The University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMAC) has officially launched its Doctoral programme, PhD in Media and Communication, at its South Legon Campus in Accra.

The PhD in Media and Communication programme is under UniMAC’s School of Graduate Studies and Research (SoGSaR).

The launch on Thursday, November 28, 2024, began with the Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Prof Eric Opoku Mensah delivering opening remarks.

He emphasized that the PhD programme has the potential to develop scholars and professionals in media and communication disciplines.

He highlighted that the programme is focused on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in public relations, journalism, and media management.

“The PhD programme aims to develop scholars and practitioners in media and communication disciplines while equipping professionals to excel in the fields of public relations, journalism, and media management,” he said.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Prof Winston Abroampa, addressed the gathering on the significance of the PhD programme.

He encouraged professionals and alumni to support this milestone as the programme is in response to calls for a tertiary degree in Media, Arts and Communication.

Explaining the details of the PhD programme and how applicants can enrol on it, the Dean of SoGSaR, Dr George Kwabena Asamoah, outlined the areas of focus for the programme.

These are Marketing Communication, Media and Journalism, Political Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, Film & Television Studies, and Development Communication.

He explained that these areas were carefully chosen to provide a comprehensive and specialized education for students pursuing the PhD programme.

Dr Asamoah also elaborated on the admission requirements stating that applicants must hold a master’s degree in a communication-related field with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA ) of 3.0, or a master’s degree with good research grade in their dissertation or thesis.

Additionally, applicants are required to submit a three thousand (3,000) word research proposal on their intended area of study.

Answering questions on some areas of his presentation, Dr Asamoah indicated that the programme was planned to run for four (4) years and would adopt a hybrid mode of lecture delivery, combining online and in-person sessions.

Tuition fees for the first year are set at seventeen thousand, two hundred and fifty (GH₵17,250.00) cedis and may be subject to review in subsequent years.

He emphasized that professional media, arts and communication persons must take advantage of the introductory fees and enrol onto the programme.

The Rector for UniMAC’s Institute of Journalism (UniMAC - IJ), Prof Christiana Hammond, explained questions about the criteria for application to the programme.

She indicated that UniMAC is aware of the fact that most doctoral students are working professionals and most have years of practical experience.

Applicants would be evaluated on an individual basis through an interview process and practical experiences would count for consideration for admissions.

The first batch of admitted candidates would begin lecture-interactions in January 2025.

The launch ended with the Vice-Chancellor giving the closing remarks and urging all, especially, professionals to enrol on the programme to add to their knowledge as well as elevate their academic credentials.

He ended on a high note of optimism that “this is the beginning of exciting new chapters for UniMAC”.