Journalism Courses After 12th: Short-Term, UG & Diploma Programs

In a world dominated by information, being a journalist as an honest author and discoverer of truth has never been more significant. Do you wonder, do you love to write, and do you care about informing others? Maybejournalismis the profession for you!

Journalism is a rapidly evolving field that provides infinite possibilities for delving deeper into the world, finding unheard truths and moulding public opinion. If your aspiration is to get employed as a newsreader, web content writer, or TV correspondent, there are a few ways in which you can enter this exciting profession immediately after 12th standard.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through various courses in journalism after 12th , i.e., UG courses, diploma courses, and short-term certifications. We will also discuss career prospects, skills required, and leading institutes to direct you to the most suitable choice.

Why a Career in Journalism?

Journalism isn't a career, it's a vocation to inform, to educate, and to inspire. And here's why you must pursue this career:

● Make a Difference:Journalists are the pillars of democracy, keeping government on their toes and providing a voice for the voiceless.

● Multiple Career Paths:From investigative journalism to new media, journalism has many different specializations.

● Mental Development:You will always be dealing with current issues, politics, culture, and world trends.

● Strong Communication Skills:Journalism sharpens your writing, speaking, and thinking skills—skills that are useful in any profession.

● Shape Public Opinion:Your stories can inform policy, fuel arguments, and drive social change.

If you have a passion and love of storytelling, then journalism may be the ideal career for you.

Exploring the Journalism Courses After 12th

This section covers the journalism courses that are available for 12th-pass students. The section covers the most popular courses that are offered at the undergraduate level along with some diploma and certificate courses (short-term).

Popular Undergraduate (UG) Journalism Courses (3-4 Years)

Course	Duration	Key Subjects	Career Prospects
B.A. Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC)	3 Years	News Reporting, Media Laws, PR, Advertising, Video Production	Reporter, Editor, PR Executive, Content Creator
B.A. Journalism	3 Years	News Writing, Editing, Investigative Journalism, Ethics	Journalist, Feature Writer, Columnist
B.Sc. Mass Communication	3-4 Years	Media Studies, Film Making, Digital Journalism, Broadcast Media	Broadcast Journalist, Social Media Manager, Filmmaker

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream with minimum 50% marks.

Entrance Exams: Some top institutes conduct entrance tests (e.g., IIMC, Symbiosis, etc). Some institutions accept national-level entrance exam scores such as CUET-UG (Like Delhi University colleges)

Popular Diploma Courses in Journalism(1-2 Years)

Course	Duration	Focus Area	Career Scope
Diploma in Journalism	1 Year	News Reporting, Editing, Media Ethics	Reporter, Sub-Editor, Content Writer
Diploma in Mass Communication	1-2 Years	Print & Digital Media, PR, Advertising	Media Planner, PR Specialist
Diploma in Broadcast Journalism	1 Year	TV & Radio Reporting, Video Editing	News Anchor, Video Journalist

● Eligibility:10+2 pass.

● Advantages:Rapid entry into the career, hands-on training.

Short-Term Courses in Journalism (Few Weeks to Months) (h3)

● Certificate in Digital Journalism (Area of Specialization: SEO, Social Media Reporting)

● News Writing & Reporting Certification (Area of Specialization: Investigative Journalism)

● Photo Journalism Course (Area of Specialization: Storytelling through Pictures)

● Best For: Upskilling, freelancers, or trying out journalism before taking a full-fledged course.

Key Skills You Will Gain in Journalism Courses after Completing 12th Grade

Here is a list of comprehensive skills 12th-grade pass outs gain after completing a popular journalism course from a recognized institution.

● Writing & Communication: Creating plain, interesting, and honest writing.

● Interviewing & Reporting:Interviewing real sources.

● Critical Thinking:Reading news stories and determining bias.

● Research & Fact-Checking: Fact-checking while reporting.

● Media Ethics & Law:Defamation, privacy, and ethical reporting.

● Technical Skills:Video editing, camera operation, and CMS tools.

● Adaptability: Working under deadlines in a constantly growing field.

While choosing a journalism college, remember:

● Accreditation & Reputation

● Industry-Experienced Faculty

● Practical Training & Internships

● Placement Records

Career Paths and Opportunities After Journalism

Listed below are the career paths and opportunities that students can explore after completing their respective journalism courses.

Job Role	Industry	Key Responsibilities
Reporter/Correspondent	Print, Digital, TV	Covering news, conducting interviews
Editor/Sub-Editor	Newspapers, Magazines	Proofreading, content structuring
Broadcast Journalist	TV, Radio	Anchoring, live reporting
Digital Journalist	Online Media	SEO writing, social media reporting
Photo journalist	News Agencies	Capturing impactful visuals
PR Specialist	Corporate Sector	Managing media relations

 

Salary Expectations After Completing a Journalism Course After 12th

The tentative salary range for students who completed their journalism courses post-12th. Salaries differ based on experience, location, and employer from ₹3 - ₹12 LPA for the posts such as Reporter, News Anchor & Digital Journalist etc.

Note: Freelance journalists and YouTubers may earn based on projects and audience reach.

Conclusion

Journalism is a lucrative profession for people with a passion for telling stories and seeking facts. Whatever you choose - a UG degree, a diploma, or a short course - every route has an equal opportunity to get into the media game.

If you’re ready to uncover stories, inform the public, and make an impact, start exploring journalism courses after the 12th today. Your journey as a storyteller begins now!

^*Disclaimer:The information and opinions expressed herein are solely those of Collegedekho and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Jagannath University NCR.