Best Mass Communication Courses in Nigeria to Study

 
Mass communication is a broad field that encompasses numerous sub-disciplines, each focusing on a specific aspect of communication, media, and broadcasting. In Nigerian universities and institutions, students can pursue different departments within mass communication, allowing them to specialize in areas they are passionate about. Each department equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in the dynamic and evolving media landscape.

If you're considering a career in media, here are the best mass communication departments in Nigeria to study:

##1. Journalism and Media Studies
This department is one of the most popular in the mass communication field and is ideal for those passionate about news gathering, reporting, and storytelling. Journalism students learn how to research, write, and present news in a compelling way across different platforms, including print, broadcast, and online media.

Key Areas of Study:

News Writing and Reporting: Techniques for writing news stories, editing, and conducting interviews.

Investigative Journalism: In-depth investigation and reporting on significant issues.

Broadcast Journalism: Training in radio and television reporting, as well as digital media platforms.

Photojournalism: The art of telling stories through photography.


Institutions Offering Journalism and Media Studies:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Bayero University Kano (BUK)

University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)


##2. Public Relations (PR)
The Public Relations department is focused on teaching students how to manage communication between an organization and its public. This department is perfect for those interested in reputation management, crisis communication, and creating strategic communication plans for businesses, governments, and NGOs.

Key Areas of Study:

Corporate Communication: Managing communication within organizations and with the external audience.

Crisis Communication: Techniques for managing an organization’s communication during a crisis.

Media Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with media houses and journalists.

Event Management: Organizing corporate and public events to enhance brand visibility.


Institutions Offering Public Relations:

University of Ibadan (UI)

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

University of Jos (UNIJOS)


##3. Advertising
Advertising focuses on teaching students how to craft persuasive messages and create campaigns that sell products, services, or ideas. This department is designed for creative thinkers who enjoy combining strategic planning with artistic design and media placement.

Key Areas of Study:

Advertising Campaigns: Creating and managing advertising campaigns across multiple platforms.

Consumer Behavior: Understanding how consumers react to advertising and brand messages.

Media Planning and Buying: Choosing the right media channels for advertising campaigns.

Creative Advertising: Developing visually compelling ads, copywriting, and graphic design for advertising purposes.


Institutions Offering Advertising:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Lagos State University (LASU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)


##4. Broadcasting
The Broadcasting department focuses on training students in radio, television, and online media production. Students learn the intricacies of broadcasting, from content creation to technical production, and develop skills in both live and recorded formats.

Key Areas of Study:

Radio and Television Production: Producing programs, news reports, and commercials for radio and television.

Broadcast Journalism: Reporting and presenting news in a broadcast format.

Audio and Video Production: Techniques in recording, editing, and mastering audio and video content.

Live Broadcasting: Learning how to manage live broadcasts, including news and sports events.


Institutions Offering Broadcasting:

University of Jos (UNIJOS)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Bayero University, Kano (BUK)


##5. Film and Television Studies
This department is designed for those who have a passion for the film and television industry. It focuses on both the theory and practical aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography and post-production.

Key Areas of Study:

Film Production: The entire process of creating a film, from concept to execution.

Directing and Cinematography: Techniques for directing films and television shows, as well as filming and lighting.

Screenwriting: Writing scripts for television, film, and digital platforms.

Film Criticism and History: Understanding the evolution of cinema and learning to critique films.


Institutions Offering Film and Television Studies:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

National Film Institute (NFI)

University of Jos (UNIJOS)


##6. Digital Media and Journalism
With the rise of the internet and social media, digital media has become an essential part of modern journalism. This department trains students in the use of digital tools to create content for online platforms, blogs, and social media, while also focusing on the changing landscape of news consumption.

Key Areas of Study:

Social Media Journalism: Understanding how to report and engage with an audience on social media platforms.

Online Content Creation: Techniques for creating engaging written and multimedia content for the web.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Learning how to optimize content to reach wider audiences.

Digital News Platforms: The evolution of news delivery through online platforms, podcasts, and video content.


Institutions Offering Digital Media and Journalism:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Bayero University, Kano (BUK)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)


##7. Communication Studies
The Communication Studies department provides a broader overview of communication, encompassing interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication. Students in this department typically explore the theory and practice of communication in various contexts.

Key Areas of Study:

Communication Theory: The study of models and theories of communication.

Interpersonal Communication: Focuses on one-on-one communication skills.

Organizational Communication: Communication strategies within and between organizations.

Health Communication: Communicating health-related messages to diverse audiences.


Institutions Offering Communication Studies:

University of Ibadan (UI)

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

University of Jos (UNIJOS)


##Conclusion
Mass Communication in Nigeria is an expansive and dynamic field with numerous specialized departments to suit a variety of interests and career aspirations. Whether you are inclined toward journalism, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, digital media, or film production, Nigerian institutions provide excellent programs that prepare students for the evolving media industry.

By choosing a department that aligns with your passion and career goals, you can gain the expertise needed to succeed in this ever-changing sector. Institutions like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and Bayero University Kano (BUK) are some of the leading universities offering these programs, making them excellent choices for aspiring mass communication professionals in Nigeria.