B.Sc. Journalism

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Social Sciences > Department of Mass Communication > B.Sc. Journalism

he B.Sc. Journalism programme equips you with the skills and knowledge required to gather, verify, interpret, and present information responsibly across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. You will learn how journalism shapes public discourse, strengthens democracy, informs communities, and influences national and global development.

The programme trains you to think critically, write clearly, report accurately, and uphold ethical standards in the rapidly evolving media environment. Through practical exercises, newsroom simulations, field reporting, and digital production work, you will gain hands-on experience in creating news, features, documentaries, and multimedia stories. By graduation, you will be prepared to operate confidently in Nigeria’s media industry and in emerging global communication spaces.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Journalism programme provides a solid grounding in news writing, reporting, editing, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, investigative methods, and media law. You will study journalism theory and practice while developing strong analytical, ethical, and professional communication skills.

Key focus areas include:

  1. News reporting and writing
  2. Investigative journalism
  3. Data-driven journalism
  4. Editorial writing and feature production
  5. Photojournalism and visual storytelling
  6. Broadcast journalism
  7. Digital and online journalism
  8. Media law, ethics, and regulation
  9. Media management and entrepreneurship
  10. Audience analysis and media research

The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is drawn from the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). It blends theoretical instruction, newsroom practice, critical analysis, digital media training, and research, ensuring you graduate as a competent, ethical, and versatile journalist.

You begin with foundational courses in communication, writing, and media literacy:

  1. Introduction to Communication
  2. Introduction to Media Studies
  3. Writing for the Media
  4. Introduction to Journalism
  5. Communication in English
  6. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  7. Logic and Philosophy
  8. Introduction to Computer Applications

These courses help you understand the media environment and build essential writing and analytical skills.

You move into core journalism practice:

  1. News Reporting and Writing
  2. Feature Writing
  3. Communication Research Methods I
  4. Media Systems and Society
  5. Photojournalism
  6. Editorial Techniques
  7. Media Aesthetics and Visual Communication
  8. Introduction to Broadcasting

This stage builds your competence in research, storytelling, and content production.

You deepen your skills through advanced reporting and multimedia production:

  1. Investigative Journalism
  2. Data Journalism
  3. Digital and Online Journalism
  4. Editorial Writing and Commentary
  5. Communication Research Methods II
  6. Media Ethics and Law
  7. Media Audience Analysis
  8. Advanced Photojournalism

This level prepares you for real-world newsroom challenges and digital media innovation.

You consolidate your training through professional and academic development:

  1. Media Management and Entrepreneurship
  2. Advanced Reporting and Editing
  3. Specialised Journalism (e.g., Business, Health, Politics, Science, Environment)
  4. International Journalism
  5. Seminar in Journalism
  6. Project/Dissertation

Your final year includes a major research project or investigative/media production project.

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.Sc. Journalism programme, you must meet one of the entry routes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. A minimum of five credit passes at O-Level, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Successful participation in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.
  4. Your O-Level background should demonstrate strong proficiency in written communication and humanities, as this supports journalistic writing, analysis, and reporting skills.

Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five O-Level credits, including English Language.
  2. Two A-Level passes in relevant subjects such as Literature, Government, History, or other Arts/Social Science subjects.
  3. OR a National Diploma (ND), NCE, or equivalent qualification in Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, or related fields with at least Upper Credit or Merit.

Why study at OOU?

The Journalism programme at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers a rich blend of practical newsroom training, theoretical grounding, and ethical orientation. You will benefit from:

  1. A curriculum that reflects contemporary newsroom realities, including multimedia storytelling, investigative reporting, data journalism, and digital content creation.
  2. Experienced lecturers and media professionals who provide mentorship and guide you through hands-on reporting, editing, and production tasks.
  3. Practical exposure in writing, reporting, photography, and broadcast journalism, supported by studio facilities, editing labs, and field reporting exercises.
  4. Training in ethics, law, and regulatory standards, ensuring you operate responsibly and professionally in the media space.
  5. Opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration with students in Broadcasting, Public Relations, Film & Media Studies, and Advertising.
  6. Development of strong analytical and communication skills, preparing you for roles across traditional and digital media industries.

A solid foundation for postgraduate studies in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication Studies, Public Policy, and related fields.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your ability to apply journalistic methods and media theories to real-world issues.

Under the guidance of a supervisor, you will:

  1. Select a topic linked to journalism practice, such as investigative reporting, media ethics, political communication, digital journalism, audience studies, or content analysis.
  2. Conduct empirical or theoretical research using qualitative or quantitative methods.
  3. Produce a dissertation that demonstrates critical analysis, methodological rigour, and a deep understanding of modern journalism.
  4. In some cases, complement your research with a practical project such as a series of investigative stories, multimedia reports, or documentary pieces (as approved by the department).

This project helps you refine your analytical thinking, research capacity, writing skill, and understanding of contemporary newsroom issues.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Journalism, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University. 

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses prescribed in the programme.
  2. Earn the minimum credit load required for graduation:
  3. 120 credit units for UTME students
  4. 90 credit units for Direct Entry students
  5. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  6. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Journalism, a qualification recognised for its relevance to the news industry, communication professions, and wider media landscape.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Journalism opens diverse opportunities across traditional and digital media industries. Your training equips you to research, write, analyse, produce, and distribute credible information to audiences across multiple platforms.

You may pursue roles such as:

  1. News Reporter
  2. Investigative Journalist
  3. Editor or Sub-Editor
  4. Feature Writer
  5. Digital/Online Journalist
  6. Data Journalist
  7. Photojournalist
  8. Broadcast Journalist
  9. Foreign Correspondent
  10. Political/Business/Health/Science Reporter
  11. Documentary Researcher
  12. Media Analyst
  13. Content Developer
  14. Copy Editor
  15. Social Media Journalist

You may work in:

  1. Newspapers and magazines
  2. Online news platforms
  3. Radio and television stations
  4. News agencies
  5. Digital media organisations
  6. Government information agencies
  7. NGOs and advocacy groups
  8. Corporate communication units
  9. International media organisations
  10. Fact-checking and verification organisations

The programme also prepares you for postgraduate studies in Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Communication, Public Policy, and related fields.

How to Apply?

UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first-choice institution and choose Journalism as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Possess at least five O-level credits, including English Language, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening and meet the departmental cut-off.

Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold two A-Level passes in relevant subjects.
  2. OR possess an ND, NCE, or equivalent qualification in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, or related fields with at least Upper Credit or Merit.
  3. Have five O-level credits, including English Language.
  4. Upload transcripts and supporting documents via the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Journalism programme is coordinated by a team of experienced academics and media professionals within the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Department = Mass Communication
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Social Science, Main Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities