
Ghana boasts a vibrant media landscape, making it essential for aspiring journalists to receive high-quality education. Ghana’s journalism schools continue to produce professionals who shape narratives, uphold accountability, and contribute to the country’s democratic growth.
Choosing the right journalism school is crucial for anyone aspiring to join Ghana’s dynamic media industry. Each institution offers unique strengths, ranging from cutting-edge technology to an emphasis on ethical reporting.
What jobs or career opportunities are available to journalism students in Ghana? Students can confidently pursue journalism, public relations, broadcasting, or digital media careers with a degree from any of these top schools. Students can also work in Media Organizations: (Print, Electronic & New Media); Freelance media practitioners (Journalists); Advertising Agencies; Public Relations Agencies or Consultancies; Corporate or Public Relations Departments; Research Agencies; and Non-Governmental Organisations among others.
How can one become a journalist in Ghana? To become a journalist in Ghana, start by earning a diploma or degree in journalism, communication studies, or a related field from a recognized institution. Practical experience is crucial, so aspiring journalists should seek internships with media houses to build their skills in news reporting, interviewing, and storytelling. Strong writing and communication skills, an understanding of media ethics, and a passion for storytelling are essential. Additionally, journalists in Ghana benefit from staying informed about current affairs, developing expertise in digital tools for multimedia journalism, and networking within the industry to access opportunities and mentorship.
The selection of the top journalism schools in Ghana was based on several criteria. First, each institution’s academic reputation, quality of tuition, and history were considered, emphasizing schools with established programs and notable alumni. Second, the availability of state-of-the-art facilities, such as studios, editing labs, and multimedia equipment, was evaluated. Third, the curriculum’s relevance to the evolving media landscape, including courses in digital media, broadcasting, and investigative journalism, was crucial. Additionally, emphasis was placed on institutions that foster practical experience through internships, partnerships with media houses, and hands-on training. Lastly, the schools’ focus on ethics, research, and innovation in journalism played a significant role in their ranking.
Here’s a guide to the ten best journalism schools in Ghana and their tuition fees for this academic year. These schools offer programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in the media industry.
Top 10 Best Journalism Schools in Ghana:
- The University of Media, Arts and Communication
- University of Ghana
- KNUST
- Central University
- Accra Film School
- Bluecrest University College
- Ghana Communication Technology University
- Wisconsin International University College
- African University College of Communications
- GH Media School
1. The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)
As Ghana’s premier journalism institution, the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) is renowned for its rigorous programs in journalism, communication, and public relations. Established in 1959, it provides a strong foundation in media ethics, research, and practical skills but has now been merged. UniMAC-GIJ has two campuses; one located at Ringway, Osu, and the other at North Dzorwulu, all in Accra.
The University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) was established by the University of Media, Arts and Communication Act, Act 1059 of 2020. This merged the Ghana Institute of Journalism, established in 1959, the National Film and Television Institute, established in 1978, and the Ghana Institute of Languages, established in 1961, into one public university.
UniMAC has highly motivated lecturers who provide industry-tailored and practical training to students who enroll in the field of communication. GIJ under UniMAC’s graduates are among the most sought-after professionals in the media industry.
Studying at UniMAC-GIJ offers numerous advantages. The school attracts lecturers and speakers who are experts in their fields as well as students who are already professionals. As a result, students gain invaluable opportunities to learn from peers and practitioners.
The Institute offers the following main programmes:
- A two-year Diploma in Communication Studies
- A four/three-year B. A. in Communication Studies
- A two-year B.A. in Communication Studies Top-Up Programme for Diploma
- graduates.
- A 15-month intensive MA Programmes.
The Institute of Film and Television of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IFT) offers courses designed to develop students’ scholarly, creative, and professional approaches to Multimedia Production, Broadcast Journalism, Film Artistics, Film Techniques, and Television Production. UniMAC-IFT offers multimedia production, broadcast journalism, Film and TV Techniques, and Film and TV Artistic.
UniMAC – IFT, a full member of Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinema et Television (CILECT), a renowned global organization of Film and Television schools is currently the only institution in the country that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree internationally recognized production-based programmes in film and television. In addition, the Institute runs professional certificate and diploma courses in media and creative art.
Tuition fees per year at UniMAC IJ for regular Ghanaian students are GHC 2,999, and USD 4,850 for foreign students. At UniMAC IFT, it is GHC 3,957 per year for Ghanaian students and USD 5,810 for foreign students.
2. University of Ghana
Located in Legon, the School of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Ghana is a leader in research and academic excellence. Offering master’s, and doctoral programs (MA, MPhil, PhD) in communication, it blends theory with practice to produce skilled media professionals.
The School of Information and Communication Studies (SICS) aims to improve and extend the frontiers of Information and Communication dissemination and management through effective teaching, learning, and research.
The School is made up of the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Information Studies. The Communication Studies Department is considered one of the leading research and training institutions in media and communication studies in the country. The Department enjoys a high reputation within the country and internationally and engages in collaborative academic programs, projects, and research with counterpart institutions in Africa, North America, and Europe. Alumni of the Department can be found in various national, regional, and international communication and media-related organizations, governmental institutions as well as universities and research institutes.
Tuition fees at UG for Communication studies are GHC 2,319 per year for Ghanaian students and USD 5,109 for foreign students.
3. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
KNUST, one of Ghana’s top universities, offers a journalism and communication program that emphasizes modern media technologies. With state-of-the-art facilities, students gain hands-on experience in broadcast, print, and digital media.
The Department of Communication Design aims to achieve excellence in teaching, learning, and research in graphic arts and multimedia applications. The department offers interdisciplinary and flexible programmes.
In addition to gaining a degree, you learn disciplinary knowledge, and strong creative, critical thinking, and communication skills and acquire experiences that would make you resilient and problem solver with an ability to build networks with people across a wide range of fields.
Academic guidance is a key aspect of an undergraduate experience. The department makes an effort to keep an ongoing conversation between students and faculty to ensure students find the right path and plan for a future career in communication design.
KNUST Department of Communication Design offers a Bachelor of Art in Communication Design programme which is a 4-year degree programme. The Department of Communication Design BA curriculum emphasizes accomplishment with conceptual, technical, and collaborative skills. Ultimately these skills are the foundation of the student’s ability to tell an interesting and meaningful story about a service or product. They also offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Communication Design, a Master of Philosophy in Communication Design, and a Master of Communication Design.
The tuition fee per year at KNUST for communication design is GHC 2,506.74
4. Central University
Known for its well-rounded approach to education, Central University’s communication program focuses on developing ethical journalists. The curriculum includes public relations, media law, and digital media, ensuring graduates are versatile in various media sectors. Central University is located at Miotso near Dawhenya on the Accra-Afloa road.
The Department of Communication Studies seeks to create a contemporary, internationally ranked facility for students to pursue degrees or concentrations in the media and communication sciences. The idea is to create media content and products that are sensitive to social, cultural, political, and economic pluralism, gender equality, and the human rights of the dispossessed.
Students graduating with a BA in Communication Studies are well qualified to take their place as persuasive communicators, critical newsmakers, and media and advertisement planners who are capable of working in various communication outfits across the globe. For this reason, the curriculum incorporates the four elements of professional communication training, namely: theory, research, production processes, and internship.
Central University offers a B.A. in Communication Studies programme that ensures students are equipped with the ethics of journalism, advertising, broadcasting, and public relations. Students also experience a thorough relationship between media and mass communication theories and praxis.
The tuition fee at Central University for Communication Studies is GHC 3,349 per semester for Ghanaians and USD 1,527 per semester for foreigners.
5. Accra Film School (AFS)
Accra Film School (AFS) is a Ghana Education Service-approved training institution for filmmaking and television production. AFS combines practical filmmaking with journalistic storytelling. Its programs are ideal for students interested in creating documentaries, news features, and other media content that require both technical and storytelling expertise.
Accra Film School offers an intensive, hands-on, thorough approach. Courses are taught through a balance of classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and immediate experience. They offer courses in acting, directing, TV presentation, film editing, scriptwriting, graphic design,3D animation, and photography.
Their approach is holistic, ensuring that students understand and have experience in all aspects of the subject they are studying. This gives students flexibility as they become professionals.
The experience students gain in the many collaborative roles required to produce good work will be of immeasurable value to them as actors, models, make–up artists, television hosts, voice-over artists, or whichever path they choose.
CONTACT
info@accrafilmschool.com
6. Bluecrest University College
Bluecrest University College offers a four-year BA in Mass Communication and Journalism (BAMJ). This is due to the changing environment in mass media, in which the boundaries of each traditional medium, such as newspaper, radio, and television, have been integrated online. This program will prepare students to enter the field of new media in the new globalized world.
The course provides basic studies and knowledge about the media industry. During the four years of the course, specialized subjects in Journalism (print, TV, design, and web), public relations, event management, films, and photography provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to the students, thus making them industry-ready.
Bluecrest offers modern facilities and a curriculum tailored to the digital age. Its journalism program emphasizes multimedia skills, preparing students for traditional and online media careers.
The tuition fee for Ghanaian students is GHC 3,000 per semester and USD 750 per semester for non-Ghanaian students. Classes are held online/blended.
7. Ghana Communication Technology University (GTUC)
GCTU integrates technology with journalism education, making it a top choice for students who want to focus on digital media and innovation. Its programs are designed to equip journalists with skills for the fast-changing media landscape.
The rapid growth in communications technology, the internet, and mobile technologies has created a demand for graduates with broad technical skills, specifically in operational areas, systems design, broadcast engineering, and networked media technology. As a result, GCTU offers a Diploma in Multimedia Technology program designed to equip students with the concepts and practices in design for print, image, video, sound manipulation, and multimedia authoring.
A combination of these skills will enable graduates to keep pace with the fast advancement in the subject area and secure rewarding careers that can be pursued almost anywhere in the world. Successful graduates gain the requisite skills for employment in industries such as Advertising agencies, Broadcast production, Digital Media Agencies, E-Commerce, Games companies, social media, and Web design agencies such as Digital Project Planners, Sound designers, Video Editors, Visual designers, and Website designers.
The Diploma in Multimedia Technology is a 2-year programme offered at the Department of Mobile and Pervasive Computing under the Faculty of Computing and Information Systems (FoCIS). Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are awarded a Diploma in Multimedia Technology.
The tuition fee at GCTU for the Multimedia Technology Programme is GHC 5,980 per year for Ghanaian students and USD 1,125 per year for foreign students.
8. Wisconsin International University College
Wisconsin’s School of Communication trains students in journalism, advertising, and public relations. With small class sizes and a focus on practical learning, students enjoy personalized attention and hands-on experience.
Wisconsin offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, a programme that prepares students for careers in the Media and Communications industries, for example, Advertising, Journalism and Public Relations, and News Media. Students studying in the Communications programme will gain knowledge and skills in various aspects of media and will also have a chance to specialize in a particular area of interest. The programme also prepares students for postgraduate study, specializing in industries such as film & television.
The tuition fee in Wisconsin for this programme is GHC 3,180 per year for Ghanaian students and USD 1,566 per year for foreign students.
9. African University College of Communications (AUCC)
Located in Adabraka, Accra, the African University College of Communications (AUCC) is a distinguished private tertiary institution dedicated to advancing the study and teaching of journalism, communication studies, and information technology convergence. In addition to these core areas, AUCC offers programs in business and African Studies, emphasizing advanced learning and professional training to support Africa’s rapid growth and development.
AUCC began its journey in 2002 by admitting its first cohort of diploma students in Communication Studies. Two years later, in 2004, the institution received formal accreditation from the National Accreditation Board (NAB) of Ghana, solidifying its status as a leading educational center. Today, AUCC continues to uphold its mission of equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-evolving media and communication landscape. It offers a Bachelor of Arts programme in Journalism and Communication Studies becoming the first university in Africa to offer journalism and communication studies as its flagship programme.
AUCC is one of the most respected communication schools in Ghana. Its programs emphasize ethical journalism, critical thinking, and leadership in the media sector, producing graduates who excel in various fields of communication. The AUCC has been rated as a centre of excellence in media and communication studies by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
10. GH Media School
The GH Media School started with two main departments: Broadcast Journalism and Television and film Production. It offers the following courses: Certificate of Competence—1 Year, Advance Certificate of Competence—2 Years, and CTVET Diploma Certificate—2 Years (Certification By CTVET / Academic Advance Certificate). The school is located at Achimota in Accra.
Progressively, the departments have increased to four (4) for the Media School namely:
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Journalism and Media Arts
- TV and Film Production
- Multimedia Production
The Journalism and Media Studies program encourages students to develop a critical, ethical, and deliberative paradigm for the practice of journalism as a public service. The school seeks to cultivate proficiencies in storytelling across platforms and subject areas and inspire students to embrace the innovation potential that exists in the media environment. The course involves: TV Presenting / TV Journalism, Radio Presenting / Radio Journalism, Newspaper Reporting / Print Journalism Media Marketing / Media Law, and Broadcast Journalism / Advanced Journalism.
The School of Film & Television Production teaches students how to make compelling, in-demand content for screens of every size-whether it’s IMAX or a hand-held device. At GH Media, students quickly become adept at the tools of the trade, from cameras, light kits, and editing software to the newest cutting-edge techniques and technologies that are changing the professional production process.
Film and Television Production equips students with a thorough understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of the moving image. Production courses cover all aspects of filmmaking and promote a collaborative environment for learning to express original ideas through film and video.
The Diploma in Multimedia Production program aims to impart the professional knowledge and expertise required for Multimedia Production in the media industry. The program includes courses that provide the student with core courses such as production management, communication skills, Entrepreneurship, and African Studies. Students will be trained in Editing, Production Design, Sound Production, 2D and 3D Animation, Graphic designs, sound engineering, and post production Animation.
The tuition fee at GH Media is GHC 2,500 per semester.
CONTACT
Phone:
+233 30 242 4909 / +233 20 462 2250 / +233 27 762 2250 / +233 54 462 2250
Email: admissions@ghschools.online
11. Crystal Galaxy College
Crystal Galaxy offers a two-year programme in Communication Studies that will help students demonstrate an understanding of how communication shapes patterns of social interaction, the expression of cultural values and norms, political practices and relations of power, and our positions as local and global citizens. The course work includes Public Relations Campaigns, Critical & Rhetorical Methods and Relational Communication
The school is located at Odorkor Busia in Accra. Its teaching methodology is both theoretical and practical where a professor might show a social media post from a politician or celebrity for students to analyse, critique, and discuss from different angles, such as its medium, its message, and its meanings both expressed and implied, the credibility of the messenger, and the cultural impact of the message. Then students are required to write their own social-media post in response.
CONTACT
0504050603 / 05040506034
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