DOCTORATE (Ph.D) DEGREE PROGRAMME IN MASS COMMUNICATION
The Department of Mass Communication offers a postgraduate programme leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Mass Communication.
PHILOSOPHY
The Ph.DProgramme in Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria is structured to enhance access to the broad issues represented in the study of Mass Communication. The programme integrates research and teaching expertise, and is committed to excellence in communication research.
OBJECTIVES
The mission of the doctorate programme (Ph.D) in Mass Communication is to prepare professionals for skilled practice, to generate research and scholarship for advancing knowledge, and to contribute to the international, national, state, local and professional communities to improve the quality of practice in mass communication. Graduates of the programme are, therefore, expected to be capable of:
- Critical thinking about mass communication, incorporating scientific data and the differential use of theories;
- Demonstrating intellectual integrity through the application of communication values and ethics in increasingly complex practices situations;
- Translating knowledge and skills into effective practices;
- Practising from a multidisciplinary perspective including skills in team work;
- Moving toward increasing professional competence through life-long learning, self-evaluation and self-renewal.
SCOPE
The programme covers basic areas in communication education such as electronic and print media, advertising and public relations. It also encompasses such communication sub-fields geared towards social transformation as development communication and population communication
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
For admission to the Ph.Dprogramme in Mass Communication, candidates should be holders of a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication or Journalism from a recognized University. The candidate will be expected to have a minimum grade point average of 4.0 on a five point scale. Candidate must satisfy the University in the admission interview and aptitude test.
MODE OF STUDY
The mode of study for the doctoral degree programme in Mass Communication is by comprehensive research to be embodied in a thesis. Each Ph.D candidate is also required to present two seminars and the department may assign some advanced courses to be undertaken by candidates who were not well grounded in certain areas at the Master’s Degree level. The courses and seminars must be passed before candidates’ graduation. Candidates must do courses in Grant Writing and Synopsis Writing. Candidate must take and pass a minimum of 30 Units and Maximum of 38 Units as follows:
- Thesis – 12 units
- Course Work – 16 “
- Seminar/Workshops – 4 “
- Grant writing – 2 “
- Synopsis writing – 2 “
Total – 36 Units
DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME
Course work for the Ph.D degree shall be for a minimum of six semesters for the fulltime candidates and eight semesters for the part time candidates. Minimum pass grade for all courses at Ph.D level shall not be less than a B = 4.00 on a 5 points scale. The Ph.D applicant shall begin first as a Ph.D student, and after successfully passing all the course work at the 4.00 GPA, such a student now becomes a Ph.D candidate. Total period for the Ph.Dprogramme in Mass Communication shall be a minimum of three (3) years postmaster degree work.
Extension of programme duration shall be granted for not more than four semesters on the recommendation of the Head of Department and approved by the Dean of school of postgraduate studies.
AREAS OF SPECIALIAZATION
- Advertising
- Communication Advocacy
- Development Communication
- Electronic Media
- Media Management
- Population Communication
- Print Media
- Public Relations
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF Ph.D DEGREE
Candidates admitted to the programme may be required to take at least two advanced courses and present two seminars and two workshops. The seminars should be given in the second year of study and should be selected from:
- A group of foundation courses in communication or rhetorical theory,
- Theoretical perspectives in Mass Communication;
- The core area of the candidate’s specialization.
Each candidate is also expected to present a thesis proposal to the appropriate committee and, if approved will be required to finally defend the thesis on completion of the work, in accordance with the stipulated university requirement.
Doctorate students with an average of 50% without failed courses will be allowed to proceed to doctorate programme. Doctorate students with an average of 50% with outstanding course(s) will retake them and as well proceed to their Doctorate programme. Students with an average of less than 50% will retake the entire courses
Ph.D COURSE/SEMINAR DESCRIPTION
FIRST SEMESTER
MAC 681: Mass Communication Research Methods – (3 units)
This course is designed to update students’ knowledge on the techniques for the prosecution of Social Science research in general and Mass Communication research in particular. It will examine salient stages in the research process spanning choosing socially relevant topics to interpreting and presenting research findings. The course will expose students to current strides in research in various areas of Mass Communication with particular reference to the theoretical perspectives in the discipline.
MAC 682 Digital Technologies in Communication – (3 units)
This course is designed to update the knowledge of students with respect to the rapid developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the digital age. It is also expected to help students attain competence in the use of ICTs in acquiring, processing, storing, retrieving and distributing information as part of the mass communication process.
MAC 683: Seminar on Foundation Courses in Mass Communication – (3 units)
Seminar paper presentations on such core areas as print and broadcast journalism, film production, media and society, persuasion and Information and Communication Technologies
(ICTs).
MAC 686 Ethnocommunicology (3 units)
A study of the early communication systems up to the birth of print as well as their import in the modern world. The problems of integration, the new world information and communication order and options for the future.
MAC 687 Advanced Communication Theory (3 units)
Seminar on contemporary theories of communication and reviews of application with particular reference to the African Situation.
MAC 685 the Social Matrix of Communication (3 units)
A study of factors governing the flow of information in society, including social values, communication media, institutional and organizational settings, roles, power status, etc.
SECOND SEMESTER
MAC 689 Media Aesthetics (3 units)
The study of aesthetic principles and creative uses of media not simply as transmission devices but as art forms effectively communicating ideas and information.
MAC 701: Synopsis Writing and Grant Writing (3 units)
A study in synopsis writing, title, abstract, background, aims and objectives, design, methodology, findings and recommendations. To be organized by school of Postgraduate Studies.
MAC 692 Thesis (12 units)
This is the outcome of a supervised study under an approved person/persons. It should meet faculty specifications and format as well as the School of Postgraduate Studies regulations.
