Communication and Journalism post-graduate, Bachelor of English Language and Literature

Educational Qualifications

Post-graduation

Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism, Dept. of Journalism, Kerala University

The department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Kerala University is practically a journalist-factory. Take any English newspaper in India, and you will find a few alumni of the department.

The department is not as clued in to the needs of today's journalists as it should be. Nevertheless, the course curriculum is remarkable, and with or without the help of the teachers, a determined student has a brilliant opportunity to hone his skills.

Some of the major subjects here include (some of which most of the average journalism diploma or mass communication courses do not cover) are:

Mass Communication theory

Magazine journalism, writing, editing and design

Editing

Reporting

Feature-writing

Radio and movie/ TV scriptwriting and film appreciation

Research methodology

Photography and basics of videography

Page-making and DTP skills (considered unimportant, but ask any sub-editor in a newspaper!)

Graduation

B A English Language and Literature, Mar Ivanios College, Kerala University

Mar Ivanios College is one of the top colleges in Kerala. Run by the Syro Malankara Church, the institution has consistently maintained high standards, even in the face of the extreme student politics in Kerala. It has a green and vast campus, a hostel and a great library (which unfortunately I did not make proper use of).

I was in this college for a total of 5-plus years (in Kerala, 11th and 12th are considered college years). After my pre-degree, I was re-admitted for the degree course in English Language and Literature back to the college.

The course is rewarding, but in hind-sight, not exciting and tough-enough. A bit more excitement would have done me a world of good. I managed a first class in English Language and Literature with little effort. 

Partly, one could blame it on the examination system in Kerala (maybe true even for India). Mugging up answers is not studying. But it is enough to get you a first class in English Literature! Unimaginative teaching combined to the essential restlessness is a horrible combination.

However, the course was crucial in connecting me to the right bunch of friends, all focused on journalism, and I too got caught up in the momentum. All to the good, as I was pretty clueless about what to do with my life till then.