PhD Mass Communication

What is PhD Mass Communication?

PhD in Mass Communication is a three year doctoral degree which will provide theoretical as well as practical knowledge that is required to be registered as a Journalist or an Editor.

Check Top PhD Mass Communication Colleges in India here. 

This course will particularly focus on skills related to different aspects of Mass Communication.

Students will have been provided tools during their research work to critically examine the world of media and how it influences a society,nation as a whole.

To be eligible to apply to this course, students must hold a Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. 

Admission to this program will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted by the college or university.

Some of the Top PhD Mass Communication Colleges in India as per the NIRF Overall Ranking are provided in the table given below: 

NIRF Overall Ranking 2020 Name of the College/ University Average Annual Fees Admission Process Average Annual Salary
19 SPPU, Pune INR 34,500 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 6,32,000
47 University of Mysore, Mysore INR 11,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 4,32,000
65 Tezpur University, Tezpur INR 32,377 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 5,00,000
72 GU, Guwahati INR 14,400 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 3,89,000
84 MKU, Madurai INR 7,685 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 6,25,000

The average tuition fees that students need to pay to pursue PhD in Mass Communication course from Indian colleges usually ranges between INR 10,000 and 2,00,000 per annum. 

Alert: The exam dates of GATE have been announced. Check the latest updates.

On completion of a PhD Mass Communication course, students have many job opportunities in India as well as abroad. Students will be able to find work as an Editor, Researcher, Lecturer, Associate Professor, Media Consultant etc. in the areas like Print Journalism, Communication, Media etc. 

The average salary offered to a degree holder in PhD Mass Communication is around INR 3,00,000 to INR 7,50,000, but this can be higher on the basis of experience and other factors.

If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in the related domain in future.

What is the Admission Process for PhD Mass Communication? (h2) 

The PhD Mass Communication Admission Process can vary as per the rules and regulations of the concerned university. Some universities grant admission to students in PhD Mass Communication programs based on merit in the master’s degree program. Some of the top-most Indian universities prefer conducting entrance exams to grant admission to qualified candidates. 

The admission procedures followed in the Indian universities for admission to PhD Mass Communication are given below.

Admission Process

Merit-based admission

In merit-based admission, the universities offering PhD Mass Communication programs grant admission to students based on their marks obtained in the graduation level.

Entrance-Based Admission

The steps of the entrance-based admission are provided below: 

  • Registration: Students have to register for the entrance test by providing their email address, mobile number and password after which a login id will be created.

  • Filling up of application form: On creation of login id, candidates are required to enter the required information correctly. 

  • Uploading of documents: In this step, candidates have to upload the necessary documents such as photograph, signature, id proof, Class 10 and 12 certificates, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree etc. 

  • Application Fee: On uploading the requisite documents, students have to pay the requisite amount of application fee online. 

  • Issuing of Admit Card: Based on the details submitted by the students, the admission authority will issue the admit cards to the eligible students.

  • Entrance Examination: After getting the admit card, exam dates will be released by different conducting bodies. Candidates have to sit for the entrance test and qualify the same to get admission. 

  • Declaration of Result: In the final stage, admission authorities will release the results of the entrance test they have appeared for.

  • Enrolment: Successful candidates will then be allotted seats to the respective institutes.

Eligibility Criteria

What is the PhD Mass Communication Eligibility Criteria? 

A student must have to be eligible to pursue a certain course. The eligibility criteria for the PhD in Mass Communication program are the following:-

  • The student must complete a Master’s degree in Mass Communication.
  • He/she should get a minimum of 55% of the aggregate of marks from any recognized university.
  • Must clear cut-off marks in the entrance examination are the prime requirement for getting admission in this course
  • The students also have to do well in the Personal Interview round.
Popular PhD Mass Communication Entrance Exam

Which are the popular PhD Mass Communication Entrance Exams? 

There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into PhD Mass Communication course. Listed below are some of these popular PhD Mass Communication entrance exams.

  • GATE: GATE is a national-level exam conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and IITs to select candidates for the award of PhD degree jobs or lectureship in Indian universities and colleges.
  • UGC NET: The National Testing Agency conducts this exam on behalf of the University Grants Commission. Qualified candidates are granted admission to the various doctorate level courses. This test is also used for  deciding the eligibility for JRF or post of Assistant Professor in colleges and universities. 

The application dates, exam dates and the mode of the exam of the above mentioned exams are provided in the table below.

Exam Name Application Period Exam Date Exam Mode
GATE 2021 September 14, 2020 February 5-7 & 12-14, 2021 Online
UGC NET 2020 March 16 to June 30, 2020 September 16-25, 2020 Online
Preparation for PhD Mass Communication

How to Prepare for a PhD Mass Communication Entrance Exams?

If a student wants to pursue a PhD Mass Communication course, he/she has to clear the entrance exam and while preparing for the PhD entrance examination, students should keep some important tips mentioned herewith so that they can prepare for the exam properly and can clear the qualifying examination easily with good scores.

  • Practice: Practising regularly is very important to prepare for a PhD Mass Communication program. Make time every day just to practice everything that you've been taught during classes. If you're studying correspondence try to spend more time on practicing all the problems and derivations.
  • Revision: Revising previous year's question papers will help you know the question paper pattern and help you in understanding different types of questions. Question papers give a lot of insight into different types of questions.
  • Follow Reference Books: Checking out different reference books will help you to know different ways to solve the problem easily. Keep referring to different books until you are comfortable with one.
  • Feedback: Get immediate feedback for every topic you learn as well as every practice exam that you take because this combined analysis will help your expert trainer spot flaws in your learning style and suggest remedies.
  • Exam Pattern: Exam Pattern is planned in such a way that it measures applicants' verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills-skills that have been developed over a long period of time and are not related to a specific field of study but are important for everything.
Admission Criteria for a good PhD Mass Communication College

How to get admission to a good PhD Mass Communication college?

To get admission in the top PhD Mass Communication college, students are advised to keep the following points in mind:

  • Candidates are shortlisted by the college through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
  • To get a good college for PhD Mass Communication course, appearing for the UGC NET exam is the best way and for some of the colleges’ UGC NET is also considered good to approach.
  • A few private institutes are there offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview.
  • Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Mass Communication course, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
  • Candidates should put their time and effort into the entrance test as well as be prepared for a personal interview round.
  • They should be well versed with their research topic so that they can impress the interview panel with their research idea. 
Details about PhD Mass Communication

PhD Mass Communication: What is it about?

Information and details about the PhD Mass Communication program are as follows.

PhD Mass Communication

  • It is a specialized course in Mass Communication and Journalism.The course objectives should be in alignment with the candidates aim .
  • The course describes a holistic approach to communication research methodologies.
  • During the PhD in Mass Communication, candidates will get to examine various types of tools and approaches related to mass media.
  • This Course will explain data analysis and statistical tools for communication research purposes.
  • With conducting research candidates will be given the opportunity to organize seminars and workshops in varied aspects of media and communication.
  • PhD in Mass Communication will aspire to create a new generation of media and communication professionals with their new technology oriented innovative minds.
Course Highlights

PhD Mass Communication Course Highlights

Course Level Doctorate Level
Full-Form Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology
Duration 3-Years
Examination type Semester
Eligibility Criteria Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. 
Admission Process Entrance/ Merit-Based
Average Annual Fees INR 10,000 to 2,00,000
Average Annual Salary INR 3,00,000 to 7,50,000
Top Recruiting Companies NDTV, BBC, ZEE TV Network, Star Plus, Hindustan Times,Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Express etc. 
Job Positions Editor, Researcher, Communication and Brand Promotion Executive, Marketing Head, Associate Professor etc. 
Reasons to study PhD Mass Communication

Why study PhD Mass Communication?

The goal to attain a PhD in Mass Communication degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the benefits and perks of pursuing PhD Mass Communication degree program has been mentioned below:

  • This course intends to shape the students’ educational, communication and managerial skills.Candidate get to know the procedure to treat patients with appropriate ethics.
  • Candidates get generous financial support abroad with Teaching Assistantship with a scholarship reward.
  • There will be always an area for implementation and improvement during the Research.
  • This three year course makes students ready as a professional in Media and Press.
  • This course involves detailed study of Communication & Intergroup Relation,Political Communication,New Communication Technology.
  • The placement is diverse as the candidate gets the opportunity to cater to different roles in the Media Industry
  • On completion of this course, students get an average salary ranging between INR 3,00,000 to 7,50,000 annually. 

PhD Mass Communication vs Phd Media Studies

PhD Mass Communication vs PhD Media Studies 

PhD Mass Communication and PhD Media Studies are two different doctoral level courses which are offered by a large number of institutes across India. 

Check the list of Top PhD Media Studies Colleges in India

Check the table below for more comparative details:

Parameters PhD Media Studies PhD Mass Communication
Full-Form Doctor of Philosophy in Media Science Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication
Overview This is a 3 year program focusing mainly in Sociology, Media Theory, Culture and Identity, Psychology as well as Information Society. PhD in Mass Communication is also a 3 year doctoral degree course which includes Ethical Issues in Journalism & Telecommunication, Advertising Theory, History of Mass Communication.
Admission process Entrance/ Merit-Based Entrance/ Merit-Based
Average Fees INR 10,000 to 2,00,000 INR 20,000 to 4,00,000
Eligibility Criteria A Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.  A Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. 
Job Profiles Channel Manager, Business Analyst, Public Relation Officer, Academician etc.  Content Strategist, Brand Executive, Editor in Chief, CopyWriter, Communication Associate , Researcher, Lecturer etc. 
Average Salary INR 3,00,000 to 7,50,000 INR 2,00,000 to 9,00,000
PhD Media Studies vs PhD Mass Communication
PhD Media Studies vs PhD Mass Communication

Source: College Websites

Top Colleges

Which are the top PhD Mass Communication Colleges?

The table below shows the best PhD Mass Communication colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.

NIRF Overall Ranking 2020 Name of the College/ University Average Annual Fees Admission Process Average Annual Salary
19 SPPU, Pune INR 34,500 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 6,32,000
47 University of Mysore, Mysore INR 11,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 4,32,000
65 Tezpur University, Tezpur INR 32,377 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 5,00,000
72 GU, Guwahati INR 14,400 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 3,89,000
84 MKU, Madurai INR 7,685 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 6,25,000
101 Assam University, Silchar INR 1,08,225 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 5,57,000
101 Utkal University, Bhubaneswar INR 9,500 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 6,98,000
151 SU, Greater Noida INR 50,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 7,54,000
151 MANUU, Hyderabad INR 9,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 4,00,000
151 Amity University, Jaipur INR 84,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 7,12,000

Annual Salary of top PhD Mass Communication Colleges

Source: College Websites

PhD Mass Communication College Comparison 

The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top PhD Mass Communication colleges in India.

Parameter SPPU, Pune University of Mysore, Mysore Tezpur University, Tezpur
Overview Savitribai Phule Pune University, SPPU offers admission in over 52 departments of various UG, PG & doctoral programmes. It was established in 1949 and is located in Pune, Maharashtra. The University of Mysore is a public state university located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. This deemed University offers various UG, PG and Research programs along with the diploma and certificate courses in different disciplines.  This prestigious University has a variety of UG, PG, Ph.D., Diploma and Certificate courses in various departments in many disciplines and their specializations.
NIRF 2020 ranking 19 47 65
Location Pune Mysore Tezpur
Admission process Entrance-Test followed by PI Entrance-Test followed by PI Entrance-Test followed by PI
Average Fees INR 34,500 INR 11,000 INR 32,377
Average Salary INR 6,32,000 INR 4,32,000 INR 5,00,000
Top recruitment areas Research and Educational Institutions, Media Marketing Company,Television and Broadcasting, Radio, Digital Media Platform and Print Media etc.  Research and Educational Institutions, Media Marketing Company,Television and Broadcasting, Radio, Digital Media Platform and Print Media etc. Research and Educational Institutions, Media Marketing Company,Television and Broadcasting, Radio, Digital Media Platform and Print Media etc.
University of Mysore vs Tezpur University vs SPPU

Source: College Websites

Syllabus of PhD Mass Communication

What is the Syllabus of PhD Mass Communication?

Although the PhD in Mass Communication program syllabus varies from college to college, it mostly consists of some common foundation courses that students can select based on their interests.

The common subjects that are included in the structured PhD Mass Communication syllabus are provided in the table given below: 

Advertising Theory Law and Ethics of Telecommunication
Theory of Culture and Media Contemporary Theory and Issues of Journalism
Ethical Issues in Journalism History of Mass communication and Journalism
Communication Theory Specialized and Analytical Journalism
Communication Research Methodology Advertising & Public Relations
Print Journalism and Production Digital Media Arts
Multimedia Journalism Communication Technologies
Media and Cultural Study Editing
Books to study for PhD Mass Communication

Which Books Can I Study for PhD Mass Communication?

Some of the top books that students can study while pursuing PhD Mass Communication program are as follows: 

Name of the Book Name of the Author
Media Communication in Everyday Life Michael Charlton
On the Highway of Mass Communication Studies Veikko Pietilä
Handbook of Research on Media Literacy in the Digital Age Mela N. Yildiz and Jared Keengwe
Mass Communication Research Cees J. Hamelink
Research Methods and the New Media Frederick Williams
Job Prospects and Career Options

What are Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD Mass Communication?

  • After completion of PhD in Mass Communication candidates get the opportunity to work in Research and Educational Institutions, Media Marketing Company,Television and Broadcasting, Radio, Digital Media Platform and Print Media in a much Senior position as they have the experience,skill and knowledge better than a fresh graduate.
  • PhD Mass Communication degree holders can get top positions in the popular TV, OTT companies in Executive, Operation Head and Managerial positions.

Tabulation below shows some of the most common PhD Mass Communication job profiles and career prospects after completing the course are as follows: 

Job Profile Job Description Average Annual Salary
Brand Executive Mainly involved in media programme content management and campaign idea development. INR 6,00,000
Communication Associate They are mainly responsible for creating marketing material and campaigns for both print and digital media. INR 4,60,000
Chief Editor Focuses mainly on making TV/Print look sharp and concise. INR 6,20,000
Production Manager Manages the Television /Radio/ Documentary production. INR 5,00,000

Average Annual Salary vs Job Profile

Source: College Websites

Future Scope

What are the Future Scopes of PhD Mass Communication?

PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue further studies after completing the PhD Mass Communication degree.

Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

  • They have teaching jobs in colleges/universities after this course and then clearing the UGC-NET exam required for becoming a permanent lecturer.
  • They have many jobs in various areas like Freelance Writer, Lecturer and Professor, Journalist, Editor, Researcher, Communication and Brand Promotion Executive, Marketing and communication Associate etc. 
  • Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
  • After gaining adequate experience in the related field, a PhD Mass Communication degree can work in various govt. and private organizations. 
  • Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Mass Communication and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.
FAQs

PhD Mass Communication FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the PhD Mass Communication program are as follows: 

Ques. What is the duration of this course ?

Ans. The duration of this course is usually around 3-5 years.
  

Ques. What is the average salary of a PhD in Mass Communication degree holder? 

Ans. The average annual salary usually ranges from INR 4,00,000 to 8,00,000 depending on the organization, position and experience.
  

Ques. What are different government employment areas in this field? 

Ans. Rural Health family nurse employed by the State government, Nurse Educator in Government Institutions are some of the employment areas in the government. Sector for PhD Mass Communication degree holders.
  

Ques. What are the other specialization courses similar to PhD Mass Communication ? 

Ans. Media Science, Journalism, Media Studies, Print Media are some of the other specialization areas similar to PhD Mass Communication programs.

Ques. What are the most common job roles offered to PhD Mass Communication degree holders? 

Ans. PhD Mass Communication degree holders can opt for various jobs including Channel Head, Business Analyst, Chief Editor, Communication Analyst, Academician, Associate Professor etc. 

Ques. What is the exam pattern for a PhD Mass Communication course? 

Ans. Over a period of three years candidates need to submit their thesis which will be based on the research done during the span and on that basis candidates will be evaluated.
 

Ques. Can I pursue a PhD Mass Communication after MA course? 

Ans. Yes, you can pursue a PhD Mass Communication program after completing MA course.

Course
Type Of College
Avg Fee Per Year
Course Type
College Category
Gender Accepted
Found 222 colleges
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CD RankCollegesCourse FeesPlacementUser ReviewsRanking
#13

Amity University, Noida

Noida, Uttar Pradesh 
1,20,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year FeesCompare Fees₹ 58,00,000Highest PackageCompare Placement
8.1 / 10
Based on 194 User
Reviews
Best in Infrastructure
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#14
13,870M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees--
7.9 / 10
Based on 14 User
Reviews
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#15
1,20,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees--
8.2 / 10
Based on 375 User
Reviews
#23th/47 in India 2022
#16
--M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication--
8 / 10
Based on 58 User
Reviews
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CD RankCollegesCourse FeesPlacementUser ReviewsRanking
#21
4,20,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- total fees--
7.9 / 10
Based on 35 User
Reviews
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#22
--M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication--
8.1 / 10
Based on 8 User
Reviews
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#23
23,301M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year FeesCompare Fees₹ 10,20,000Highest PackageCompare Placement
7.8 / 10
Based on 23 User
Reviews
Best in Social Life
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#24

Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur

Jaipur, Rajasthan 
1,04,500M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees--
8.7 / 10
Based on 11 User
Reviews
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CD RankCollegesCourse FeesPlacementUser ReviewsRanking
#25

University of Calcutta, Kolkata

Kolkata, West Bengal 
--M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication--
7.3 / 10
Based on 10 User
Reviews
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#26

Assam University, Silchar

Silchar, Assam 
1,08,255M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees--
7.6 / 10
Based on 5 User
Reviews
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#27
9,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees--
7.7 / 10
Based on 34 User
Reviews
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#28
--M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication--
7.3 / 10
Based on 8 User
Reviews
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CD RankCollegesCourse FeesPlacementUser ReviewsRanking
#29
42,500M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees--
7 / 10
Based on 8 User
Reviews
#36th/55 in India 2023
#30
1,28,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Mass Communication- 1st Year Fees------