Duration
Eligibility
Fees
Admission Open 2026-27 | Ph.D. in Journalism & Mass Communication
About PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication:
The Faculty of Journalism & Mass Communication at Usha Martin University is renowned for its distinguished academicians and commitment to excellence in advanced media education, research, and training. The PhD program in Journalism and Mass Communication builds on this legacy, offering scholars a rigorous blend of theoretical insights and empirical research. The program is designed to advance the frontiers of knowledge in media studies, combining foundational theories with cutting-edge research programs into communication dynamics, fostering strong collaborations between academia and the media industry, and addressing the evolving needs of the communication landscape.
Usha Martin University, recognized as one of the premier institutions in Ranchi, provides PhD candidates with a stimulating academic environment and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct high-impact research. Scholars engage in diverse learning methodologies, including advanced seminars, workshops, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary research initiatives. The objective is to cultivate visionary researchers and leaders in media studies equipped with creative, analytical, and practical skills informed by the latest industry developments, expert faculty guidance, and a supportive research infrastructure.
Programme Overview
- Develop Research Expertise: Train scholars to conduct innovative and impactful research in journalism, media, and communication.
- Promote Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Encourage the integration of theories and practices from various fields such as sociology, psychology, cultural studies, and technology.
- Enhance Critical Thinking: Foster analytical skills to address complex issues in media ethics, digital transformation, and public discourse.
- Encourage Thought Leadership: Prepare scholars to lead academic and professional conversations in the global media and communication.
- Advanced Research Skills: Ability to design and execute independent, high-quality research projects.
- Theoretical Proficiency: In-depth understanding of communication theories, frameworks, and methodologies.
- Practical Applications: Capability to apply research findings to address real-world challenges in media and communication.
- Scholarly Contributions: Publication of research articles in reputed journals and participation in global conferences.
- Teaching Excellence: Preparedness to teach and mentor students in higher education institutions.
- For pursuing Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication the candidate need to have completed master degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Minimum Duration: 3 years, including coursework.
- Maximum Duration: 6 years, with extensions provided as per UGC regulations.
- Academia: Faculty positions in universities and colleges, guiding the next generation of communication professionals.
- Media Research: Roles in media houses, advertising agencies, and policy think tanks as media analysts or strategists.
- Consultancy: Advisory roles in media ethics, digital transformation, and communication strategies for organizations.
- Content Strategy: Leading positions in digital content creation and management across industries.
- Policy Making: Engagement in governmental or non-governmental organizations focusing on media laws and communication policies.
The Selection procedure is based on Entrance exam and Interview.
- The Entrance Examination is MCQ based. There are two sections. First section consists of 50 MCQ based on General Awareness and Research Methodology. Second section consists of 50 MCQ questions based on subject domain knowledge. Candidates with an overall score of 50% or higher in the General category and 45% or higher in the SC/ST/OBC category will be eligible for an interview.
- Admission process will be followed by Personal Interview (PI).Every eligible candidate interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology will be required to appear in an interview conducted by the University’s Committee.
Programme Curriculum
Module 1: An introduction to Digital Media
- New media content and its credibility, evaluating information quality
- Social media literacy, Spectrum of social media,
- Online news sharing, social media audience, different social media platforms and their features and applications
- Media Literacy, Models and theories related to media literacy
- Digital literacy and digital citizenship
Module 2: Digital Media and Society
- New media and Society, Information society
- Democracy and Digital Media, Participatory Online Media
- ICT for Development, E-governance, Health, human rights, etc.
- Gender and digital media, women ((Issues of Access and Equity)
- Online Activism
- Entrepreneurship and Digital Media
Module 3: Digital Media and Laws
- Cyberspace, The Concept of Security in Cyberspace, The Reliability of Cyberspace
- Telecom Policy,Policy Frameworks and Regulations for online/digital broadcast by Ministry of I&B,
- Issues of Access and Participation,
- Cyber law, Cyber-crime, Information Act, 2000
- New Media and Ethical Issues
- Indian Diaspora in Cyberspace
- Process of analyzing mis/dis/mal information, fake information
- Contemporary Scenario of Digital Media
Module 4: Research areas in digital media
- Theories and models related to new media. Approaches to new media by different scholars.
- Reading and writing reviews of research papers, articles and books on new media.
- Analyzing new media content – semiotics and ideology
- Understanding the language of new media, media messages
- Understanding different research designs, digital media content analysis and exploring research areas.
Module 1 – Introduction and Overview
- Development – Concepts, definitions & indicators of development (GDP/GNP, HDI, PQLI, Communication, Democracy, Human Rights, Social Relations, Happiness Index)
- Development and social change
- Shifting Ideas of development – Issues and Post-colonial conceptions
- Paradigms of Development – dominant paradigm, dependency, alternative paradigm
- Deconstruction of dominant paradigm of communication and development. Responses and critique of dominant models
- Philosophies of development practice in writing of Tagore and Gandhi
Module 2 – Media and Development
- Development Communication – Concept, Definitions and Approaches
- Development Support Communication – Concept, Definitions and Approaches
- Challenges of communication in the Third World countries
- Imbalance in global communication and Third World approach
- Cultural imperialism and the Third World media
- Studies in role of radio and TV in rural society, community newspaper and their role, and folk media for development
Module 3 – Development Journalism
- Evolution of Development reporting in India
- Present state and challenges of development journalism
- Use of traditional and modern media in the national development
- Developmental issues and challenges in India
- Case studies of Mass Media used for Development
Module 4 – Research Themes in Development Communication
- ICT and Cybermedia for development
- Environmental communication
- Science communication
- Health communication
- Agricultural communication
- Educational communication
- Women in development (WID)
- Gender and development (GAD)
- Current trends in development communication research
Module 1: Foundations of Television Studies
- Understanding Television: Television as a medium, Nature & characteristics of television content, Television program genre & formats, television literacy
- Television as a cultural artefact: Social & cultural dimensions of the medium, Cultural Impact of Television on society, Cultural Representation & Transmission
- Television Economics: Ownership and revenue models, Budgeting &Financing
- Emerging Technologies & Television: Impact of digital platforms on Television, Virtual reality, Augmented reality, Artificial intelligence, and the future of Television
Module 2: Television and Regulations
- Television BroadcastingPrasar Bharti Act 1990, NBDA, Policy Guidelines for up-linking & downlinking of television channels in India
- Content Distribution and Regulations: Censorship Laws, Content Classification System, Intellectual Property Laws
- Advertising Regulations: Commercial Airtime Limits, ASCI
Module 3: Researching Television – I
- Research Approaches: Historical research, Longitudinal research, Experimental research, Content analysis, Case studies, Ethnographic research, Comparative study, Impact study, Survey
- Theories & Models related to Television Studies: Critical media theory, Cultural studies, Framing theory, Reception theory, Cultivation theory, Uses & gratification model, Semiotics, Genre theory
- Research Areas: Semiotics (Analysis of signs, symbols & meaning), Visual & auditory elements in television communication, Audience Reception and Response, Rating studies, Representation and stereotypes (religion, caste, gender, race, LGBTQ) in TV programming,
Module 4: Researching Television – II
- Research Areas: Analysis of various television genres& narrative structures &Impact on audience reception, Television & social change (Activism and advocacy through Television, role &Impact of Television on social & political movements,
- Identity construction through Television, intersectionality in television narratives, etc.) Impact of regulatory changes on industry practices, creative expressions and audience experiences, examination of the global flow of content considering issues of cultural imperialism, localization &Impact of transnational media corporations,
- historical Analysis of Television’s evolution, technological advancements & cultural significance of Television over a period, investigation into the role of Television in media literacy
Module 1: Theoretical Foundations of Film Studies
- Overview of key concepts and historical context in film studies
- Foundational readings on film as an art form and cultural medium
- Classical Film Theory
- Theories such as formalism, realism, and auteur theory
- Analysis of influential classical films and their theoretical underpinnings
- Postmodern and Contemporary Film Theories
- Postmodernism, deconstruction, and feminist film theories
Module 2: Film Aesthetics and Genres
- Visual and auditory elements of film aesthetics
- Role of Cinematography, sound design, and Editing in shaping meaning
- Film Genres and their evolution over time
- Genre Theory and Analysis
- Theoretical frameworks for understanding film genres
- National and Regional Cinemas
- Cultural and national contexts on filmmaking
- Case studies on significant national cinemas and movements
Module 3: Film and Society: Representation and Impact
- Representation of Society in Film
- Issues of identity, gender, race, and sexuality in film
- Construction of social norms and values in films
- Cinema and Politics
- Intersection of film and politics
- Case studies on political films, propaganda, and activism in cinema
Module 4: Advanced Topics and Research Methods
- Emerging Trends in Film Studies
- Contemporary developments in film studies
- New approaches, technologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives
- Research and Proposal Development in Film Studies
- Research methodologies in film studies
- Research proposals for individual projects
Why Choose Usha Martin University for a Ph.D. in Journalism & Mass Communication?
- The university offers a modern learning ecosystem with experienced faculty, updated media labs, digital tools, and access to national and international research databases.
- Scholars receive personalized mentorship from experts who guide them in creating robust, pertinent, and impactful research output.
- UMU also encourages interdisciplinary work, thus allowing Ph.D candidates an exploration into emerging media trends, digital journalism, public communication, advertising, film studies, and global media issues.
- The flexible and research-friendly atmosphere ensures that scholars can balance academics with professional commitments.
- Strong industry connections, regular workshops, and exposure to real-time communication practices make Usha Martin University the ideal destination for PhD admission in Journalism & Mass Communication.
Ph.D. in Journalism & Mass Communication Admission Process
The PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication course at Usha Martin University focuses on a transparent and merit-based PhD admission process for a research-oriented career, meant for enthusiastic researchers, academicians, and media professionals. Candidates applying to the research-based program are required to possess a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication or its relevant disciplines with the required minimum marks for eligibility. The PhD admission involves an entrance examination conducted by the university in order to assess the research aptitude, analytical skills, and subject knowledge of the candidate.
The shortlisted candidates then subsequently undergo a personal interview where they reveal their preliminary research idea and discuss their interest in the research programs offered by the university. Once chosen, the candidates will be assigned research supervisors to guide them through their doctoral journey in the university. Right from the selection of the research topic to the preparation for thesis submission, the whole process of the PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication is properly structured, supported, and oriented according to the national standard for research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ph.D. admission requires a master’s degree in journalism, mass communication, or related areas with the required qualifying marks.
Yes, at Usha Martin University, there is an entrance test followed by an interview to shortlist candidates for PhD research programs in Journalism & Mass Communication.
Absolutely. The university’s flexible and research-supportive structure allows working professionals to pursue the PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication while managing their careers.
The university offers a wide range of research programs in topics such as digital journalism, mass media ethics, advertising, public relations, film studies, new media technologies, and communication theory.
Yes, scholars are assigned qualified supervisors to guide them through their respective research programs once the PhD admission process is complete.
Admission Open 2026–27—Top University in Ranchi | PhD Programs
Usha Martin University is recognized as one of the best universities in Ranchi and invites applications for its PhD programs for 2026–27, including the highly sought-after PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication. The research ecosystem at the university is built to nurture innovative thinkers, critical analysts, and future leaders in the media and communication industry. Admission for PhD courses at UMU has now opened, and students can apply for admission into one of the most dynamic and industry-relevant research programs in India.
As one of the leading universities in Ranchi, UMU guarantees quality supervision, modern infrastructure, opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches, and a research environment that promotes originality and creativity. If you aim to build a strong academic or professional career in media studies, communications research, or journalism, the UMU PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication is the perfect platform to take your research ahead.