The PhD program in journalism and mass communication is a three year program that prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, media, and policymaking by emphasizing research in cutting-edge media and communication fields. The course may occasionally be extended for up to six years.
The eligibility criteria for taking admission into the PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication course is to have a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication or a related discipline with a minimum of 50% of total marks from a recognised university. Candidates also need to qualify for entrance exams.
The average course fee for studying a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication is around INR 90,000- 5,00,000, depending on the institution offering the course. Some of the reputed colleges are ISBM University, SGT University, K.R. Mangalam University, Arka Jain University, Invertis University, LPU University, Amity University, and Girijananda Chowdhury University.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication professionals can work in various roles in the media industry or can pursue academic profession as teachers and lecturers. The average salary can range between INR 5-15 LPA depending on the experience level. Some of the common job roles include Content Writer, PR Manager, News Reporter, News Editor, Senior Journalists, News Anchor, Associate Professor of Mass Communication, Lecturer and others.
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Course Highlights
- Why Study PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication?
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Entrance Exams
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Colleges and Fees
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Syllabus
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Jobs & Salary
- PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication FAQs
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Course Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication:
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | P.hD. in Journalism and Mass Communication |
Level of Study | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years (can be extended up to 6 years) |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication
or a related discipline with 50% marks from a recognised university
Master's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication or related discipline with 50% marks from a recognised university
Qualify for applicable entrance examinations. |
Entrance Exams | UGC-NET, CUET PG, LPU NEST |
Admission Process | Merit-Based/Entrance Exam |
Course Fee | INR 90,000-5,00,000 (depending on university) |
Colleges/Universities | ISBM University, Dev Bhoomi University, Usha Martin University, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Amity University, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies |
Average Salary | INR 5-15 LPA |
Job Roles | Content Writer, PR Manager, News Reporter, News Editor, Senior Journalist, News Anchor, Associate Professor of Mass Communication, Lecturer and others |
Why Study PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication?
The benefits of studying PhD Mass Communication and Journalism are:
- The course provides advanced research abilities that enhance the academic and professional comprehension of media and communication.
- It plays a role in formulating new theories, frameworks, and methodologies within the fields of media studies and communication.
- It helps in preparing for teaching and research positions at universities, colleges, and academic institutions.
- One can shape public dialogue by investigating and publishing on significant issues related to media, society, and ethical communication.
- It improves career opportunities in leadership positions within media companies, government sectors, or non-profit organizations.
- One can engage in collaborative opportunities with professionals from diverse fields such as politics, law, business, and technology.
- The course will help in developing a profound understanding of how media influences public opinion, cultural norms, and social structures.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for doing a PhD Mass Communication and Journalism are:
- Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication or a related discipline with 50% marks from a recognised university
- Candidates must have a Master's degree in Journalism/Mass Communication or a related discipline with 50% marks from a recognised university
- Need to qualify for applicable entrance examinations.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Process 2025
The admission process for taking admission in PhD Journalism and Mass Communication at Lovely Professional University is given below:
Step 1: Candidates must fill out the admission form available on the university website and register for the LPU NEST entrance examination.
Step 2: Students qualifying the entrance examination will be called for a Personal Interview and asked to submit their research proposal.
Step 3: The candidates will also have to submit the necessary documents for verification.
Step 4: The candidates will be selected based on multiple factors, including score in the entrance examination, performance in the PI, quality of research proposal, and past academic performance.
Step 5: Selected candidates will then have to pay the required admission fee to book their seat in the PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication course.
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for doing PhD Mass Communication and Journalism are:
Examination | Level | Registration Date | Exam Date | Application Fees |
UGC NET 2025 | National | Till May 12, 2025 | June 21 to June 30, 2025 | INR 1150 (Gen)
INR 600 (OBC/EWS)
INR 325 (SC/ST/PwD/TG) |
CUET PG 2025 | National | 2 Jan- 8 Feb 2025 | 13 Mar-1 Apr 2025 | INR 1400 (Gen)
INR 1200 (OBC/EWS)
INR 1100 (SC/ST/TG/PwD) |
LPU NEST 2025 | University | Till April 26, 2025 | May 17, 2025 | INR 1000 (SCK)
INR 1500 (PCK) |
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Colleges and Fees
Some of the reputed institutions offering PhD Journalism and Mass Communication are given below:
College/University | Course Fee |
ISBM University, Raipur | INR 1,50,000 |
Dev Bhoomi University, Uttarakhand | INR 3,00,000 |
SGT University, Gurugram | INR 4,50,000 |
K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram | INR 3,60,000 |
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad | INR 4,00,000 |
Usha Martin University, Ranchi | INR 2,91,000 |
Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur | INR 3,00,000 |
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | INR 90,000 |
Invertis University, Bareilly | INR 1,50,000 |
Girijananda Chowdhury University, Guwahati | INR 2,60,000 |
Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara | INR 5,00,000 |
Amity University, Gurugram | INR 2,66,000 |
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Syllabus
The syllabus for PhD Journalism and Mass Communication may vary depending on the course curriculum of the institution offering the course. However, the majority of the subjects are common during PhD Journalism and Mass Communication, which have been listed below:
- Research Methodologies
- Research Writing and Editing
- Communication Theory
- Journalism Studies
- Specialised and Analytical Journalism
- Advertising and Public Relations research
- Communication and Development Issues
- Analysing media, Messages, and audience
- Hindi Cinema Studies
- Issues in Media Economy
- Media, Youth, and Participatory Government
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication Jobs & Salary
A list of a few jobs and their salary for PhD Journalism and Mass Communication professionals has been given below:
Job Role | Recruiter | Experience Level | Average Salary |
Content Writer | Web key India | 0-1 year | INR 3-5 LPA |
Manager – PR, Legal & Corporate Communication | Expertel SA - Proceedit | 2-3 years | INR 4-7 LPA |
News Anchor, Reporter | Pixel Caption | 3-4 years | INR 5-7 LPA |
PR Specialist | Sunshine Manpower | 3-5 years | INR 6-8 LPA |
Assistant Professor for Journalism & Mass Communication | Vidya Jyoti Eduversity | 5+ years | INR 8-12 LPA |
Associate Professor - Journalism | FLAME University | 5+ years | INR 10-15 LPA |
PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication FAQs
What are the primary research domains in a PhD program in Journalism and Mass Communication?
Research topics, including media ethics, media policies, digital journalism, political communication, audience studies, media representation, and the influence of media on society, are commonly investigated by doctoral candidates in journalism and mass communication. Students can study the ethical issues and how the media shapes public opinion in these fields.
How can a doctorate in mass communication and journalism advance a person's career in the media industry?
A PhD Journalism and Mass Communication can improve research skills and theoretical knowledge, enabling academics to analyze and understand media practices. Also, it opens doors to more senior roles in academia, research, policymaking, or media consulting, giving professionals a deeper level of expertise that can spur innovation in the media industry.
What is the duration for obtaining a PhD Journalism and Mass Communication?
PhD duration usually varies based on the university and the research project. It usually takes three to six years, with the first phase concentrating on coursework and research planning, then moving on to independent study and dissertation writing.
How is a PhD Journalism and Mass Communication distinct from a Master’s degree in the same discipline?
A Master's degree provides knowledge and useful skills, whereas a PhD provides original research and the contribution of new knowledge to the field. Doctoral candidates are expected to carry out independent research, engage closely with existing theories, and generate new concepts that can advance our understanding of journalism theory and practice as well as mass communication.
