Diverse Cultural Perspectives: South Africa is a culturally rich and diverse country, offering a unique perspective on media and communication. Students can learn how media interacts with varied cultural, political, and social dynamics, providing a broader understanding that is valuable in today’s globalized world.
Strong Academic Programs: Many South African universities offer robust programs in Media & Mass Communication, which are often tailored to reflect the African and global media landscapes. These programs provide a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Practical Experience: South Africa has a vibrant media industry, including film, television, radio, and digital media. Many courses offer practical training and internships in these real-world environments, giving students hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers.
English Language Media: As English is one of the official languages and widely used in South African media, students from other parts of the world can easily adapt and make the most of their studies without facing significant language barriers.
Research Opportunities: South Africa provides unique research opportunities due to its transitional political and social landscapes. For students interested in areas such as political communication, public policy, or international media, South Africa offers a wealth of case studies and research contexts.
Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, the cost of education in South Africa is reasonable compared to many Western countries, making it an economical choice for higher education in Media & Mass Communication.
Gateway to Africa: Studying in South Africa can also serve as a gateway to opportunities across the African continent. It's a strategic location for students looking to build careers or entrepreneurial ventures in African media markets.
Networking: Being part of an educational program in South Africa can help students build a network with professionals from across Africa and globally, which can be crucial for career development in media and communications.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production |
Film and Television, Screenwriting, Media and Writing |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Animation |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Media Studies, Digital Media, Radio |
Stellenbosch University |
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
University of Pretoria |
BA in Visual Studies |
Visual Communication, Film Studies |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
Nelson Mandela University |
BA Media, Communication and Culture |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Journalism |
University of Johannesburg |
BA in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations |
Tshwane University of Technology |
National Diploma in Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Durban University of Technology |
National Diploma in Video Technology |
Television Production, Video Editing |
University of the Free State |
Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies |
Media and Cultural Studies, Communication Science |
North-West University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production |
Film and Television, Screenwriting, Media and Writing |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Animation |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Media Studies, Digital Media, Radio |
Stellenbosch University |
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
University of Pretoria |
BA in Visual Studies |
Visual Communication, Film Studies |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
Nelson Mandela University |
BA Media, Communication and Culture |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Journalism |
University of Johannesburg |
BA in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations |
Tshwane University of Technology |
National Diploma in Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Durban University of Technology |
National Diploma in Video Technology |
Television Production, Video Editing |
University of the Free State |
Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies |
Media and Cultural Studies, Communication Science |
North-West University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production |
Film and Television, Screenwriting, Media and Writing |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Animation |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Media Studies, Digital Media, Radio |
Stellenbosch University |
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
University of Pretoria |
BA in Visual Studies |
Visual Communication, Film Studies |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
Nelson Mandela University |
BA Media, Communication and Culture |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Journalism |
University of Johannesburg |
BA in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations |
Tshwane University of Technology |
National Diploma in Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Durban University of Technology |
National Diploma in Video Technology |
Television Production, Video Editing |
University of the Free State |
Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies |
Media and Cultural Studies, Communication Science |
North-West University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Master of Arts in Film and Media Studies |
Film Studies, Media Theory, Cultural Studies |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies |
Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Media |
Rhodes University |
Master of Arts in Journalism |
Media Management, Political Communication, Digital Media |
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Arts in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
University of Pretoria |
Master of Arts in Communication Management |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
Nelson Mandela University |
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
Media Theory, Media Production, Communication Studies |
University of Johannesburg |
Master of Arts in Communication Studies |
Strategic Communication, Media Studies |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Arts in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication Theory |
Tshwane University of Technology |
Master of Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Media Management |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Master of Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Durban University of Technology |
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
Media Production, Cultural Studies |
University of the Free State |
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
Media and Cultural Studies, Communication Science |
North-West University |
Master of Arts in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
PhD in Film and Media Studies |
Film Studies, Media Theory, Cultural Studies |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
PhD in Journalism and Media Studies |
Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Media |
Rhodes University |
PhD in Journalism |
Media Management, Political Communication, Digital Media |
Stellenbosch University |
PhD in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
University of Pretoria |
PhD in Communication Management |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
PhD in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
Nelson Mandela University |
PhD in Media Studies |
Media Theory, Media Production, Communication Studies |
University of Johannesburg |
PhD in Communication Studies |
Strategic Communication, Media Studies |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
PhD in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication Theory |
Tshwane University of Technology |
PhD in Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Media Management |
Durban University of Technology |
PhD in Media Studies |
Media Production, Cultural Studies |
University of the Free State |
PhD in Media Studies |
Media and Cultural Studies, Communication Science |
North-West University |
PhD in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
Tshwane University of Technology |
National Diploma in Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
Durban University of Technology |
National Diploma in Video Technology |
Television Production, Video Editing |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
National Diploma in Public Relations Management |
Corporate Communication, Media Relations |
University of Johannesburg |
Diploma in Public Relations and Communication |
Media Studies, Public Relations |
Nelson Mandela University |
Diploma in Media Studies |
Media Studies, Journalism |
Vaal University of Technology |
Diploma in Public Relations Management |
Media Relations, Corporate Communication |
Boston Media House |
Diploma in Media Practices |
Radio Production, TV Production, Journalism, Advertising |
Damelin College |
Diploma in Media and Graphic Design |
Media Design, Graphic Communication |
Independent Institute of Education (IIE) |
Diploma in Public Relations |
Public Relations, Media Studies |
Institution |
Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Short Course in Film and Media Production |
Film Production, Screenwriting |
3-6 months |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Short Course in Digital Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Animation |
3-6 months |
Rhodes University |
Short Course in Journalism |
Media Management, Digital Media |
3-6 months |
Stellenbosch University |
Short Course in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
3-6 months |
University of Pretoria |
Short Course in Visual Studies |
Visual Communication, Film Studies |
3-6 months |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Short Course in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
3-6 months |
Nelson Mandela University |
Short Course in Media Studies |
Media Theory, Media Production |
3-6 months |
University of Johannesburg |
Short Course in Communication Studies |
Strategic Communication, Media Studies |
3-6 months |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Short Course in Public Relations |
Corporate Communication, Media Relations |
3-6 months |
Durban University of Technology |
Short Course in Video Technology |
Television Production, Video Editing |
3-6 months |
Boston Media House |
Short Course in Media Practices |
Radio Production, TV Production, Journalism, Advertising |
3-6 months |
Damelin College |
Short Course in Media and Graphic Design |
Media Design, Graphic Communication |
3-6 months |
Vega School of Brand Leadership |
Short Course in Digital Marketing and Media |
Digital Media Strategies, Online Branding |
3-6 months |
AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy |
Short Course in Film, Television and Performance |
Directing, Producing, Screenwriting, Acting |
3-6 months |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production |
Film and Television, Screenwriting, Media and Writing |
|
Master of Arts in Film and Media Studies |
Film Studies, Media Theory, Cultural Studies |
|
PhD in Film and Media Studies |
Film Studies, Media Theory, Cultural Studies |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Animation |
|
Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies |
Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Media |
|
PhD in Journalism and Media Studies |
Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Media |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Media Studies, Digital Media, Radio |
|
Master of Arts in Journalism |
Media Management, Political Communication, Digital Media |
|
PhD in Journalism |
Media Management, Political Communication, Digital Media |
Stellenbosch University |
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
|
Master of Arts in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
|
PhD in Drama and Theatre Studies |
Theatre Making, Applied Theatre |
University of Pretoria |
BA in Visual Studies |
Visual Communication, Film Studies |
|
Master of Arts in Communication Management |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
|
PhD in Communication Management |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
|
Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
|
PhD in Media and Cultural Studies |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies |
Nelson Mandela University |
BA Media, Communication and Culture |
Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Journalism |
|
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
Media Theory, Media Production, Communication Studies |
|
PhD in Media Studies |
Media Theory, Media Production, Communication Studies |
University of Johannesburg |
BA in Communication Studies |
Corporate Communication, Media Studies |
|
Master of Arts in Communication Studies |
Strategic Communication, Media Studies |
|
PhD in Communication Studies |
Strategic Communication, Media Studies |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations |
|
Master of Arts in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication Theory |
|
PhD in Communication Science |
Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication Theory |
Tshwane University of Technology |
National Diploma in Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
|
Master of Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Media Management |
|
PhD in Journalism |
Investigative Journalism, Media Management |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
|
Master of Journalism |
Print Media, Broadcast Journalism |
|
National Diploma in Public Relations Management |
Corporate Communication, Media Relations |
Durban University of Technology |
National Diploma in Video Technology |
Television Production, Video Editing |
|
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
Media Production, Cultural Studies |
|
PhD in Media Studies |
Media Production, Cultural Studies |
University |
Program |
Intake Period |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
All Programs |
February |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
All Programs |
February |
Rhodes University |
All Programs |
February |
Stellenbosch University |
All Programs |
February |
University of Pretoria |
All Programs |
February |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
All Programs |
February |
Nelson Mandela University |
All Programs |
February |
University of Johannesburg |
All Programs |
February |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
All Programs |
January, June |
Tshwane University of Technology |
All Programs |
January, July |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
All Programs |
January, July |
Durban University of Technology |
All Programs |
January, July |
University |
Program |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Film and Media Studies |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
PhD in Film and Media Studies |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
|
PhD in Journalism and Media Studies |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Journalism |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Journalism |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
PhD in Journalism |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
Stellenbosch University |
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
Master of Arts in Drama and Theatre Studies |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
PhD in Drama and Theatre Studies |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
University of Pretoria |
BA in Visual Studies |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
Master of Arts in Communication Management |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
PhD in Communication Management |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
PhD in Media and Cultural Studies |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
Nelson Mandela University |
BA Media, Communication and Culture |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
|
PhD in Media Studies |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
University of Johannesburg |
BA in Communication Studies |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
Master of Arts in Communication Studies |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
PhD in Communication Studies |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Communication Science |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
PhD in Communication Science |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
National Diploma in Journalism |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
Master of Journalism |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
PhD in Journalism |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Journalism |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
Master of Journalism |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
Durban University of Technology |
National Diploma in Video Technology |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Media Studies |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
PhD in Media Studies |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
Program Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
Undergraduate |
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent |
|
Minimum Admission Point Score (APS) or equivalent, often around 28-32 points |
|
Proficiency in English (typically a pass mark in high school English) |
|
Portfolio or creative work (for specific programs such as film, digital arts, etc.) |
|
Interview or audition (for programs like drama and theatre studies) |
Diploma |
|
National Diploma |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent |
|
Minimum APS or equivalent, often around 20-24 points |
|
Proficiency in English |
|
Relevant experience or portfolio (for some specialized programs) |
Postgraduate |
|
Honours Degree |
Relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification |
|
Minimum average of 65% in the final year of undergraduate study |
|
Proficiency in English |
|
Letters of recommendation |
|
Research proposal or portfolio (for certain programs) |
Master’s Degree |
Relevant Honours degree or equivalent qualification |
|
Minimum average of 65% in Honours degree |
|
Proficiency in English |
|
Letters of recommendation |
|
Research proposal or portfolio (depending on the program) |
PhD |
Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification |
|
Proficiency in English |
|
Detailed research proposal |
|
Letters of recommendation |
|
Professional or academic experience in the field |
University |
Scholarship |
Description |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town |
UCT International and Refugee Scholarships |
Scholarships for international students and refugees studying at UCT |
Academic merit, financial need |
|
National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarships |
Scholarships for postgraduate students in research-based programs |
Academic excellence, research proposal |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Wits University Postgraduate Merit Awards |
Scholarships for postgraduate students with high academic achievement |
High academic performance, relevant undergraduate degree |
|
Canon Collins Scholarships |
Scholarships for Southern African students in various fields, including Media & Mass Communication |
Academic excellence, leadership potential |
Rhodes University |
Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarships |
Scholarships for Honours, Masters, and PhD students |
Academic merit, financial need |
|
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship |
Scholarships for postgraduate students demonstrating leadership and academic excellence |
Leadership qualities, academic performance, commitment to community service |
Stellenbosch University |
SU International Scholarships |
Scholarships for international students enrolling in postgraduate programs |
Academic excellence, research potential |
|
DAAD In-Region Scholarship |
Scholarships for Sub-Saharan African students for master's and doctoral programs |
Academic merit, commitment to development in Africa |
University of Pretoria |
UP Postgraduate Bursaries |
Bursaries for master's and doctoral students |
Academic merit, research proposal |
|
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
Scholarships for academically talented but economically disadvantaged students from Africa |
Academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
UKZN Scholarships and Bursaries |
Various scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students |
Academic performance, financial need, specific criteria depending on the scholarship |
Nelson Mandela University |
NMU Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship |
Scholarships for high-achieving undergraduate students |
Academic excellence, leadership potential |
University of Johannesburg |
UJ International Scholarships |
Scholarships for international students |
Academic merit, financial need |
|
NRF-DST Innovation Scholarship |
Scholarships for postgraduate students in various fields |
Academic excellence, research potential |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
UNISA Merit Bursaries |
Bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students |
Academic performance, financial need |
Tshwane University of Technology |
TUT Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Scholarships for high-performing students |
Academic merit |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
CPUT Postgraduate Bursaries |
Bursaries for postgraduate students |
Academic merit, financial need |
Durban University of Technology |
DUT Scholarships and Bursaries |
Various scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students |
Academic performance, financial need, specific criteria depending on the scholarship |
Career Path |
Job Roles |
Description |
---|---|---|
Journalism |
Reporter, Editor, News Anchor, Investigative Journalist |
Work for newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, or online media, covering news stories, conducting interviews, and reporting on events. |
Public Relations |
Public Relations Specialist, Media Relations Manager, Corporate Communications Manager |
Manage the public image of organizations, handle media inquiries, write press releases, and develop communication strategies. |
Advertising |
Copywriter, Creative Director, Media Planner, Account Manager |
Develop advertising campaigns, create content for ads, plan media placement, and manage client accounts. |
Broadcasting |
Radio Host, TV Producer, Broadcast Journalist, Sound Engineer |
Work in radio and television, producing and presenting programs, conducting interviews, and managing technical aspects of broadcasting. |
Digital Media |
Social Media Manager, Digital Content Creator, SEO Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager |
Create and manage content for digital platforms, optimize content for search engines, and develop online marketing strategies. |
Film and Television |
Film Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Video Editor |
Work in the film and TV industry, creating scripts, directing films, managing camera work, and editing video content. |
Corporate Communication |
Internal Communications Specialist, Corporate Affairs Manager, Brand Manager |
Develop and manage internal communication strategies, handle corporate affairs, and build and maintain brand identity. |
Publishing |
Book Editor, Publisher, Literary Agent, Content Writer |
Work in the publishing industry, editing manuscripts, managing publication processes, and representing authors. |
Event Management |
Event Coordinator, Public Events Manager, Conference Planner |
Plan and manage events such as conferences, exhibitions, and public events, handling logistics and coordination. |
Academic and Research |
Lecturer, Researcher, Media Analyst, Academic Writer |
Engage in teaching and research in academic institutions, analyzing media trends, and publishing academic papers. |
Government and NGOs |
Communications Officer, Public Information Officer, Advocacy Coordinator |
Work in government agencies or non-governmental organizations, managing communication strategies and public outreach programs. |