List of accredited journalism schools in Ghana
If you are excellent at public speaking, or exceptionally good at written and spoken English and other local languages, media could just be the right choice for you. However, to achieve your dream of becoming a media personality, you have to enroll to one of the accredited Journalism schools in Ghana. The country is proud to be the home for some of the best journalism schools that offer education in both a theoretical and practical approach. Moreover, these schools have embraced the use of technology to equip students with the necessary knowledge that is required by the media industry nowadays.
There are many journalism schools in Ghana offering market-ready courses in journalism and media. The schools are either privately owned or state-held institutions offering journalism studies at the certificates – short courses, diploma, undergraduate and graduate levels. Here is a list of 10 leading media and journalism schools in Ghana, grouped as private or public, that have met the threshold laid down by the National Accreditation Board.
List of journalism schools in Ghana
If you are aspiring to join the media industry, then you will find the list below to be quite helpful. While there are many schools available, it is always important to find one that will not only leave you qualified but also in a good position to land a job in this competitive industry. Below are some of the highly reputable schools of journalism in Ghana that will equip you satisfactorily for the dynamic media industry you will be in:
1. Ghana Institute of Journalism Accra
Ghana Institute of Journalism, formerly known as the Ghana School of Journalism, was founded in 1959 by the Ghanaian founding father, Kwame Nkrumah and the then Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Kofi Baako. He had zeal to train and equip a new breed of patriotic journalists who would speak out and liberate ideas about the African continent. Thanks to Kofi's drive, the Ghana Institute of Journalism Accra was born to provide quality journalism education.
Kwame Nkrumah had a vision, which was to train young people the techniques and skills required in mass communication, journalism, public relations and advertising. The training was to take place through the organisation of practical training sessions, experiments, research on best methods, demonstrations, lectures, classes and seminars.
Just recently, the school received a major boost after President John Agyekum Kuffuor granted the Ghana Institute of Journalism a university charter to award certificates, diplomas and degrees. Since its enactment, the Ghana Institute of Journalism courses include a bachelors of communications and an arts degree in communication with majors either in public relations or journalism independently.
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The Ghana Institute of Journalism location is near the Accra Conference Centre, National Theatre, Sports Stadium and Parliament buildings. It is on the Ringway, Osu just next to the Ministries of Government in Accra.
2. University of Ghana school of Communication Studies
The University of Ghana has long been operating as one of the government journalism schools in Ghana. With the expansion of courses offered, the school has experienced a lot of restructuring in a bid to ensure that all the courses fall under their respective faculties. In 1972, the Department of Communication Studies in the University of Ghana was established. Two years later it was changed to School of Journalism and Mass Communication and in 1985 renamed to the School of Communication Studies and has since then been offering journalism courses in University of Ghana.
The objective of establishing this school was to aid in understanding and practising journalism and mass communication, fact-finding through research and serves all stakeholders in mass communication effectively including the public who consume what is broadcasted. The University of Ghana Department of Communication Studies has since incorporated many short journalism courses in Ghana. It offers certificate, diploma and degree programs. The most recent development involves the addition of graduate programs like the Masters of Arts and Master of Philosophy.
Besides these programs, the University of Ghana School of Communication Studies offers degree programs in affiliation with the African University College of Communication, Ghana Institute of Journalism and Christian Service University College. Their operations are recognised by the University Council and Academic Board under the University of Ghana Act of 1961.
The school is located along the Osu road, in Accra, Ghana. It is at the centre of the business district hence accessible from many parts of the busy city and is similarly near a host of social amenities. Additionally, the University of Ghana School of Communication studies has a website in case one wants to contact them or make enquiries. Due to consistency, proven performance and quality of education, this institution is on the list of accredited journalism schools in Ghana.
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3. National Film and Television Institute
The National Film and Television Institute is a public educational institution based in Accra, Ghana offering journalism studies. It was established in 1978 as a television and film production powerhouse though it has since expanded. It enjoys cultural diversity thanks to its student population that hails from different parts of the world and brings a new and unique perspective about life and media.
It is one of the multimedia schools in Ghana and offers a whole range of short journalism courses in Ghana. In addition to being among the best broadcast journalism schools in Ghana, the institution offers journalism, multimedia production, sound production, animation, television and radio production, art and arts directing, film directing and editing courses. Also, National Film and Television Institute offers a certificate course in all media related courses.
The National Film and Television Institute is located along the Kakramadu Road and is adjacent to the Goethe Institute on the East Cantonments building. It has an official website from where one can check out other courses and developments. If you are looking to study journalism in Ghana, then you need to consider this reputable institution.
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4. Accra Film School
Accra Film School aims to raise the standards in the film industry so that the next generation of filmmakers become phenomenal. Accra Film Schools is one of the best sports journalism schools in Ghana and is also among the broadcast journalism schools in Ghana. If you are looking for a school fully equipped with all necessary facilities for smooth practical training sessions in mass media and journalism, then you will get that at the Accra Film School.
The Accra Film School is fully accredited to offer media and journalism courses. It has produced many professional filmmakers who have been absorbed by various media houses. The student population has increased over the years thanks to the pool of courses offered like:
- Production in photography
- Acting
- Directing
- Ethics and media law
- Graphic design
- Web design
- Sound engineering
- Motion graphics
- Video editing
- Research
- Radio and television presentation
The school has two regular intakes in a year for professional and diploma certificate courses offered at the institution. Students need to have completed a film project and gone through an internship and passed their assessments before graduating. Accra Film School is one of the schools of journalism in Ghana that has produced seasoned media personalities in its short time of existence. It is based in Accra, Ghana.
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Private journalism schools in Ghana
There are several private journalism schools in Ghana that are equally reputable. These schools have consistently produced qualified graduates in film, media and theatre arts, just like their counterparts in the public sector. Here are some of the accredited private journalism schools in Ghana.
1. African University College of Communications
African University College of Communications (AUCC) is one of the most popular private journalism schools in Ghana. Located in Adabraka, Accra, Ghana, the institution offers courses in fields such as journalism, information technology, business, and communication studies. Having received its accredited as a university and allowed to offer Bachelor’s degrees in 2007, AUCC has gained immense popularity over the last decade.
AUCC is currently affiliated with a couple of universities and colleges around the world, including Muteesa I Royal Univeristy of Uganda, Emerson College (USA), Howard University (USA), Emerson College (USA), and Simmons College (USA).
The university is rated as a potential centre of excellence in media and communication by UNESCO. It also won the “Most Innovative Programming in College Radio” award together with Simmons College of Boston, USA, at an event held in New York.
2. Ghana Christian University College
Ghana Christian University College is located along the Amanhria Dodowa road, Adenta, Greater Accra region. It offers many courses in business, information technology, and technical courses. Their courses include:
- Theology
- Entrepreneurship
- Human resource management
- Business studies
- Accounting
- Public health
- Nursing
Media and journalism courses include:
- Radio and television production
- Video shooting
- Editing and film-making
- Photography
- Acting
- Directing
- Ethics
- Graphic design
- Web design
- Sound engineering
- Motion graphics
These are some of the highly-rated courses in the market today considering that their popularity and relevance have been improved by technology.
Ghana Christian University College serves a diverse population of students in different fields, hence making it a hub of dynamism. As more students in Africa undertake media studies, the institution has gained popularity over the years as one of the best journalism schools in Ghana. Intake is done twice yearly. The application requirements include:
- Scanned copies of photographs of the student
- Academic certificates
- Minimum qualification for the course of interest
These applications are submitted online, and successful candidates are communicated either through the mail or postal address. You can check out their website for additional details.
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3. Ghana technology University College
Ghana technology University College was established in 2005 by the national Ghanaian telecommunication company, Ghana Telecom. It was formerly known as the Ghana Telecom University college. It offers degree and graduate programs in the field of Information and Communication Technologies and Telecommunications engineering, which are the primary courses in professional development. These are not the only courses offered in GTUC. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Business and Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Technology.
Media and journalism is a course offered under the Information and Communication technologies programs. Such programs include:
- Video shooting and editing
- Mass communication
- Graphic design
- Motion graphics
- Web design
The courses are offered in conjunction with other tertiary institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the Wildau Institute of Technology.
Ghana Technology University College is located in the Greater Accra region in Ghana, in Tesano section to be precise. Although the main campus is located in Tesano, there are other satellite campuses in Abeka, Nungua, Tokoradi, Koforidua, Ho and Kumasi. So if you are looking for journalism schools in Kumasi that offer distance learning, the Ghana Technology University College satellite campus is an option. Students can apply through an online portal where they fill an application form then submit.
4. Crystal Galaxy College
Crystal Galaxy College is an institution that began as a small production house before expanding its operations to training radio and television presenters. As its popularity grew more courses were introduced. Today, it is one of the best private journalism schools in Ghana.
Just like any other institution of higher learning that is trying to gain relevance in the dynamic corporate world, Crystal Galaxy College has really rolled up its sleeves to open doors for more market-ready courses. It has expanded to offer courses in business and aviation. Its pool of alumni is working in esteemed tours & travel companies, airports and airlines.
In journalism and media, the courses it offers include:
- Mass communication
- Journalism
- Radio and TV presentation and production
- Videography
- Video editing & production
- Programming
- Graphic & web design
- Film-making
- Acting and directing
Other courses include:
- Business administration
- Information technology
- Hotel management
- Tourism management
The school is based in the Greater Accra region in Ghana and has an affiliation with other institutions of higher learning. It is privately held but has the thumb of approval from the National Accreditation Board in Ghana. Its rise has made it one of the best schools offering journalism in Ghana.
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5. Abro Media Institute
Abro Media Institute is also known as the Abromedia Campus or the DOXA Open University. It was established in 2000 with a vision to help students achieve fulfilling careers in mass media and journalism. Notably, the school has excelled in producing great news reporters, photographers and videographers. Thanks to the available facilities, student get the chance to practice with the tools and sharpen their skills.
Courses offered in Abro Media Institute include:
- Radio and TV production
- Video editing
- Journalism
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Screen acting
However, there are also other media related technical courses such as:
- Mobile Application Development
- Web Designing
- Corporate training
If you are looking for names of journalism schools in Ghana that are well-structured, then the Abromedia Campus is one of the options to consider. The school has a Media and journalism faculty that is further subdivided into;
- Journalism & communication studies
- Music technologies studies
- New media technologies
- Creative & innovative media
- Corporate Media
- Sports Multimedia Development
- Multimedia entrepreneurship
- Telecom media
- Modern leadership and governance
As a broadcast journalism school in Ghana with a wide range of courses, DOXA Open University has several campuses spread across the country. They include:
- Abro Media in Dansoman
- The Osu Campus - Biney Media
- Tema campus – 3rd Media
- The Kumasi Campus – Trinitex
In terms of education levels, students can access pre-graduate, associate graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies. You can check out for more information about the school on their website.
6. Bluecrest University College School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Bluecrest College was established in 1999, and it is proudly affiliated with the University of Education, Winneba through which it offers different courses including degree programs. Ideally, it was founded as an Information Communication and Technology training centre with the vision to improve the ICT industry and go global in operations.
The school has three main faculties:
- The faculty of Business administration
- Faculty of fashion and design
- The faculty of information and communication technology
It has the National Accreditation Board’s approval to offer education as one of the journalism schools in Accra. The institution has both international and local students and hence benefits a lot from this diversity.
Bluecrest University College has one of the ultra modem campuses based in Accra. It has modern lecture rooms, technology labs, media labs, e-library, workshop among other facilities for practical learning and training. It is located at the Kwame Nkrumah junction, which is about 5 minutes from the Central Business District, Accra. It is one of the fast rising and esteemed private journalism schools in Ghana.
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7. Jayee University College Faculty of Communication Science
Jayee University College got its name from its founder - Mr. John Emmanuel Donkoh. He established the college in 1988, Adabraka, Accra as a secretarial school. At the time, it only offered secretarial classes and computer programs and languages. It was known as the Jayee Secretarial School but has been renamed several times. At some point, it was affiliated with the University of Education, Winneba. Currently, the college has a charter as a university and hence its current name.
The college offers journalism courses such as:
- Public relations
- Media management
- Media law and entrepreneurship
- Mass communication
- Creative writing
- Print news reporting
This institution has soared high in the field of reporting and has produced great professionals in:
- Sports reporting
- Political reporting
- Economic reporting
- Environment reporting
As a result, it ranks among the top sports journalism schools in Ghana. The courses are either offered on a 4-year degree course or on a 2-year diploma course. Besides the degree and diploma courses, students can still study a few short journalism courses in Ghana.
As the school increased in student population, the Adabraka campus became limited leading to the acquisition of additional space. The acquisition was at the school’s current location along Royal Palm Avenue, McCarthy Hill on Accra Weija Road. For enquiries, you can check their Facebook page. The quick responses for inquiries and high-quality courses make Jayee one of the best journalism schools in Ghana.
The above list of accredited journalism schools in Ghana should be helpful if you are looking to study media or journalism in Ghana. You can consider these schools based on their courses, in-depth learning, practical sessions, and facilities. The top rated journalism schools in Ghana listed above provide many choices that you will find useful.
The boon is that, some of the colleges specialise in certain areas, hence easy to choose. For instance, pursing a journalism career in extra curriculum will be easy at sports journalism schools in Ghana. There are other broadcast journalism schools in Ghana that you can check out if interested in media. Your decision will depend on what you really want.
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Consideration in selecting journalism schools in Ghana
When applying and choosing institutions of higher learning. Here are some of the reasons to consider;
1. Quality of education
Ideally, the quality of education is the primary determinant of choosing a college or university. Naturally, you would want to be in a school that grooms and equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge. The information should be timely and useful to the corporate world you are aiming. Highly-qualified professionals are usually on demand once they graduate. For instance, if you attend one of the top journalism schools in Ghana and master digital advertising, there will be many media houses and companies hunting you down.
2. Reputation
As outlined above there are many schools offering journalism in Ghana. The reputation of each school is usually a major determinant when one is choosing. Colleges that have consistently produced highly-skilled graduates tend to have a good name. For that case, it is advisable to avoid colleges that have a bad reputation.
3. Availability of facilities
Well-equipped schools and colleges have an edge over their counterparts with no facilities. During the learning sessions, the available facilities and equipment allow for easy learning and grasping of new ideas. As such, facilities go a long way in ensuring helpful practical sessions. Given these ideas, it is clear that it would make sense to settle for well-equipped institutions.
When it comes to learning journalism, the availability of equipment is a propeller to making you a seasoned expert. While using the different tools like cameras and their respective software, you will honing your skills at the best journalism schools in Ghana that boast of having the latest equipment. A good school should be on the forefront when it comes to acquisition of new tools to aid in sharpening the students' minds. On the other hand if a school is short of facilities then students will be at a disadvantage.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
