In the 21st century information is the currency of operation for all sectors of society. Recognising the need for highly skilled communicators we have put together a programme of training that will allow you to understand the changing media landscape while playing a critical role in its evolution. We believe that however talented you are in basic media skills such as news gathering and writing, it is worthwhile to invest your time and resources in formal journalistic training.
The programme will give you many opportunities to sharpen your analytical skills by paying particular attention to key tenets of journalism such as;
- accuracy
- sourcing
- fairness
- balance
Given the convergence of media outlets, you will be exposed to print, broadcast and online journalism theories and practice. As a result of spending time in the broadcasting studio, computer labs, student media productions and supervised internship in established media houses, you will better appreciate the ethical responsibility that is required of a professional journalist. After successful completion of the course you will be ready for the market while being prepared for further academic training.
What Will I Learn? This programme is offered by a team of communication professionals and faculty well versed in journalism, communication, media management, ethics, corporate responsibility, and information technology. Through team and classroom interaction, students are able to learn from professionals and academicians from diverse backgrounds. The course comprises seven Foundation Courses including Community Service and nineteen specialised modules.
Uniqueness of the RU Journalism Programme
The RU Journalism Programme is designed to provide its graduates with a firm foundation for the communication world. It includes the necessary academic subjects infused with a strong entrepreneurial culture as well as creative thinking and ethical and moral considerations for sound decision-making in a complex media business environment. Specifically the programme aims to:
- Equip graduates with broad-based knowledge and skills in print, broadcast and online journalism related areas.
- Equip graduates with relevant skills needed to participate effectively in media business locally and globally.
- Train graduates in solid academic skills necessary to pursue higher journalism and communication studies and degree programmes.
- Produce graduates who are ethical, creative thinkers and lifelong learners.
Admission Requirements
A mean grade of C plus (C+) at KCSE with a C+ in English or Kiswahili and a D+ in Mathematics or Diploma with a Credit pass in a relevant discipline from an institution recognized by the University senate or a holder of any other qualification accepted by the University Senate as equivalent.
Tuition Fees
Kshs 92,400 Per Semester
(9 Semesters)
First Year Courses
Second Year Courses
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Hrs | Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Hrs |
| RJN 211 | Broadcast Technology and Studio Operations | 3 | RJN 221 | Advanced Broadcast Technology | 3 |
| RJN 212 | Broadcast Writing | 3 | RJN 222 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| RJN 213 | News Reporting and Writing 2 | 3 | RJN 223 | Cyberculture Studies | 3 |
| RJN 214 | Basics of Photojournalism | 3 | RJN 224 | Introduction to Multimedia Journalism | 3 |
| RJN 215 | Mass Communication Theory | 3 | RJN 225 | Principles of Public Relations and Advertising | 3 |
| RFC 401 | Women and Development | 3 | RJN 226 | Digital Photojournalism | 3 |
Third Year Courses
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Hours | Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Hours |
| RJN 311 | Mass Communication Research | 3 | RJN 321 | Mass Communication Research II | 3 |
| RJN 312 | Audio and Video Production | 3 | RJN 322 | Investigative and Data Journalism | 3 |
| RJN 313 | Broadcast Presentation | 3 | RJN 323 | Specialized writing | 3 |
| RJN 314 | Broadcast News Production | 3 | RJN 324 | Multimedia Lab Experience | 3 |
| RJN 315 | Web Design | 3 | RJN 325 | Newspaper and Magazine Production and Editing | 3 |
| RFC 203 | Legal Systems and Socio Political Thought | 3 | Elective | 3 | |
| RFC 305 | Community Service | 45 Hours | Credit Hours – 3 |
| RJN 401 | Industrial Attachment | Eight Weeks | Credit Hours – 6 |
Fourth Year Courses
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Hours | Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit
Hours |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 | ||||
| RJN 411 | Documentary Production | 3 | |||
| RJN 412 | Media Management | 3 | |||
| RJN 413 | Community Media and Citizen Journalism | 3 | |||
| Elective | 3 | ||||
| Elective | 3 |
Why Journalism Programme?
In the 21st century information is the currency of operation for all sectors of society. Recognising the need for highly skilled communicators we have put together a programme of training that will allow you to understand the changing media landscape while playing a critical role in its evolution. We believe that however talented you are in basic media skills such as news gathering and writing, it is worthwhile to invest your time and resources in formal journalistic training.
The programme will give you many opportunities to sharpen your analytical skills by paying particular attention to key tenets of journalism such as;
- accuracy
- sourcing
- fairness
- balance
Given the convergence of media outlets, you will be exposed to print, broadcast and online journalism theories and practice. As a result of spending time in the broadcasting studio, computer labs, student media productions and supervised internship in established media houses, you will better appreciate the ethical responsibility that is required of a professional journalist. After successful completion of the course you will be ready for the market while being prepared for further academic training.
What Will I Learn? This programme is offered by a team of communication professionals and faculty well versed in journalism, communication, media management, ethics, corporate responsibility, and information technology. Through team and classroom interaction, students are able to learn from professionals and academicians from diverse backgrounds. The course comprises seven Foundation Courses including Community Service and nineteen specialised modules.
Uniqueness of the RU Journalism Programme
The RU Journalism Programme is designed to provide its graduates with a firm foundation for the communication world. It includes the necessary academic subjects infused with a strong entrepreneurial culture as well as creative thinking and ethical and moral considerations for sound decision-making in a complex media business environment. Specifically the programme aims to:
- Equip graduates with broad-based knowledge and skills in print, broadcast and online journalism related areas.
- Equip graduates with relevant skills needed to participate effectively in media business locally and globally.
- Train graduates in solid academic skills necessary to pursue higher journalism and communication studies and degree programmes.
- Produce graduates who are ethical, creative thinkers and lifelong learners.
Who is eligible to Apply?
To be admitted into the programme, applicants must have one of the following:
o A minimum of C plain at KCSE or equivalent with a C or above in English or Kiswahili or relevent certificate.
o Advanced (A) level or equivalent – 1 principal pass with a credit pass in English or Kiswahili at O – level or relevant certificate.
o Ordinary level or equivalent grade B and above or relevant certificate.
Mode of Delivery The programme is offered during the Day (8.00am to 5.00pm). This is a two academic-year programme spread over five trimesters.
Tuition Fee
Tuition fee per trimester is Ksh. 42,000/= excluding statutory
The proposed Diploma in Corporate Public Relations has been developed in line with the Mission, Vision and Strategic Objectives of Riara University. The university boasts of a rich ICT training environment which emphasizes a balanced mix of practical, theoretical and experiential learning.
This programme came as a response from students that were not interested in the Diploma in Communication and Multimedia Journalism that we offer. The key reason for the need to develop the new diploma programme is to address the challenges faced by the nature of the current diploma programme, Communication and Multimedia Journalism which is practical intensive where students have raised the issue of time and energy spent in the current programme. Additionally, the current diploma lacks in exposure to public relations and advertising work, a field that is growing immensely in the media landscape that we train for.
The diploma programme in corporate public relations is designed to train students to work in corporate entities, PR organisations, research institutions and other media and communication specialisations in public, private, NGO and international organisations.
This programme responds to the ever-changing need for human resource capacity development in the public relations sector as well as the journalism and mass communication sectors.
Rationale of the Programme
Public Relations, the management of strategic communication between organizations and their publics, is a field that is constantly evolving. This change requires practitioners who are ahead of the times and who can engage their publics in multifaceted arenas. The programme will give the learners an opportunity to interact with public relations content and practitioners as well as sharpen their writing and spoken skills. Given the convergence of media outlets, students will be exposed to print, broadcast and online platforms as well as theories and practice.
Students will spend time in the broadcasting studio, computer labs, student media and supervised internship in established public relations outfits. Students will better appreciate the ethical responsibility that is required of a professional in the PR industry.
Purpose of the Programme
The Diploma Programme in Corporate Public Relations aims to train students to become competent, independent public relaters who are professional in all aspects. The programme will emphasize integrity while developing students’ critical abilities, enabling them to appreciate the multiplicity of cultural, historical and contemporary perspectives and dynamics of the practice of public relations.
Programme Goals
The diploma in public relations programme has the following goals:-
• To equip graduates with broad-based knowledge and skills in public relations matters and related areas.
• To enable graduates acquire relevant skills needed to participate effectively in managing communications for various organization with their various publics.
• To train graduates in solid academic skills necessary to pursue higher public relations and communication studies like degree programmes.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme will find employment in a broad range of organizations in the private, public and international organizations that require diversified and specialized public relations skills as well as journalistic skills and knowledge. It also lays the groundwork for students to pursue undergraduate education in public relations, communication, journalism, media studies and marketing.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the programme, applicants must have one of the following:
• A minimum of C plain at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a C or above in English, Kiswahili or any language.
• Advanced (A) level or equivalent – 1 principal pass with a credit pass in English or Kiswahili at O – level.
• C- at KCSE plus a one academic year certificate from a recognized institution.
• Exemptions will be given to students who meet Riara University Senate requirements for exemptions upon admission.
Programme Duration and Structure
The Diploma programme in Corporate Public Relations shall take five trimesters to complete with each trimester running for duration of fifteen (15) weeks. The maximum period to complete the diploma shall be nine trimesters.
Contact Hours
Each unit will have 45 contact hours
Financials
The CPR Diploma will be costed using the same formula as the other diploma courses at Kes 8,500 per unit. And the minimum class size is envisioned at 10 students per intake. However, since this diploma is not very practical oriented, with only two units requiring equipment, it can accommodate a class size of 40 students per intake. This would be an ideal approach.
The expected costs are the usual; advertising and marketing; lecturer costs and use of RU facilities as well as purchase of books.
