Centre of Excellence

The ACJ follows the advanced teaching methods developed in the best journalism education programmes in the world, adapting these methods to specifically Asian conditions and introducing certain innovations. It combines a rigorous academic curriculum with intensive practical training, endeavouring to strike a balance between education, i.e., acquisition of knowledge and the methods for acquiring knowledge, and training – the imparting of professional skills. In other words, the ACJ programme seeks to combine the ‘how to’ aspect of journalism with a critical and reflective ‘why’ perspective that enables the young journalist to keep up with the demands made by a dynamic work environment and a changing society.

English is the medium of instruction at the ACJ and all assignments are to be submitted in English.

The ACJ’s one-year programme of postgraduate education in journalism is spread over three trimesters lasting from the third week of July to the following April end. It is designed to introduce talented students with a first degree and no prior experience in journalism to the various branches of the media and help them acquire the knowledge, skills, and discernment necessary for ready employment in the profession.

To this end, the strongest emphasis is placed on practical journalism. First, through lectures and workshops, students are instructed in the tools and techniques of the journalist. Then they apply what they have learned in the classroom by undertaking outside reporting assignments.

At the time of application, students choose — with the help, if they wish, of faculty counselling — the news medium or “stream” in which they intend to specialise: Print, Television, Radio or New Media. In the first trimester, all students follow a uniform curriculum that gives them a basic grounding in all streams. Specialisation begins in the second term, when students start to produce work in their chosen medium, and continues through the third. The programme concludes with all students preparing a major piece of investigative reporting and writing a dissertation.

While emphasising practical work, the College does not neglect the wider educational needs of the future journalists. Through a series of required lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as elective courses, students are exposed to the challenge of serious, quality journalism, to the history and problems of the media, and to many key issues confronting not only India but also the world.

Like other postgraduate institutions, the ACJ has a demanding academic programme. Classes begin early in the morning and continue late into the evening. Assignments are given on a regular basis and must be completed to meet strict deadlines. Homework, including reading and research, is required outside of class hours. An 85 per cent level of attendance is mandatory for each term and exemptions will be given only in rare cases. Accordingly, applicants for the College should be prepared for a regime of hard work with little respite, although there will be time built in for critical reflection.

For serious students, the hard work required by the programme brings lasting rewards, preparing them for a lifetime of excellence in their chosen profession.