M Phil Mass Communication from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad
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DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Introduction
The Department of Mass Communication was established in 1986 for fulfilling the educational needs of students and for working journalists and media persons at various levels. The Department offered its specialized B.A cluster programme in Mass Communication in 1988 for the first time in the country at graduate level. Students across the country are taking interest in the programme.
In 1997 the Department started its M Sc. Mass Communication Programme. Keeping in view the trend of students in studying the phenomenon of Mass Communication, the Department launched advanced studies of M Phil in Mass Communication in 2000. The M Phil imparts the knowledge of evolution and advances in mass communication theory and research, sociology of mass media, and the methods of behavioural research in social sciences.
The Department resumes offering of its Ph D Programme in this semester (Autumn 2014). The main objective of the programmes is to enable students to understand and explain the dynamics of the social phenomena of mass communication in Pakistani society, especially to enable them to independently investigate the contents, uses and effects of mass media in society.
In addition to the above degree programmes, the Department also offers Post Graduates Diploma (PGD) and certificate courses in Journalism, such as Advertising and Public Relations in the University’s Short Term Educational Programmes (STEPS).
a) M Phil Mass Communication
M Phil scheme in Mass Communication comprises twenty four (24) credit hours of course work and twelve (12) credit hours of research project. The course work consists of Evolution of Mass Communication Research, Mass Media and Society (I & II), Foundations of Behavioural Research (I & II), Theories of Influence on Media Content and Media Effects and Advances in Theory and Research (I & II). This programme will make students learn the social phenomenon of Mass Communication and urge them to independently investigate the mass media effects on society.
1. Duration of M Phil Programme
The minimum duration of M Phil Mass Communication is two years (four semesters) and the maximum duration shall be five years (10 semesters).
2. Eligibility for Admission
The minimum entry requirement for admission to M.Phil programme shall be Masters Degree in Mass Communication/ Journalism with second division from any recognized University.
- Merit will be determined by the Department of Mass Communication according to the approved criteria.
- Only short-listed candidates will be called for test/interview.
- The Department enrolls limited number of students to the programme.
- The Admission Department will inform the selected candidates for fee deposit.
3. Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction and examination is English.
4. Scheme of Studies
There will be 24 credit hours course work and 12 credit hours of thesis. Details are given below:
5. Semester-Wise Course Offering
| Semester |
Course Title |
Code |
Credit Hours |
|
1st Semester Autumn |
Evolution of Mass
Communication Research Mass Media and Society-I Mass Media and Society-II Foundations of Behavioural Research-I |
6630 5761 5762 6632 |
3 3 3 3 |
|
2nd Semester Spring |
Media Effects: Advances in Theory & Research-I
Media Effects: Advances in Theory & Research-II Foundations of Behavioural Research-II Theories of Influence on Mass Media Content |
5763
5764
6634
6635 |
3 3 3 3 |
|
3rd & 4th Semester |
Research Project/Thesis |
6636 |
12 |
6. Instructional Methodology
The following will be the instructional methodology:
i. Study Material
The university provides study materials during the first two semesters of course work.
ii. Workshop
There is a series of mandatory workshops at the end of each semester that provides an opportunity to the students to share their understanding of course content with fellow students. A special workshop is arranged during the third semester that requires students to develop and present draft proposals of thesis to the workshop participants.
iii. Assignments
Each course carries a maximum of 100 marks. There are two assignments for each 3-credit hours’ course. Assignments are written by the students after studying the required readings, recommended by the Department. These assignments are designed to enable them to relate their own ideas with the concepts covered in the required readings so as to enable them to develop thorough understanding of the subject. After completion, the students send these assignments on scheduled time to the tutor appointed by the university. The tutor returns the assignments to students after giving valuable comments, and marks.
iv. Thesis
A student is required to carry research work under the supervision of an advisor having Ph D degree in the relevant field. There is an intensive workshop to discuss research proposals of the students.
7. Assessment System
Under Continuous Assessment (Assignments), a student has to submit Assignments to his/her tutor in the stipulated time mentioned in the assignment schedule. Passing marks of the assignments are 50 percent.
At the end of each semester, final examination will be conducted by the University for each Course. Students need 50 percent marks to pass the final examination; however, it is necessary for the students to obtain an aggregate of 50 percent (assignments + workshop + final examination) in each course. The ratio of marks of assignments, workshop and final examination is 20:10:70 respectively. The summary of assessment system is given below:
|
Assessment Component |
Total Marks |
Passing Marks |
Weightage |
|
Assignment – 1 |
100 |
50 |
20% |
|
Assignment – 2 |
100 |
50 |
|
| Students will have to attend compulsory course workshop at the end of semester having 10 marks for each course |
10% |
||
| Final examination |
100 |
50 |
70% |
| Total Marks |
100 |
||
| Aggregate Passing Marks |
50 |
||
8. Viva-Voce
After evaluation of the thesis student has to appear for viva-voce before the Research Project Committee (RPC) to defend his/her work.
9. Instructions for Thesis
i. Registration in Thesis
Students will submit research proposal/synopsis to the Chairman, Mass Communication Department according to the university’s approved criteria. The Departmental Research Project Committee will recommend the students’ research proposals/ synopses to the VC (AIOU) for approval after thesis orientation workshop. The committee shall also recommend the name of supervisor for students’ research work.
♦ Thesis will be of 200 marks, (100 marks for evaluation of research work and 100 marks for oral examination.)
♦ The minimum period to complete the thesis is one year and the maximum period shall be two years provided the condition of maximum duration of five years shall not be affected. (Detailed information in this regard can be obtained from the Department on request).
♦ Students are advised to keep closely in touch with their respective supervisor and also with the Department for research activities and submit their progress reports to the Department intermittently.
ii. Thesis Evaluation Fee
Students will deposit fee in bank for thesis evaluation at the time of submitting the thesis to the Department.
iii. Plagiarization
In case a thesis is found to be plagiarized version of some other thesis, research work, text, etc. published or unpublished, the student’s candidature for M Phil shall be cancelled and he/she shall be debarred forever from admission to any programme of the university. In case the plagiarism is proved, after the award of M Phil degree, the degree shall be cancelled/withdrawn.
The M Phil degree shall be awarded after the positive reports of external evaluators of the research report and the successful defence by the student in viva-voce. The Dean will forward the report of the Viva-Voce to the Controller of Examinations for notification and award of the degree.
iv. Format of Thesis
The students will be required to observe guidelines regarding format, writing, referencing, paper quality and other related matters. (Detailed information in this regard could get from the Department on request or the information on format will be provided during the thesis orientation workshop).
v. Research and Candidacy
The Department will hold synopsis orientation workshop to identify the topic of research. The synopsis shall be prepared in accordance with the guidelines/format approved by BASR. The student shall submit a detailed research proposal in the third semester (after the completion of course work) and make a presentation before the Departmental Synopsis Committee.
Participation in the orientation workshop will be mandatory. The students shall be required to deposit the prescribed dues after approval of topic/symposia by the committee.
In case a student is not able to complete his/her research work during the minimum prescribed period of one year, he/she shall be required to pay fee equivalent to 3–credit hours per semester till submission of thesis for evaluation within the maximum time limit.
10. Fee Tariff
Registration Fee Rs.200/-
Admission Fee+Rs.100/- Technology Fee Rs.1100/-
Course Fee (3– Credit Hours) Rs.2800/-
Thesis Fee Rs.11140/-
Thesis Evaluation Fee Rs.4725/-
11. General Information
Only the prescribed admission form will be entertained. Website downloaded form or photocopy of the form and incomplete forms will not be entertained, in any case.
Admission to M Phil Mass Communication will be granted against limited seats strictly on the basis of merit and criteria as approved by the university. The university reserves the right not to start this programme if a viable group of students is not formed.
Only the selected candidates will be informed about the result of the admission. On receipt of individual admission intimation, the student will deposit the required fee according to the procedure as laid down by the university in the admission intimation letter.
Fee cannot be refunded once paid for admission nor can it be adjusted for any other programme. On payment of the registration fee, each student will be issued a registration number. The number must be quoted in all the future correspondence along with roll numbers, course(s) code numbers and semester. The students already having registration number need not to pay the registration fee. They should mention their registration number in the admission form.
During the semester the address of any student will not be changed, however, in real hardship, change of address will be considered if it is supported by a justifiable plea.
Rules, regulations framed, amended and changed from time to time by the authorities/bodies of the university will be applicable to all students. The students will have to abide by all such rules and regulations. These can be made available to students on demand.
It is the responsibility of the admitted students to remain in continuous contact with the department regarding his/her programme. A student already enrolled to a programme or a specialization of a programme shall not be allowed to transfer his/her admission to another programme.
Admission to courses for the spring semester and autumn semester are generally offered in the months of February and August respectively. The continuing students are sent computerized admission forms. However, if for any reason, the student does not get the said form, he/she may get general admission form from any regional office of the university and send it to Director Admission of the university within the due date along with due fee deposited through bank challan slip.
12. Fee Depositing Procedure
Only on receipt of admission offer, the candidate would pay dues in accordance with the fee tariff as directed by the Admission Office.
13. How to Apply for Admission?
Candidates for M Phil are required to send complete admission forms along with attested copies of all educational degrees, certificates, and marks sheet at the following address before the closing date. Incomplete admission forms will not be accepted.
Note: Admission form complete in all respect must be sent on the following address:
Professor Syed Abdul Siraj (Ph.D)
Chairman
Department of Mass Communication
AIOU, Sector H-8, Islamabad.
For clarification about academic matters please contact on the following address:
13. Faculty Members
|
S.No. |
Name & Designation |
Contact No. |
|
1 |
Prof. Dr. Syed Abdul Siraj
Chairman |
051-9057172 |
|
2 |
Dr. Saqib Riaz
Assistant Professor |
051-9057828 |
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3 |
Dr. Bakht Rawan
Assistant Professor |
051-9057263 |
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4. |
Mrs. Saadia Anwar Pasha
Lecturer |
051-9057283 |
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5. |
Mr. Shahid Hussain
Lecturer |
051-9057245 |
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6. |
Syed Babar Hussain Shah |
051-9057823-24 |
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7. |
Office |
051-9057823-24 |
