MA in Communication: Eligibility, Top Colleges, & Admissions

• Updated on  6 Aug, 2025 by Vasudha Sharma

MA in Communication is a two-year postgraduate course that emphasizes advanced knowledge and practical skills in media, journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital communication. It combines theoretical frameworks such as media theories, media ethics, and the law of the media, with hands-on training in topics such as media production, corporate communication, and digital strategy.

 

The candidates who have completed their bachelor's in any stream from a recognized university will be eligible to enroll in the MA Communication course. The fee for the course varies with the university. To enroll in this course, the candidates need to appear for the entrance exam, including CUET PG. Most colleges accept candidates on a merit basis. The colleges that offer an MA in Communication course are the University of Hyderabad, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Women’s Christian College, MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Madras Christian College, etc.

 

The candidates, after completing the course, can opt to choose multiple career options that include journalism, advertising, and public relations; digital media strategy; and corporate communication. They benefit from their proficiency in media theory and practical experience.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MA in Communication Highlights
  2. What is an MA in Communication?
  3. Why Study an MA in Communication?
  4. Who Should Study an MA in Communication?
  5. MA in Communication Eligibility Criteria
  6. MA in Communication Entrance Exams
  7. MA in Communication Colleges
  8. MA in Communication Admission Process
  9. MA in Communication Syllabus
  10. MA in Communication Job Prospects
  11. MA in Communication Vs MA Mass Communication
  12. MA in Communication FAQs

 

MA in Communication Highlights

Given below are some of the basic key highlights for the MA in Communication:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Master of Arts Communication

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years

Course Type

Full-time

Admission Process

Merit-based

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates need to complete their graduation from a recognized board.

Course Fees

INR 11,00,000 – INR 19,00,000

Top Colleges

University of Hyderabad, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Women’s Christian College, etc.

Job Profiles

Journalist, Social Media Planner, Public Relations Officer, etc.

Top Recruiters

Television Industry, Digital Marketing Agency, PR Agency, etc.

Average Salary in India

INR 3 LPA - INR 6.5 LPA

 

What is an MA in Communication?

MA in Communication is primarily designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the communication theory, methods, and practices in various media and societal settings.

  • The industry in which the candidates can enroll involves the production, dissemination, and interpretation of information across various fields such as journalism, public relations/media syndication, advertising (PR), corporate communication, and digital media.
  • The curriculum of the course is a unique blend of traditional and modern concepts that provides students with an understanding of communication trends, message crafting, and audience engagement across social media platforms.
  • The candidates, after completing the MA in Communication course, can work with media houses, public relations agencies, advertising firms, corporate communication departments, and digital content organizations.

 

Why Study an MA in Communication?

In a world that is tech-driven and filled with information, the MA in Communication course trains students in critical thinking, media literacy, public speaking, writing, and strategic communication skills that are highly sought after by the industry.

  • The impact of communication on public perception, brand identity, and political outcomes is profoundly evident today, and those who are trained in effective, ethical, or powerful messaging are needed.
  • The curriculum of the course focuses on the importance of media in shaping culture, society, and behavior. It's especially useful for those interested in careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, corporate communications, social media management, or content strategy.
  • It is also suitable for those wishing to work in academia and offers strong opportunities within the field of research and teaching.
  • Besides career advancement, the course also develops a broad understanding of how communication tackles social problems, shapes narratives, and drives change.

 

Who Should Study an MA in Communication?

Master of Arts Communication is a degree that caters to individuals who are passionate about media, storytelling, and strategic messaging, as well as those who want to work in fields related to communication.

  • The program is designed for individuals with diverse academic backgrounds who want to pursue careers in public relations, corporate communication, advertising/journalism, or digital media.
  • Aspiring media professionals who are interested in pursuing journalism (print, broadcast, or digital).
  • Public relations and advertising enthusiasts who are passionate about creating brand stories and managing reputation.
  • Corporate communication specialistsinquiring about job opportunities in both internal and external communication.
  • Working professionals in related industries, seeking to improve their skills or advance into leadership or communication positions.
  • This program is designed for individuals with exceptional writing, interpersonal, and analytical abilities—and a keen understanding of how communication affects society.

 

MA in Communication Eligibility Criteria

The candidates need to meet the eligibility requirements of the course set by the university they want to apply to. The eligibility criteria for the course are common at various colleges, but they can vary based on the educational qualification, minimum marks, etc.

  • The candidates need to complete their bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university.
  • The candidates need to score at least 50% to 60% marks in their bachelor's degree.

 

MA in Communication Entrance Exams

Most of the colleges that offer this course accept applications based on merit; however, some colleges accept invitations based on the CUET PG score. The details of the entrance exam are given below:

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

CUET PG 2026

January 2026 (Tentative)

March 2026 (Tentative)

INR 1400 (for General)

 

INR 1100 (SC/ST)

 

MA in Communication Colleges

After fulfilling the eligibility requirements, the candidates need to choose the college they want to attend. The details of the colleges that offer this course are given below:

College Name

Location

Fees for 4 years (approx.)

University of Hyderabad

Hyderabad

-

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Coimbatore

INR 2,46,000

Madras Christian College

Chennai

-

Women’s Christian College

Chennai

INR 1,46,000

MOP Vaishnav College for Women

Chennai

-

 

MA in Communication Admission Process

The candidates are required to follow a simple application process to enroll in the Master of Arts Communication course at their desired college. The admission process of the colleges is common and is merit-based. The admission process of the MA in Communication course at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is given below:

 

Step 1: The candidates need to start with the registration process by visiting the official website of the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

 

Step 2: The candidates need to head to the admissions tab, where they have to start the registration.

 

Step 3: The candidates need to register themselves by entering their email address and mobile number.

 

Step 4: The candidates need to fill out the application form by filling in their personal information, educational qualification, and other details.

 

Step 5: Now, the candidates need to upload a scanned copy of the documents required at the time of application.

 

Step 6: The candidates need to save and submit the application form and the application fee.

 

Step 7: The university will release the merit list of the selected candidates based on the rank and scores.

 

Step 8: The candidates, if selected, will be called for the counselling and the document verification process.

 

Step 9: The candidates are required to visit the campus for the document verification process.

 

Step 10: Once done with the document verification process, the candidates are required to complete the admission process by paying the course fee.

 

Documents Required

The candidates need to submit some documents for the admission process at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, which are as follows:

  • 10th Marksheet
  • 12th Marksheet
  • Government-issued ID proof
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Seat Allotment Letter
  • Migration Certificate
  • Transfer Certificate.

 

MA in Communication Syllabus

The candidates need to get an overview of the subjects they will be going to learn in the course. For information, the syllabus of the MA Communication course at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is given below:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Critical Approach to Communication Theories

Technological Approaches to Television Journalism

Media Laws and Ethics: Issues and Debates

Basic Photography and Videography

Applied Media Research

Film Studies: Theory and Analysis

Contemporary Issues

Branding and Communications

Environment and Social Issues: Global Media Perspectives

Digital Marketing Communication Basics

Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Science Research

Branding Media and Entertainment

Qualitative Data Analysis for Social Science Research

Reporting for Print Media

*Seminar

Editing for Print Media- I

Research Proposal

Fake News and Disinformation- Issues and Challenges

Glimpses of Indian Culture

Techniques of Graphic Communication and Visual Design

Mastery Over Mind

Social Media Metrics and Evaluation

-

Social Media Optimization for Brands

-

Contemporary Issues and Analysis

-

Research Project Review

-

*Seminar

-

Amrita Value Programme

Semester 3

Semester 4

Writing, Reporting and Producing Television News

Project

Documentary and Short Film Production

-

Advanced Photography and Videography

-

Public Relations and Event Management

-

Advertising Practice for Print, Digital, and Broadcast

-

Sustainability and Marketing

-

Newspaper Design and Magazine Production

-

Advanced Multimedia Reporting

-

Editing for Print Media -II

-

Animation and Web Design

-

Fundamentals of Digital Advertising

-

Search Engine Optimization for Brands

-

*Seminar

-

Communication Research Project and Viva Voce

-

 

MA in Communication Job Prospects

The Master of Arts Communication opens a wide range of career opportunities for a great career. The job prospects table of the MA Communication course is given below:

Job Role

Typical Employers

Salary

Public Relations Executive

PR agencies, corporates, NGOs, and government bodies

INR 3 – 5 LPA

Journalist / Reporter

News channels, newspapers, and digital media platforms

INR 2.5 – 5 LPA

Content Strategist

Digital marketing agencies, startups, and media houses

INR 3 – 6 LPA

Media Planner

Advertising agencies, media buying companies

INR 3 – 6.5 LPA

Digital Marketing Executive

E-commerce firms, startups, and marketing agencies

INR 3 – 5 LPA

Social Media Manager

Brands, media firms, influencers, agencies

INR 3 – 6 LPA

Advertising Copywriter

Creative agencies, branding firms, and digital marketing companies

INR 3 – 5 LPA

Academic / Lecturer

Universities, colleges

INR 4 – 6 LPA

Brand Communication Executive

Branding firms, corporate brand teams

INR 4 – 7 LPA

 

MA in Communication Vs MA Mass Communication

The Master of Arts Communication focuses on a wide theory and practice of communication in different spheres, which is applicable in different communication jobs. MA Mass Communication is more focused and it revolves around mass media and equips the students with degrees that are work-oriented with specific qualifications relating to media productions, journalism, as well as public relations.

Aspect

MA Communication

MA Mass Communication

Focus

A broader study of communication, including interpersonal, organizational, and health communication, and theory. More theoretical and versatile.

Specialized focus on mass media channels like television, radio, newspapers, advertising, and public relations. More applied to media industries.

Curriculum

Covers various communication theories, strategies, media studies, and organizational communication, sometimes interdisciplinary.

Emphasizes media production, journalism, PR, advertising, broadcasting, and mass media research. Practical skills like reporting and media ethics are included.

Career Outcomes

Roles in corporate communications, human resources, public relations, academia, research, and consultancy across diverse sectors.

Careers in journalism, mass media, advertising, public relations, broadcasting, content creation, and media management.

Approach

More theoretically, exploring communication models and research methodologies broadly.

More applied, focusing on practical communication skills for mass audiences and media contexts.

Program Scope

Broad communication topics include small group, organizational, and media communication.

Narrower scope focusing intensively on mass communication channels and media industries.

 

MA in Communication FAQs

Does the MA Communication course offer a specialization to choose in the course?

Many colleges offer specialization in their MA Communication course. Choosing these specializations will help the candidates in getting a broad and in-depth knowledge of communication and its theories. The specializations that the colleges offer are Journalism, Corporate Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, etc.

What is the difference between the MA Communication and the MA Journalism and Mass Communication?

Both these courses are somewhat the same, but they focus on different technical aspects of communication and mass media. The MA in Communication program educates students on communication principles and practices in diverse settings such as media, society.

Can I opt to pursue a diploma or certifications in the focused area of communication after completing the MA Communication course?

Yes, enrolling in the diploma or certification courses after completing the MA Communication course will open a wide range of career opportunities for the candidates which will help them have an advanced career in the field of media and communication.

What are the MA Communication jobs that the candidates can opt for?

The MA Communication course offers opportunities in corporate communication, journalism, mass and media, politics, marketing, public relations, human resources, content writing, media planning, digital marketing, social media management, and academia, among others, to the graduates.

Can I opt to pursue the MA Communication course if I have done my graduation in technology and have a science background?

Yes, the colleges that offer an MA in Communication course invite candidates from various backgrounds. The eligibility criteria of the colleges that offer this course are common. The candidates who want to enroll in the course need to complete their bachelor’s in any stream from a recognized university.

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