Date:05/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/05/stories/2009070554000400.htm

New Delhi

IGNOU extends deadline for media courses

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The School of Journalism and New Media Studies at Indira Gandhi National Open University here has extended the last date for submission of application forms for admission to two of its flagship courses till July 20.

These programmes are: M.A. in journalism and mass communication and M.A. in electronic media production and management. These are full-time programmes for which regular classes will be held on the IGNOU campus at Maidan Garhi in the Capital.

Conventional teaching

The entrance examination for the courses will be held on July 26. Students who have graduated in any discipline with 55 per cent marks are eligible to apply. The entrance exam will be followed by an interview scheduled for August 8 and 9. Classes for the courses will begin on August 24.

This is the first time that IGNOU, which is known for its distance learning format, is going the conventional way of classroom teaching.

“The idea is to make the learning process more effective. The strength of both distance learning and regular classroom teaching will be combined in these programmes. The regular students will also have the benefit of course material that is designed for distance programmes, while the distance mode students will be given virtual classes,” said the Director of the School, Shambhu Nath Singh.

Model curriculum

It is the first media school in the country to implement UNESCO’s model curriculum designed by international media experts, he added.

Apart from these two courses, the school is also offering other programmes -- apart from a regular Ph.D. in journalism and mass communication -- in the face-to-face classroom mode, such as B.A. in 3D animation and visual effects; diploma in computer-generated imagery; and certificate programme in digital film-making.

The school also teaches courses in the open distance learning format, like a post-graduate diploma in journalism and mass communication; a post-graduate diploma in audio programme production; a post-graduate diploma in radio “prasaran”; and a certificate programme in community radio. There is an internship component in all these courses.