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

Program Purpose

The Higher National Diploma in Journalism aims to train competent, ethical, and versatile journalists equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional values required to operate in print, broadcast, and digital media environments.

The program emphasizes accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability in reporting. It combines theory with practical experience in writing, editing, multimedia production, and investigative reporting. Graduates will contribute to strengthening democracy, transparency, and sustainable development in The Gambia and beyond.

Program Objectives

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

  1. Demonstrate professional skills in news gathering, writing, editing, and production across media platforms.
  2. Apply journalism ethics, laws, and standards of practice in all forms of reporting.
  3. Utilize modern technologies for digital journalism and multimedia storytelling.
  4. Conduct research and investigative reporting on social, political, and economic issues.
  5. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences in local, national, and global contexts.
  6. Analyze the role of the media in promoting good governance, democracy, and development.
  7. Manage media operations and projects with leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
  8. Uphold the values of truth, fairness, and public accountability in all professional duties.

Key Concepts To Be Learned

  • Principles and Practices of Journalism
  • News Writing, Reporting, and Editing
  • Media Law, Ethics, and Regulation
  • Communication and Society
  • Investigative and Data Journalism
  • Broadcast and Digital Media Production
  • Feature Writing and Editorial Design
  • Media Management and Entrepreneurship
  • Development and Community Journalism
  • Research Methods in Journalism

Program Structure (4 Semesters)

Year / Semester Course Code Course Title Credit Units
Year 1 – Semester 1 JRN 101 Introduction to Journalism 3
JRN 102 English for Journalists 3
JRN 103 News Writing and Reporting I 3
JRN 104 Media and Society 3
JRN 105 Computer Applications for Journalists 3
JRN 106 Communication Theories and Models 3
Total Credits: 18

| Year 1 – Semester 2 | JRN 111 | News Writing and Reporting II | 3 |
| | JRN 112 | Feature Writing and Editorial Design | 3 |
| | JRN 113 | Media Law, Ethics, and Regulation | 3 |
| | JRN 114 | Photojournalism and Visual Communication | 3 |
| | JRN 115 | Broadcast Journalism (Radio and TV) | 3 |
| | JRN 116 | Journalism Research Methods | 3 |
| Total Credits: | | | 18 |

| Year 2 – Semester 3 | JRN 201 | Investigative and Data Journalism | 3 |
| | JRN 202 | Online and Digital Journalism | 3 |
| | JRN 203 | Political and Development Reporting | 3 |
| | JRN 204 | Media Management and Leadership | 3 |
| | JRN 205 | Research Project Design | 3 |
| | JRN 206 | Internship I (Field Experience) | 3 |
| Total Credits: | | | 18 |

| Year 2 – Semester 4 | JRN 211 | International and Peace Journalism | 3 |
| | JRN 212 | Community and Development Journalism | 3 |
| | JRN 213 | Entrepreneurship in Media | 3 |
| | JRN 214 | Advanced Multimedia Production | 3 |
| | JRN 215 | Internship II / Final Project | 6 |
| Total Credits: | | | 18 |

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared for careers such as:

  • Print, Broadcast, and Online Journalist
  • News Editor / Sub-Editor
  • Investigative Reporter
  • Communication Officer / Media Relations Officer
  • News Anchor / Producer / Presenter
  • Media Entrepreneur / Blogger /