Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Level: Higher National Diploma (Level 5)
Total Credits: 72 Credit Units

Program Purpose

The HND in Communication program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fields of media, public relations, journalism, marketing communication, and corporate communication. The program combines theoretical understanding with practical skills in writing, speaking, research, and digital media.

Graduates will develop the ability to communicate effectively across various platforms and audiences—locally and globally—and will be equipped to contribute to social development, corporate success, and intercultural understanding in The Gambia and beyond.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the HND in Communication, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate professional competence in oral, written, and digital communication.
  2. Apply communication theories, ethics, and strategies in diverse contexts.
  3. Create and manage media content across traditional and digital platforms.
  4. Conduct research and analyze communication problems for organizational improvement.
  5. Plan and implement public relations and corporate communication strategies.
  6. Apply leadership and teamwork skills in professional environments.
  7. Demonstrate intercultural and interpersonal communication competence.
  8. Use emerging technologies and media tools for effective communication.
  9. Promote ethical and socially responsible communication practices.

Key Concepts To Be Learned

  • Principles of Communication and Media Studies
  • Writing and Reporting for Media
  • Public Relations and Corporate Communication
  • Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication
  • Communication Theories and Ethics
  • Research Methods in Communication
  • Communication Technology and Digital Media
  • Crisis and Strategic Communication
  • Organizational and Development Communication
  • Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Communication

Program Structure (4 Semesters)

Year / Semester Course Code Course Title Credit Units
Year 1 – Semester 1 COM 101 Introduction to Communication Studies 3
COM 102 English for Academic and Professional Communication 3
COM 103 Principles of Journalism 3
COM 104 Communication Theories and Models 3
COM 105 Computer Applications for Communication 3
COM 106 Introduction to Sociology and Media 3
Total Credits: 18

| Year 1 – Semester 2 | COM 111 | Writing and Reporting for the Media | 3 |
| | COM 112 | Public Relations and Corporate Communication | 3 |
| | COM 113 | Communication Ethics and Law | 3 |
| | COM 114 | Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| | COM 115 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| | COM 116 | Media and Society | 3 |
| Total Credits: | | | 18 |

| Year 2 – Semester 3 | COM 201 | Broadcast and Multimedia Communication | 3 |
| | COM 202 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| | COM 203 | Strategic and Crisis Communication | 3 |
| | COM 204 | Advertising and Marketing Communication | 3 |
| | COM 205 | Communication Project Design and Research | 3 |
| | COM 206 | Internship I (Field Experience) | 3 |
| Total Credits: | | | 18 |

| Year 2 – Semester 4 | COM 211 | Communication Technology and Digital Media | 3 |
| | COM 212 | Development Communication and Advocacy | 3 |
| | COM 213 | Communication Management and Leadership | 3 |
| | COM 214 | Entrepreneurship in Media and Communication | 3 |
| | COM 215 | Internship II / Final Project | 6 |
| Total Credits: | | | 18 |

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to work in diverse communication fields such as:

  • Public Relations and Corporate Communication
  • Journalism (Print, Broadcast, Digital)
  • Media Management and Production
  • Advertising and Marketing Communication
  • Government and NGO Communication
  • Development and Advocacy Communication
  • Communication Consulting and Research