Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and Simon Diedong Dombo University | Overview | Courses Offered | Application Requirements

Established in 1959, the Ghana Institute of Journalism is a non-profit public higher education institution situated in the metropolis of Accra, Greater Accra, with a population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Ghana, the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) is a coeducational Ghanaian higher education institution. GIJ offers a variety of courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees across various areas of study. Refer to the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for more details. Accredited by the National Accreditation Board, the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ), formerly known as the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), is a public university in Ghana.

UniMAC-GIJ operates campuses in Accra at Ringway, Osu, and North Dzorwulu.

History:
The Ghana Institute of Journalism was founded on October 16, 1959, by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana. Initially named the School of Journalism, it functioned as a department at the Accra Technical Institute (now Accra Technical University). Richard McMillan, the first principal and journalism tutor, played a crucial role in its early years, with the university’s library later being named in his honor. The institution transitioned into the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 1974 and received its presidential charter, officially designating it as a university, in 2009.

Programs:

The Ghana Institute of Journalism offers a range of diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.

• Diploma Program:
• Duration: 2 years
• Subjects: Communication, social sciences, and arts.
• Bachelor of Arts Program:
• Duration: 4 years
• Specializations: Journalism or Public Relations.
• Masters Programs:
• Duration: 1 year
• Specializations: Public Relations, Journalism, Media Management, and Development Communication.
• Two-year B.A. in Communication Studies Top-Up Programme:
• Designed for Diploma graduates.

Faculties/Departments:

1. Faculty of Integrated Communication Sciences
2. Faculty of Journalism & Media Studies
3. Faculty of Public Relations, Advertising & Integrated Marketing
4. School of Graduate Studies and Research (SoGSaR)
5. School of Alternative Learning

Controversies:

The institution has faced controversies, including:

• Management labeled as ‘insensitive’ for fee increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a later reversal.
• Management’s request for students who paid fees late to defer courses, resulting in protests and accusations of unfairness. Some students were initially denied campus access.
• In November 2020, an amnesty was granted for non-graduating students since 2013, allowing them to register and complete their programs within three years.

Application Requirements

Applicants must possess six (6) passes (A1-D7) in all subjects, including English and Mathematics and must possess a minimum of C6 in any three (3) of the passes relevant to the area of specialisation.

GIJ Undergraduate, Distance, Sandwich, Mature Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements:
For WASSCE/SSSCE Applicants:

1. Successful completion of the THREE WASSCE/SSSCE Core Subjects (English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science) with at least a credit.
2. Attainment of CREDITS in THREE WASSCE/SSSCE Elective Subjects relevant to the chosen Programme, with an aggregate of 24 or better (WASSCE: A1-C6/SSSCE A-D).

General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE) Applicants:

• Passes in THREE Compulsory Subjects, including English Language.
• Passes in THREE Elective Subjects, including Business Mathematics.

GCE/IGCSE (CAMBRIDGE) ‘A’ & ‘O’LEVELS/Mature Applicants:

• FIVE credits at the GCE/IGCSE Oʼ Level, including English Language and Mathematics (or approved equivalents).
• Passes in at least THREE (3) subjects at the Advanced Level/Three Credits for mature applicants.
• Fulfillment of the appropriate Faculty or Departmental requirements.

Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE) Applicants:

• Passes in THREE Compulsory Subjects.
• Passes in THREE (3) Optional Subjects relevant to the chosen Programme of study.

International Baccalaureate Holders:

1. Minimum grade 4 at the Higher Level (HL) in Three (3) Subjects relevant to the chosen Programme.
2. Minimum grade 5 in Chemistry for Health and Allied Sciences, and for Engineering, at least grade 5 at the HL in Mathematics.
3. Minimum grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics at the Standard Level (SL).
4. At least grade C in a Science subject at the IGCSE.
5. Applicants from French-speaking countries must provide a minimum of one year of English Proficiency Certificate.

Simon Diedong Dombo University

The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Ghana is offering scholarships for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Management for the academic year 2022/2023. The university aims to promote and sustain the internationalization of its degree courses through these scholarships.

About the University:

• The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) is located in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital of Ghana.
• Established in 2019 by an Act of Parliament (Act 1001), the university officially started in May 2020, with its main campus in Bamahu, Wa.
• It emerged from the former University for Development Studies (UDS) Wa campus.

Program Objective:

• The Master of Philosophy in Development Management program aims to train versatile development managers with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.
• The program equips students with the necessary tools, skills, and attitudes to contribute to building prosperous and sustainable societies.
• Graduates are expected to guide development planning and implementation management at all levels, working towards the achievement of societal aspirations.

Scholarship Details:

• University: Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies
• Department: Department of Governance and Development Management
• Course Level: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Management
• Number of Awards: Not specified
• Access Mode: Online
• Nationality: International students

Eligibility Criteria:

• The scholarship is open to students of all nationalities.
• Applicants must be seeking admission to the MPhil in Development Management program.
• To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must possess a first degree with a minimum of Second Class (Upper Division) in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
• All applicants must pass a selection interview conducted by the University.

How to Apply:

1. Interested students must apply for admission via the UBIDS Online Admissions Portal.
2. Candidates meeting the scholarship criteria will be considered during the admission process.
3. Supporting documents, including a passport-size photograph, relevant certificates, official transcripts, and a short research proposal, should be submitted as part of the application.

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have a first degree with a minimum of Second Class (Lower Division) in a related field from a recognized University or Tertiary Institution.
• Proficiency in the English language is crucial, and foreign applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through language examinations such as TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, and CPE.

Benefits:

• Selected candidates will receive an educational fund to cover their study expenses in Ghana.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply before the deadline to be considered for this scholarship opportunity. For additional details, prospective applicants can visit the official website or contact the university for guidance on the application process.

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