An autonomous institution ensures the flexibility to design innovative curricula, adopt progressive teaching methodologies and offer programs that align with the advancing requirements in the professional world. The Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, is one of the best academic excellence, committed to providing a comprehensive learning experience in multiple departments.
Different departments play various roles in positively shaping society. One such path is the Department of Media Studies, as it offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines communication, journalism, digital arts, social media, and media ethics. Fr. Dr. Augustine George, the Principal of the institute, is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of media professionals, blending creativity, critical thinking and advanced technology. Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to navigate and thrive in the growing media sector.
The department emphasizes hands-on learning, integrating the latest technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality and AI-driven journalism. Through industry collaborations, internships and real-world projects, students tackle current challenges in the media world, ensuring they are equipped for professional success. The department also prioritizes critical media literacy, ethics and global perspectives, developing a diverse, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset. This empowers students not only to excel in their careers but also to lead and shape the future of media.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure and campus community, the department creates an environment that encourages exploration, collaboration and global engagement. Students are inspired to push beyond traditional academic boundaries and expand their horizons. The institution blends contemporary pedagogical strategies with time-tested teaching methods to provide an interactive and engaging learning experience. These innovative approaches cater to diverse learning styles, promoting in-depth understanding and stronger knowledge retention.
Leveraging Faculty Expertise in Media Studies
Kristu Jayanti College, established in 1999 and managed by the Bodhi Niketan Trust, which comprises members of the St. Joseph Province of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), is affiliated with Bengaluru North University.
The college was reaccredited with an ‘A++’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in the Third Cycle of Accreditation in 2021. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under categories 2(f) and 12(B), the college has been functioning as an autonomous institution since 2013.
The Department of Media Studies at Kristu Jayanti College began its journey of excellence in 2002. The department is committed to equipping students to excel in various media roles through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to education. This approach integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, offering continuous training and promoting extensive research.
The department’s dedicated faculty, along with media experts, professionals and researchers with global competencies, provides students with the skills necessary to excel in both media content creation and media form. This training prepares students to address and overcome any challenging media scenario.
The Department of Media Studies offers a range of programs, including a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, B.Sc in Visual Communication, MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as Journalism courses within the framework of triple major programs.
Assessing the Quality of Media Studies Programs
According to the NIRF 2024 rankings, Kristu Jayanti College has secured the 60th position among the top 100 colleges in the country. In the India Today MDRA survey conducted in June 2024, the college was ranked first in the categories of Commerce, Science and Arts under the “Best Emerging College of the Century” at the national level.
The Department of Media Studies has earned significant recognition, securing the 26th rank at the national level for Mass Communication. It was ranked 5th for Mass Communication in the Bengaluru City Ranking. The department’s excellence in education and training was further acknowledged with the prestigious PRCI Chanakya Award 2020 for Best Communication School in the National Category.
The Role of Industry Professionals in Media Training
The Department of Media Studies offers an interdisciplinary and contemporary curriculum designed to ensure a seamless transition for students from academia to the media industry. The department places equal emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the media sector.
The curriculum is regularly updated, incorporating feedback from students, alumni and industry leaders. This collaborative review process ensures that the course content remains innovative, industry-relevant and aligned with emerging trends and professional requirements.
The curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs integrates media production and publication components, providing students with hands-on experience that mirrors professional work environments. From news production and documentary filmmaking to corporate communications, each course module contributes to the development of a robust professional portfolio.
The department emphasizes innovative teaching methodologies that foster real media experience through creative media productions while also encouraging critical analysis and entrepreneurial thinking.
The programs offered by the department also facilitate industry exposure through compulsory internships and projects in newsrooms, production houses and media organizations. The department regularly invites industry professionals to lead specialized workshops on the latest topics in media and visual arts production, ensuring that students stay at the forefront of advancing media practices.
Developing Graduate Attributes in Media Students
The Department of Media Studies follows an Outcome-Based Curriculum (OBC) framework and uses the Academic Aptitude Assessment (AAA) to gauge students’ learning levels, enabling tailored learning activities to meet diverse student needs. Focusing on Outcome-based Education (OBE), the department emphasizes developing Graduate Attributes and tracking success through student progress and career placements.
Students engage in hands-on media production through the ‘Media Production Centre’ at Kristu Jayanti College, where they work on television, radio and print projects. They gain real-world experience by producing corporate videos, news bulletins and feature programs for KJC TV and KJC Radio. The Centre also provides exposure to multi-camera studio operations, newsletter publishing and short film creation, helping students build industry-standard portfolios.
Beyond academics, students participate in co-curricular activities like Media Exhibitions, Film Festivals and Media Fests. The department also organizes the Student Presentation Series, developing design thinking and critical analysis and preparing students for successful media careers.
Building a Community of Respect and Cooperation
The educational philosophy of Kristu Jayanti College aims to integrate individual academic excellence with comprehensive development. The institution emphasizes the overall growth of students, preparing them to become responsible citizens who are intellectually alert and active, promoting an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. This approach seeks to transform students into morally sensitive leaders of the future.
As part of its commitment to holistic development, the college provides continuous training in yoga and mindfulness, with regular sessions focused on enhancing mental well-being. The institution is equipped with a dedicated ‘Student Well-being Centre’ and a mobile application, designed to promote mental health support and personal growth among students.
Life skills training is provided at the start of each academic year to further equip students with the tools necessary for navigating their academic and personal lives effectively.
Recognizing Faculty Research Contributions
Kristu Jayanti College promotes quality research by dedicating one day each month to research activities for faculty and postgraduate students. The Centre for Research supports faculty with incentives and recognizes exemplary research contributions.
The Department of Media Studies fosters research skills through initiatives like ‘Techne’ for undergraduates and ‘Rhetoric Realm’ for postgraduates, along with the ‘Media Research Forum’ to help students meet publishing requirements.
The department also organizes international conferences and seminars, often in collaboration with leading journals, providing opportunities for students and faculty to publish their work. These efforts ensure active engagement in research and contribute to global knowledge.
Developing Transmedia Storytelling Skills for Faculty Members
Kristu Jayanti College conducts regular Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) on a variety of topics related to higher education quality frameworks, current developments and growing educational paradigms.
These programs aim to enhance faculty preparedness and resilience, ensuring they stay responsive to the changing demands of education. The Department of Media Studies emphasizes continuous faculty development by bridging academic theory with industry practice.
Faculty members regularly participate in specialized training on emerging media technologies, trends and professional practices, with a focus on practical skills like transmedia storytelling and production techniques. The department trains faculty in ‘Outcome Based Education’ (OBE), maintaining high educational standards aligned with industry practices.
The Impact of Alumni on Academic Excellence
Alumni are key contributors to the success of Kristu Jayanti College. The institution organizes alumni interaction programs, offering opportunities for alumni to stay connected with their alma mater. These interactions foster strong bonds and mutual learning between alumni and current students.
Notable alumni are invited as resource persons for training sessions on job preparedness, competitive exams and career insights. Alumni also contribute to curriculum development, serving on academic bodies like the Curriculum Advisory Committee and Board of Studies. They participate as judges in media fests, providing valuable industry perspectives and strengthening their connection with the department.
Implementing Innovative Teaching Methods with Technology
Kristu Jayanti College integrates technology into its learning environment through its Learning Management System (LMS), supporting blended teaching and learning. The LMS facilitates innovative pedagogies, enabling faculty to create interactive content and engage students via activities like live chats, podcasts and discussion forums.
Faculty are recognized for their exceptional use of the LMS to enhance teaching methods. The Department of Media Studies provides hands-on experience through its advanced Media Lab, equipped with industry-standard tools for media production, including audio/visual editing, graphic design, colour grading, and animation software. This combination of technology and innovative teaching prepares students for the media industry’s growing demands.
Tracking Professional Achievements of Graduates
The Department of Media Studies at Kristu Jayanti College monitors graduate success through its Employability and Corporate Relations (CECR) framework, guided by dedicated faculty coordinators. Alumni achievements are tracked across career advancements, leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, and research contributions.
Metrics such as employment rates, career progression and social impact are assessed, along with academic achievements like research publications and further education. Regular alumni surveys, employer feedback and industry assessments help measure professional impact.
The department celebrates outstanding alumni with awards in Corporate Achievement, Academic Excellence, Entrepreneurship and Social Impact. The alumni network provides mentorship, supporting ongoing career development and student success.
Enhancing Research Output in Media Studies
The Department of Media Studies at Kristu Jayanti College aims to enhance its academic reputation by forging MoUs with leading international institutions and developing faculty and student exchanges. A key goal is to become a Centre of Excellence in Visual Communication and Journalism, supported by dedicated skill studios for research and innovation.
The department is committed to increasing its research output, publishing in high-impact journals and securing industry-sponsored projects. It seeks to expand involvement in community media initiatives, promoting sustainable media practices that positively impact society and contribute to academic excellence, research and social change.
