The FAQs comprise of two parts:
How do I login to online portal?
To logon to our MADJ website, go to https://www.aku.edu/admissions/ma-digital-journalism/Pages/home.aspx
What are the steps to fill in an online application form?
You must follow the instructions and hints on each page before going to the next. Doing this will ensure that the information required on a page is complete in all respects.
We recommend that you first review the relevant admission eligibility requirements for the programme you are applying to before you complete the online application. You can review eligibility requirements for the MDAJ programme here.
Where should I write for help in case I am not able to access the application form or need to ask a question?
You should email the online administrator at online.application@aku.edu and copy admissions.ke@aku.edu.
If I am applying for the first time, what should I do?
As a first-time user, to register yourself, you should click on the new user hyperlink then enter your email address and password. Make sure to enter secret question and its response.
If I have applied last year, do I need to fill out the application form? What should I do?
On the login page, you should click on the tab that reads: already a user and register yourself. You will be required to enter all the information by entering your email ID and Password. If you don’t recall your password, please use forgot your password hyperlink to recover it.
Note: If you enter incorrect passwords for five times then your account will be locked. To reactivate your account, you will be required to use "forgot your password" hyperlink.
If I do not have email address, can I register online?
No. In order to register, you must have an active email ID. You should create one before going online to fill in the application form. Remember to make a note of the email address and the password so that you don’t forget. All future correspondence will be sent to this email address.
Note: The email address should be the one you will use through the admission process, i.e., to complete the online application form and to access information about your application status during the admission process.
What password should I use while creating online application?
It is your choice. You may have your Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo password, or you may create another password for the online portal.
What should my password be like? Is there a character limit?
For security reasons, the password should be at the minimum 8 characters including one special character ($ # @ %) and one numeric character (1 2 3 4) for example Kenya$12. You should remember your password.
How do I make sure that I am registered with AKU?
You will receive a registration confirmation email at your email address. If you have not received this within a few minutes of registering, please check your Spam/Junk folder. In case this is not received, please write to us at online.application@aku.edu.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
Yes. You may apply for as many programmes as you want, provided you are eligible for them. For each of the programmes you wish to apply, you must create a separate application.
Remember: you must apply to all these programmes through one account. So, create only one account using one email address.
How many times can I apply for a programme?
Except for the MBBS programme, where you may apply three times, you may apply as many times as you want to any programme provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Is there anything I need to be careful about to avoid mistakes in the process of completing my online application?
Yes. You must follow the instructions given and read carefully the prompt warnings the system will give you as you move along the pages. If you do this, you should have an error-free application.
If you wish to apply for more than one programme, you must complete the online application requirements for one programme first. Then go to the new application tab, select country and programme and complete the application requirements for another programme.
Be very careful when creating an application. Remember, an application once created cannot be deleted.
Note: The online system will not allow you to submit the application if any mandatory information is missing.
How much is the application fee?
A non-refundable application fee of Ksh. 5,300/- is applicable.
What is the mode of payment?
The payment page on the application platform will include a link to Direct Pay Online (DPO). DPO accepts M-Pesa and credit/debit cards, serving both local and international applicants. A 3% surcharge is payable to Pesapal upon submitting the application. For M-Pesa payments, the amount payable, including the surcharge, will be reflected in your total balance.
What is the application fee payment procedure?
Please note that all application procedures are completed entirely online, including payment of the application fee. Applicants must carefully follow the entire process through the Save, Pay, and Submit stages.
During submission, the system will prompt you to enter your password or PIN to authorize the transaction. After initiating payment, applicants are advised to wait until the process is fully completed before logging off or closing the browser.
Once payment has been successfully processed, applicants will receive a payment confirmation notification, followed by a final submission confirmation from the system.
B: About the Programme
What is a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism (MADJ)?
The Master of Arts in Digital Journalism is a two-year graduate programme that combines real-life practice with academic rigor to position early and mid-career journalists as leaders in their field. The programme enables journalists to develop knowledge, skills and professional qualities for success at the highest levels of their profession and gives them an opportunity to work with world-renowned journalists and scholars as they blend practice, critical thinking, and theory in their coursework.
What are the prerequisites for applying to a MADJ program?
A four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited/recognized university, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 (on a four-point scale) or its equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of two years of professional experience in journalism or a related field. OR
A four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited / recognized university with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent will be considered, provided the candidate has a minimum of four years of professional experience in journalism or a related field.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to journalism and its ethical practice, and have:
Demonstrated academic and intellectual ability.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English.
Basic computer literacy, especially as applied to production techniques in the media.
Broad knowledge of history and current affairs.
Relevant work experience as evidenced by a portfolio of work and professional references.
Is it necessary to have a background in journalism to apply for a MADJ program?
Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to journalism and its ethical practice, as well as:
Demonstrated academic and intellectual ability.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English
Basic computer literacy, especially as applied to production techniques in the media
Broad knowledge of history and current affairs
Relevant work experience as evidenced by a portfolio of work and professional references
What are the advantages of pursuing a MADJ program over traditional journalism programs?
We understand the new media landscape. We cultivate the foundational skills and qualities that no journalist or media organization can survive without ethical, fact-based reporting and innovative storytelling. We are proud to offer this first-of-its-kind MA in Digital Journalism to professionals who are primed to take on the challenge.
We equip students with the skills the Digital Age demands, as well as the broader perspective required to understand and anticipate the forces to reshape the industry.
How long does it take to complete a MADJ program?
The MADJ is a two-year academic programme with one and a half years of class work and six months of project/research work.
What support services are available for MADJ students, such as financial aid or career counseling?
Student counsellors at AKU provide psychological support to students and medical trainees undergoing personal, social, or academic challenges, or common mental health concerns including (but not limited to) adjustment issues, stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
AKU has a Financial Assistance Programme that aims to assist students who have limited financial need to support the cost of their education. Currently, MADJ are legible for partial scholarship. Upon admission, students are encouraged to apply for this. Allocation is done on need basis.
Can I work while completing an MADJ program?
Our flexible format means you can continue working while you study.
What are the career prospects for graduates of a MADJ program?
Graduates of a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism (MADJ) program have a wide range of career prospects in the rapidly evolving field of media and communication. Here are some potential career paths:
Digital Journalist: Graduates can work as digital journalists for online news outlets, digital-first publications, or traditional media organizations with a strong online presence. They report news stories, produce multimedia content, and engage with audiences through various digital platforms.
Multimedia Producer: They can pursue roles as multimedia producers, creating engaging digital content such as videos, podcasts, interactive graphics, and multimedia packages for news websites, social media platforms, and other digital channels.
Social Media Editor/Manager: With expertise in social media reporting and engagement, graduates can work as social media editors or managers, responsible for managing and curating content across various social media platforms, building audience engagement, and monitoring online conversations.
Data Journalist: Graduates with skills in data analysis and visualization can work as data journalists, uncovering stories hidden within complex datasets, conducting investigative reporting using data-driven methods, and creating compelling visualizations to enhance storytelling.
Content Strategist: They can pursue roles as content strategists, developing and implementing strategies for content creation, distribution, and audience engagement across digital platforms. Content strategists work closely with editorial teams, marketing departments, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and effective content strategies.
Digital Media Manager: Graduates can work as digital media managers, overseeing the digital presence of media organizations, managing websites and social media accounts, analysing audience metrics, and implementing strategies to optimize digital performance and audience engagement.
Entrepreneurial Journalist: Some graduates may choose to start their own digital media ventures, such as independent news websites, niche blogs, or digital content production companies. Entrepreneurial journalists leverage their skills in digital storytelling, audience engagement, and multimedia production to create innovative media products and services.
Academic Researcher or Educator: Graduates interested in academia can pursue careers as researchers or educators in the field of digital journalism, teaching courses, conducting research, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in areas such as digital media theory, online journalism ethics, and emerging media technologies. Some graduates may choose to pursue careers in education or training, sharing their expertise and knowledge with others through teaching, mentoring, or training programs. They may work as journalism instructors, workshop facilitators, or professional development trainers, helping aspiring journalists and communication professionals develop specialized editorial skills.
Overall, the skills acquired in a MADJ program are highly transferable and relevant across various sectors of the media industry, providing graduates with diverse opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers in the digital age.
