- 3.5 Years
- On Campus
- Intake: All Semesters
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program plays a crucial role in the training and professionalization of journalism practice in Africa. With an impressive alumni network, the practical program equips students with traditional and tested skills for the multi-channel and digital age.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the students will be able to:
Analyze film theory, traditions and practices in a global context.
Script, produce, direct, shoot, act and edit in films and different genres.
Apply ethical, legal and management principles in a film business
Use appropriate technology to make films
Manage production teams through synergy and resonance to achieve set production goals.
Contact us
United States International University – Africa Off USIU Road, Off Thika Road (Exit 7), P. O. Box 14634 – 00800, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa.
Career Opportunities
Staff Writers
Reporters
Photo journalists
Online Content Managers
Film and TV Producer
Film Director
Script Writer
Production Manager
- Broadcast journalist
- News Editor
- Radio Presenter
- Public Relations Officer
- Advertising Account Manager
- PR and advertising campaign manager
- Marketing and Communications Research Officer
Admission Requirements
a) Application Information
Requirements for Applicants from Secondary Schools or High Schools
Admission to undergraduate degree programs are based on academic achievement at the secondary school level. These include Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) scores of C+ and above, five (5) credits in any five (5) subjects at the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) or East Africa Certificate of Education (EACE).
b) Requirements for Secondary/High School Graduation and Equivalent/ U.S. or International Applicants
High school graduation is required for admission to USIU-Africa. High school or secondary school students must submit an official transcript of records showing date of graduation. USIU-Africa recognizes two equivalent ways of meeting the graduation requirement: General Educational Development (GED) certificate (applicant must have a minimum score of 45 on each of the five sections and an overall score of 250 or higher) or State High School Proficiency Examination (applicant must pass this examination).
c) Secondary/High School Applicant Test Scores:
First time freshmen U.S. citizens/permanent residents must submit their SAT or ACT results. The results are evaluated in conjunction with the high school grade point average.
d) International Applicants:
International applicants are considered for admission on the same basis as local applicants but must also demonstrate English proficiency. All students for whom English is not a first language are required to show English proficiency before beginning an academic program.
e) English Language Proficiency:
All international students must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
- Undergraduate applicants must have a score of 550 or higher (213 computer based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- Applicants may also submit results of the Cambridge Test of English Proficiency. A grade of C or better is required
- Students from countries where English is the official language will be exempt from the USIU-Africa English proficiency requirement unless their academic performance at USIU-Africa reveals the need for additional English language study.
Academic performance at USIU-Africa may reveal the necessity for further English language study by a student. The University reserves the right to make the final determination of a student’s English proficiency level in all cases.
Key Features
It’s a purely film programme, not hidden under other departments like Literature, Theatre, etc. This makes students focus and specialize. We have conducted industry research and found that many film graduates go for industrial attachment or employment while still unable to perform. USIU-Africa’s Film Programme comes in to bridge the gap/disconnect between film training in universities and the industry; we want to train graduates who will not strain to fit in the industry for lack of enough practical exposure. Given the rising demand for content, will make a lot of films as they go on with the programme these can be distributed through various avenues including vlogging platforms. We offer highly practical course with very small classes to ensure one-on-one student-instructor interaction. A well-equipped programme that has enough resources for each student in terms of the latest production technologies, equipment and the latest books in the field. We don’t just view film as an art but also business. That way, our film programme prepares our students to create jobs for themselves and for others, instead of waiting to be employed. Career Options: Directors, actors, producers, cinematographers, sound engineers, broadcast industry, among other related areas.
Learning Resources
a) TV Studio
The TV Studio allows students to practice technical TV operations, including:
- Camera & lighting techniques
- News anchoring using the autocue
- Directing, vision/sound mixing, and TV transmission
Students receive hands-on instruction on using video/still cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. Basic equipment training is offered through broadcast courses like: Introduction to Broadcast Media (JRN 1105), Radio Production I (JRN 3321)
Students can book and check out equipment by emailing:
- Zerubabbel Odera (TV Studio Technician) – zodera@usiu.ac.ke / ext. 514
- Wilfred Kidula (Radio Studio Technician) – wkidula@usiu.ac.ke / ext. 462
b)Video Editing Suites
These suites are equipped with iMacs running:
- Final Cut Pro 7 / X, Adobe CS6, and related editing tools
Services include training on:
- Video/audio editing (Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Motion)
- Adobe software (Premiere Pro, InDesign, Audition, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Photoshop)
Technicians (ext. 462 or 514) are available for assistance and training.
c) Radio Studios
USIU Radio has three key areas:
- On-Air Radio Studio (USIU 99.9 FM – 24/7)
Students take roles as show hosts, DJs, producers, and news anchors. Live shows run from 0800Hrs to 2100Hrs; DJ mixes play overnight. Students learn:
- On-air presentation
- Sound mixing and mic handling
- Automation software, SMS service, telephony, and sound console use
- Recording Studio
Students create:
- Promos, jingles, adverts, news demos, and voice tests
They’re trained on: - Microphone use, studio setup, mixer operations, and Adobe Audition
- Radio Production Room
Used for:
- Reviewing shows
- Preparing playlists and presentations
Access:
Any USIU-Africa student or staff can present on-air after proposal training, orientation, and mentoring.
Content is sourced by hosts, reviewed by the production team and studio technicians for quality and censorship.
Student Activities
The Journalism program encourages students to get involved in a student organization such as the journalism club, public speaking to enhance their skills. However, within the program, the students will work pro bono for other departments in the school in production of videos for school events such as Mr & Miss USIU, student awards, culture week, black history month, and any other as requested by other interested parties. They also are selected at most times to take part in MC roles, DJ roles, support of PR and publicity persons for university events. Besides, the department has established an internal film internship program that recruits students to participate in project based film production activities. In a bid to combine theory and practice, faculty has embarked on a curriculum that encourages students to submit practical projects as part of their grades. Ideally, per semester, students develop documentaries, news features, and present work in photography and participate in mock PR event organization that is consumed by the USIU-Africa fraternity. Students are encouraged in their senior project course to create a portfolio based on the area of journalism they are passionate about. Over the years, some of these items in their portfolios include autobiographical books, organization of media ethics conference, organization of lifestyle events, video production on issue of their choice and photo galleries. The journalism program operate the USIU-Africa 99.9 FM station which is student ran with full administration and has programming that runs from Monday to Sunday and has a listenership that is 5kms radius from the institution.