignments, on-line quizzes, Graded Moderated Discussion Board (GDB), mid-term and final-term exams. The mid and final term exams are conducted at VU’s designated exam centers and usually count for 80 to 85% of the total marks for a course.

Award of Degree

To be eligible for the award of BS degree, the students are required to complete prescribed course work of 65 credit hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 out of 4.

Project / Internship / Practicals

Rules for Capstone Project:

Capstone project will be of 03 Credit hours based on research, and will be offered in last semester. It will be a graded course; and if a student fails to qualify of the Capstone Project, the “F” grade will be awarded to the student.

In order to enroll Capstone Project, students must have:

  1. Achieved a CGPA of 2 or higher.
  2. Earned 48 or more credit hours.
  3. Passed STA630-Research Methods course. 
  4. Students will submit a detailed write-up of the research project and will give a viva presentation. Only those students will be called for viva presentation, who will pass the written work.

 

Rules for Internship/ Fieldwork:

  1. In Internship Report (MCMI619: Internship Report), students are required to complete 6-8 weeks internship in any media organization, Ad Agency or PR department. Students shall get Internship Completion Certificate issued by concerned organization.
  2. Students will submit a detailed internship report and will give a viva presentation.
  3. In order to enroll the Internship course, the student must earned 15 or more credit hours.

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 65
Total Semesters 5
Duration 2 years


BS-Lateral (Mass Communication)
Bridging Semester
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
MCM101 Introduction to Mass Communication Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM311 Reporting and Sub-Editing Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM411 Introduction to Broadcasting Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM501 Advertising for Print and Electronic Media Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM511 Theories of Communication Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM610 Mass Communication Law & Ethics Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning General Education Bridging Semester 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
MCM514 Feature & Column Writing Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM601 Media Management Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSC401 Public International Law Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
EDU403 Art, Crafts and Calligraphy Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT211 Introduction To Business Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT301 Principles of Marketing Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC401 Cultural Anthropology Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
MCM515 Radio News Reporting & Production Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM532 Magazine Journalism Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCMI619 Internship Report-Mass Communication Major Field Experience / Internship Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA630 Research Methods Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS204 Cyber Law Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
IT430 E-Commerce Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT502 Organizational Behaviour Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT503 Principles of Management Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
MCM431 Development Communication Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM516 TV News Reporting & Production Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM517 Online Journalism Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM520 Contemporary Mass Media Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSC201 International Relations Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM512 Media Lab Major Required 2 (Theory:0, Practical:2)
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
MCM499 Capstone Project Major Capstone Project Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM531 Community Journalism Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM604 International Communication Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM611 Seminar on Contemporary Issues in Media Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC610 Electronic Media & Virtual Community Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 


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