7 Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Media School

1. Be Sure of What You Want

When looking to pursue a degree in media studies, you are presented with an array of options. Media is a very broad term encompassing a variety of careers. Journalism and mass communication, photography, game design, and animation are just a few of the diverse career paths that fall under the umbrella of media studies. So, before you even start looking for colleges, be very sure about what exactly you want to study under “media.” This clarity will help you identify the right institutions, including some of the best journalism schools. 

2. Budget

Once you know what you want to study, the next thing to look at is your budget. Media schools offer a range of subjects and courses and a lot of these courses involve learning to navigate your way around some pretty expensive software. Consider everything from tuition, accommodation, extra curriculars and miscellaneous expenses on additional equipment for the course. So choose your school according to what they are offering and what you can afford.

3. Infrastructure

Colleges that offer media courses need to have certain infrastructure in place. This includes physical rooms, buildings, technological provisions, and media equipment. A completely Wi-Fi-enabled campus, studio space for art and music, access to necessary software, etc., are just a few things they should have. Additionally, institutions specialising in media studies often emphasise providing hands-on experience with tools and technologies essential for the field. These courses frequently overlap with broader disciplines like journalism and mass communication, giving students a holistic perspective.

4. City

Many people may take this lightly, but looking at the city where the college exists is equally important. Is it a small town, or is it a metropolitan? How are you planning to travel? Is there a proper public transport system in place? Is accommodation available for single students near the college? How expensive is it to live in the city? Ask yourself all these questions and ensure you find the answers to them. It will make your decision a lot easier and your move to the city less stressful.

5. Affiliation

Another important factor to look at is the college’s affiliation. Is the college affiliated to a university that is recognized countrywide? Will you have to do a refresher’s course should you wish to work in another country? Will you be able to pursue your masters overseas with the degree you get from this university? It is important to check all these factors before you make your decision.

6. Training and Internships

Every good college will include in their course a few months of internships to give you a hands-on job experience. Look for colleges with good internship programmes that have connections with well-known production houses and studios so that you get a chance to work under the best trainers out there. Internship programmes are crucial. If you do well, you might be asked to come back for a permanent position after you get your degree.

7. Placements

Most media colleges have connections with studios and production houses. They set up their best students with interviews and other connections that can really give you a leg up in your hunt for a job later on. So, try to find a school that promises placements. Of course you are free to choose your own employer, but going through a school will help you build your network and make a place for yourself in the world of media.

That concludes the checklist. Make sure you consider these 7 things before making a decision. It will help you choose the right media courses at the best possible price. Many students pursuing journalism and mass communication need to pay more attention to the importance of thorough research. Some of the best journalism schools offer specialised media courses to prepare students for real-world challenges. If you're exploring schools for journalism, ensure they provide a curriculum that combines theory and practical experience.