Master of Arts in Strategic Communication MSCO

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication MSCO

Programme Aim

To offer students a unique blend of human and professional strategic communication theory and skills so that they are able to communicate appropriately and effectively in interpersonal, intercultural, organisational, and mediated settings.

Admission

An Admissions Committee administers the policy on admission to the MSCOM programme (Level 9) as per University Regulations, subject to approval by Senate.

Entry Requirements:

A good relevant first general degree (Level 7) or honours degree (Level 8) with an equivalent of 2.2 degree class or an advanced diploma from a recognised institution of higher learning, subject to approval by the Admissions Committee. Prior learning may also be considered by the Admission Committee. In the latter case, three references certifying the candidate’s ability and suitability to undertake the programme are required.

Exemptions:

There shall be no exemptions allowed for any course on the basis of courses previously taken at undergraduate, postgraduate or any other level in programme of study that is deemed to be equivalent to a prescribed course.

Duration of Programme

The MSCOM programme (Level 9) shall comprise eight taught courses and a dissertation.

The MSCOM degree (Level 9) shall be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the approved courses and examinations at this University as set out below. There will be evening, holiday/block release and weekend classes which are taught over a total period of eighteen months years divided into three parts comprising two semesters that are devoted to taught courses; and the third semester that is devoted to the writing of a supervised dissertation.

Rationale of the Programme

Expert communication practitioners in various organizations are part of key personnel as their post cuts across the entire spectrum of activities and departments, and also link with critical external stakeholders, including the media. These practitioners mange the human relations side of the business, which is as important as product quality or service delivery. As such, the job market has many positions that require communication experts. Yet there are only two universities in the country that offer communication related masters degrees, as opposed to the seven universities that offer communication related undergraduate programmes. Yet in Zimbabwe, there are only two universities which offer a postgraduate related qualification, despite having seven universities which offer communication related degrees. Introducing a Master of Art in Strategic Communication (Level 9) will enable graduates of this programme to be the best candidates for the job where such expertise is required. Additionally, the existent postgraduate programmes are geared more towards media studies, rather than communication. This programme will bridge this gap by offering a postgraduate programme that is centred on communication.

The environment in which most organisations operate necessitates the ability to adapt to the pace of change, technological advancement and economic instability. In such an increasingly technological, networked and everchanging society, this masters degree will empower its graduates with the advanced knowledge and expertise that is essential to achieve organisational goals, facilitate stakeholder relationships, reputation management, change management employee engagement and media relations at an individual, societal and global level. It would also produce graduates who possess emotional intelligence and strong negotiation skills. Therefore, these graduates would be expert communication practitioners and leaders.

Career Opportunities

Internal/external organisational communication specialists in public sector

private sector and non-profit sector;

  1. Advertising;
  2. Public relations;
  3. Media Consultancy and entrepreneurship;
  4. Publishing;
  5. Social research

STUDY TIME AND CREDIT HOURS PER COURSE

Contact time                                                             

Lectures: 45

Seminars: 20

Field visits: 25

Sub-total: 90

Self-Directed Learning                                                        

Preparation for scheduled sessions: 15

Reading or practice:  15

Writing assignments: 15

Revision work:15

Sub-total: 60

Scheduled assessment time

Final written examinations: 3

In-class tests:  2

Presentations: 3

Practical skills: 2

Sub-total: 10

Grand total: 120

Notional study time = 70 + 40+ 10 = 160 hours

1 credit = 10 hours

Therefore, credits for the Master of Arts Strategic Communication Programme (Level 9)  = 16 credits per course

1.10 Courses on Offer

All courses are compulsory.

First Year First Semester

Code                      Course                               Credits

MSC111          Theories and Principles of Strategic Communication        16

MSC112          Gender, Communication and Development                       16

MSC113          Ethics and Strategic Communication                                 16

MDS113         Advanced Qualitative Research Methods                          16

First Year Second Semester                          

Code                       Course                                Credits

MSC121            Advanced Strategic Communications                             16

MSC122            Risk and Crisis Communication                                      16

MSC123            Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication             16

MDS125            Advanced Quantitative Research Methods                      16

Second Year First Semester

Code                       Course                                Credits

MSC211               Advanced Publication and Design                                16

MSC212               Communication Training and Development                 16

MSC213               Strategic Communications in a Digital Era                   16

MSC214              Global Media and Cross-cultural Communication         16

 

Second Year Second Semester                          

Code                       Course                                Credit

MSC 221                 Dissertation                                                                32

 

Total Credits for the Programme are therefore 224 credits

Other Programmes in the Faculty

Master of Public Administration

MSc. in Development Studies

MSc. in Child Sensitive Social Policies

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