The Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media (MAJDM) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a 2-year, 72-credit postgraduate programme offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS). The programme addresses the ongoing information revolution and provides educational opportunities for learners to pursue careers in digital media, journalism, and ICT-driven sectors. The total programme fee is Rs. 20,500 (tuition fee Rs. 20,000 + registration fee Rs. 300 + development fee Rs. 200), with a minimum duration of 2 years. The programme is structured on a yearly system and is popular among fresh graduates, working media professionals, and students from diverse disciplines who wish to build expertise in digital journalism, social media, data science, and online content production.
Admissions for the January 2026 cycle are currently ongoing. The last date to submit the application form is March 30, 2026 (extended). Students can apply online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The next admission cycle (July 2026) is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, based on the previous year's schedule.
Distance Learning Centres:
Since IGNOU is an open university, the MA Journalism and Digital Media programme is offered in distance mode through designated study centres across India. The programme is available at select study centres under regional centres including Hyderabad, Karnal, Shimla, Jammu, Bangalore, Cochin, Bhopal, Pune, Imphal, Shillong, Port Blair, Bhubaneshwar, Khanna, Jaipur, Chennai, Agartala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi 2 (ITO), Itanagar, Srinagar, Dehradun, Ranchi, Nagpur, Delhi 3 (Naraina), Noida, Guwahati, Trivandrum, Jabalpur, Madurai, Koraput, Darbhanga, Varanasi, Mumbai, Patna, Raghunathganj, Chandigarh, Delhi 1 (Mohan Estate), Panaji, Bijapur, Deoghar, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Angul, and Army/Navy study centres. Students should verify the availability of this programme at their nearest study centre on the official IGNOU admission portal before applying.
Key Points
- The programme is a 72-credit course comprising 14 theory courses, 1 practical (Digital Journalism Practical - MNML-012, 8 credits), and 1 project (Internet Research Project - MNMP-012, 8 credits).
- Year 1 focuses on foundational digital media skills: understanding digital media, reporting techniques, digital photography and videography, broadcast and online journalism, media ethics and laws, social media and society, and a practical component.
- Year 2 focuses on advanced and research-oriented topics: theorising digital media, internet research methods, ICT for development, data science and big data, mobile journalism, media and information literacy, digital media economics, and an internet research project.
- The programme is specifically designed to address the growing demand for digital media professionals in India's rapidly expanding media and ICT sectors.
- The practical component (MNML-012) in Year 1 provides hands-on training in digital journalism tools and techniques.
- IGNOU's MAJDM degree is UGC and DEB recognized, valid for government jobs, NET/JRF eligibility, and further research.
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