School of Arts
Bachelor in Media Studies
Started from 2006, Bachelor in Media Studies (BMS) is an intensive four-year program under the Department of Languages and Mass Communication. It consists of all-encompassing courses with a scope for the concentration in a specialized field such as journalism, communication, media content production (radio, television and film), new media, media research, marketing and entrepreneurship development.
BMS program is primarily aimed at producing human resources for media organizations, media support services, and allied industries such as advertising and public relations, educational institutions, development agencies, IT and other service sectors.
The program has a strong theoretical orientation, analytical foundation and skills building that prepares the students for higher academic pursuit. BMS graduates are also empowered with entrepreneurship and management skills required in the field of media and allied industries.
The tracer study of the BMS graduates conducted by the university shows that the Department so far has a 100% placement record. The graduates have earned reputation because of their performances and achievements in mainstream news media as well as other diverse fields including film production, show-biz, international agencies and I/NGOs and development agencies. A number of them have become successful young entrepreneurs while many graduates have won scholarships for higher studies in prestigious universities abroad.
Objectives
- To produce new breed of media professionals in the areas including journalism, multi-media production, public relations, filmmaking, communication and media management;
- To build students’ skills and expertise in the field of social science research; particularly focusing on the cross-cutting areas of media and society;
- To provide platform for individuals to realize their potential in creative productions and eventually standout as an entrepreneur in the field of their interest;
- To prepare individuals for their further degrees in the field of media and communications with critical understanding of the media dimensions;
- To provide hands-on training as well as sound theoretical knowledge.
Career Prospects
The BMS students study a wide range of subjects from core media disciplines to information and communication technologies (ICTs), social sciences, languages, and other interdisciplinary areas. The students work in classrooms, audio/visual and multimedia lab, computer lab, photography lab, seminar halls, and any other assigned fields. Students are also provided with opportunities of internship in mainstream media houses and other institutions pertinent to their field of specialization. In fact, they work in all the areas where a future media professional is expected to reach. Some major professions our graduate join are as follows:
- Filmmakers
- Storytellers
- Media Critics
- Multimedia Journalists
- Content Creators
- Media Entrepreneurs
- Development Workers
- Communication Officers
- Public Relations Officers
- Radio and Television Journalists
- Social Media Strategist and Managers
- Media and Communication Researchers
Program Highlights
- Well-equipped Digital Media Lab and Media Studio for BMS students.
- Abundant opportunities in the job market; internship placement and job offer;
- Multiple study tours and field visits to supplement learning experience beyond classroom;
- Possibility of specialization in the areas of journalism, film making, public relations, communications and multi-media productions;
- High acceptance in post-graduate enrollment in the top universities abroad;
- Semester-long study opportunity in Europe as a part of Erasmus+ exchange program for students selected on a competitive basis.
Course Structure
First Year, First Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| NEPL 151 | Nepali I | 3 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MEDS 101 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| MEDS 104 | Basic Journalism I | 3 |
| MEDS 141 | Introduction to Media Producation | 3 |
| MEDS 151 | Foundation of Social Sciences I | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
First Year, Second Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| NEPL 152 | Nepali II | 3 |
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| NEPS 151 | Nepal Studies | 3 |
| MEDS 105 | Basic Journalism II | 3 |
| MEDS 142 | Graphics and Animation | 3 |
| MEDS 152 | Foundation of Social Sciences II | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
Second Year, First Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| MEDS 201 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| MEDS 202 | Media, Culture and Society | 3 |
| MEDS 209 | Research Methodology | 3 |
| MEDS 241 | Audio Production | 3 |
| MEDS 251 | Communication Theories | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Second Year, Second Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| MEDS 206 | Public Relations | 3 |
| MEDS 208 | Advertising Principles and Practices | 3 |
| MEDS 212 | Photojournalism | 3 |
| MEDS 231 | Introducation to Cinema Studies | 3 |
| MEDS 252 | Philosophical Approaches to Communication | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Third Year, First Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| MEDS 311 | Development Communication | 3 |
| MEDS 331 | Documentary Film Appreciation | 3 |
| MEDS 332 | Social Media Management | 3 |
| MEDS 333 | Gaming, Immersive Realities and AI | 3 |
| MEDS 341 | Creative Writing | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Third Year, Second Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| MEDS 316 | Research Application in Media | 3 |
| MEDS 322 | ICT for Development | 3 |
| MEDS 334 | Human Rights, Press Law and Media Environment | 3 |
| MEDS 335 | Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Global Media | 3 |
| MEDS 336 | Digital Broadcasting | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Fourth Year, First Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| MEDS 410 | Media Ethics | 3 |
| MEDS 414 | Media Entrepreneurship and Management | 3 |
| MEDS 443 | Advanced Journalism Practices | 3 |
| MEDS 444 | Television Production | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester
| Code | Course Title | Credit |
| MEDS 441 | Internship | 3 |
| MEDS 414 | Research Report | 6 |
| MEDS 445 | Film Production | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
Teaching Methodology
The students are considered as prospective leaders to transform traditional society into information rich modern society. Hence, they are facilitated to cultivate individual talents and foster commitment towards professional as well as academic achievements in media industry, media support services, development agencies and other sectors. Thus, the classroom environment comprises of several activities such as practical works, where students are required to go to the field and produce media content from the real time context. Courses demanding theoretical rigor incorporates group discussions, student presentations, audio-visual material and references in addition to the instructor’s lectures. The program also requires students to be proficient in using computer applications so as to carry out their media projects; use of contemporary ICT for the learning process is central to all academic activities, while they are meant to have a sound knowledge base on research works and critical thinking by the time they graduate.
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions
Students with 10+2 or intermediate degree or any other equivalent degree in any discipline from a recognized educational institution with minimum aggregate of 45 percent or CGPA 2.0 out of 4 are eligible to apply for any of these programs. Qualified candidates can apply for the entrance examination; Kathmandu University School of Arts Admissions Test (KUSAAT). All eligible candidates are required to perform satisfactorily in KUSAAT and also perform well in personal interview for the successful completion of the admission process.
Registration:
to register at Kathmandu University as an undergraduate student, applicants must provide their academic certificates and other required documents.
Provision Admission:
Applicants who have taken their Higher Secondary examinations but are waiting for their results may also apply. They must have taken their examinations before the application date. If selected for the course, they will receive provisional admission.
International Admission
The School welcomes applications from qualified students from all over the world. General admission process, requirements, and obligations are identical with students applying from within Nepal. Language proficiency in English is highly recommended. Admission decisions are based on a number of factors: Grade Point Average (GPA), Personal Statements, Letters of Recommendation, as well as other achievement records. Some requirements are program specific; Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor in Music requires you to submit your portfolio along with the application materials.
Scholarship
Meritorious scholarships are awarded to deserving students as per the School’s rule. One scholarship is available for applicants from Lalitpur Metropolitan City.
Evaluation Criteria
The performance of students in a course is evaluated in two stages, internally by the faculty member and externally by the Office of the Controller of Examinations through end-semester exams. Fifty percent weightage is assigned to the external end semester examinations and remaining fifty percent is assigned to the internal assessments. In order to successfully complete a course, students are required to obtain a minimum of 40 percent marks in both of the components independently. Students must achieve a minimum of 80 percent attendance for each and every course they have registered. Students who do not achieve the above-mentioned criteria will be considered ‘Not Qualified’ and will not be allowed to appear in the external end-semester examinations.
Exchange
The School offers exchange program to students from other University around the world recognized by Kathmandu University. Exchange students from other Universities can come here on exchange semester or can take classes here and earn credits required, and expand their experience in a new culture.
Credit Transfer
Many students who discontinue studying at Kathmandu University and want to go abroad for various reasons may also use their earned credits through Credit Transfer system which, however, depends upon the receiving university’s compatibility. Kathmandu University is well recognized by most universities in the world for its academic quality and standards.
Evaluation Methods
The performance of students in a course is evaluated in two components;
- In-semester: 50 % of the weightage is evaluated internally by the faculty member
- End-semester: 50% of the weightage is evaluated externally by the Office of the Controller of Examination through end-semester exams.
Course Completion
In order to successfully complete a course:
- Students are required to obtain a minimum of 40% marks in both of the components independently
- Students will have to achieve a minimum of 80% attendance for every course. Students who do not achieve this will be considered “Not qualified” and will not be allowed to appear in the external end-semester examinations.
- Any student who fails to secure 50% of the total credits offered in a semester will have to drop out from the semester.
- Practical courses may have program specific provisions for evaluation.
Grading System
Students will be evaluated on four point scale using letter grades as follows:
|
Marks |
Grade |
Grade Points |
|
85 and Above |
A |
4.00 |
|
80 – 84.9 |
A- |
3.70 |
|
75 – 79.9 |
B+ |
3.33 |
|
70 – 74.9 |
B |
3.00 |
|
65 – 69.9 |
B- |
2.67 |
|
60 – 64.9 |
C+ |
2.33 |
|
55 – 59.9 |
C |
2.00 |
|
50 – 54.9 |
C- |
1.67 |
|
45 – 49.9 |
D |
1.00 |
|
< 45 |
F |
Fail |
Academic Calendar & Intake
Program duration: four years, eight semesters
Credit Requirement: 126 credits
Intake: 30 Students