How to Become a Media Faculty in India: Qualifications, Salary, etc.

Become a Media Faculty by combining your degree with your love for teaching and live life to the extreme intrigue of the colorful world of multimedia. Dr. Nima J. John (Associate Professor of Media & Communication at Amity University Mumbai) discusses all about the highly respectable atmosphere of media academia from qualification requirement to salary and more. 

media faculty cover picture

1. Role of a Media Faculty

Teaching students about the tools of media, journalism, good communication, and presentation skills.

In today’s era, the multimedia and communication field has evolved into a practically interactive concept that sooner or later touches every aspect of humanity. In addition, media has been proliferating so much through newspapers, television and social media that it has now mounted a stage of extreme popularity among individuals.

So whom will one turn to in pursuit of its in-depth knowledge and a degree that withholds it all? This is where a media faculty plays a part!

Working stills - Faculty profile shoot at VSIT, 2018
Working stills – Faculty profile shoot at VSIT, 2018

Below is a list of roles played and fulfilled by a Media Faculty:

  • To lead the upcoming professionals in Media, Advertising, Marketing, and Academic industry in the delivery of media, communication, filmography and PR lessons.
  • To be responsible for the achievement of students in classes ensuring growth, knowledge, skills, and ample opportunities.
  • Being accountable for reaching the highest possible standards in work and conduct.
  • Working proactively in collaboration with students, guardians, subordinates and external agencies in the best interest of the institution.
  • Setting the professional duties in line with those mentioned in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document and Teacher Standards (2012) within its statutory frameworks.

Contents: Jump to Section

2.1 Courses Taken: Media Faculty Subjects
2.2 Entrance Exams
2.3 Academic Qualifications/ Options
2.4 License Required
2.5 Internship/ Work Experience Required
2.6 Cost of Tuition and Training
2.7 Competition &  Scope in India for Media Faculty
2.8 General Age to Start Professional Career for Media Faculties
2.9 Governing Bodies
3.1 Specializations/ Sub-Professions
3.2 Companies & Institutions That Employ Media Faculties
3.3 Growth Prospects
3.4 Entrepreneurship Opportunities
3.5 What is the Salary of Media Faculty in India?
4.1 Top Universities in India
4.2 Top Universities in World
4.3 Famous Personalities
4.4 Useful Links

2. How to Become a Media Faculty in India?

become a media faculty india

In order to become a media faculty in India, you need a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Animation, Film Making, or Applied Arts – Advertising. You can further develop your CV by taking up a master’s course followed by a PhD or work in the media industry to have in-depth understanding of it. The best suited way is to combine the two and it’ll enhance your resume even further. These are the main characteristics that an employer seeks.

2.1.1 Courses/Subjects Taken at School

There are high chances of a building a good base in this field if one opts for the Arts stream in their HSSC. This, of course, contains English as its prime subject of focus that builds your communication skills. Moreover, choosing elective subjects like Psychology, Social Science, and Political Science will further develop your knowledge of media at ground level.

2.1.2 Courses Taken: Media Faculty Subjects

A degree in media, communication, applied arts, or visual arts is required to become a media faculty (scroll down to Section 2.3.1 for more details). Depending on your degree, here are some of the courses taken at college level:

  • Communication
  • Film Making
  • Visual Communication
  • Electronic Media (TV, Online, Radio)
  • Print Media
  • Advertising
  • Acting
  • Media Planning

2.2 Entrance Exams

To enter a reputed media institute/college, a candidate has to perform well in a written exam followed by a personal interview round. In addition, there are some institutions that also offer direct admission on the basis of a student’s performance in the qualifying exam, that is, in Class XII or graduation.

2.3.1 Media Faculty Qualifications/ Degree Required

Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or Diploma & Certificate in media, communication, applied arts, or visual arts.

Along with this, doing an internship or having prior experience as a full or part-time media professional is a thumbs up. The following are the options for degree programs taken at college that are required to become a media faculty:

BJMC – Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication gives you a deep understanding of multimedia, that is, the news, print, television, and radio.

B.SC Animation – Bachelor of Science in Animation gives you a thorough knowledge of moving image manipulation and enhances your skills in computer-generated imagery (CGI).

BFA Applied Arts – Bachelor of Fine Arts gives you knowledge of designing, drama, music, sculpting, pottery, painting, interior designing, and other similar subjects.

BA Film Making – Bachelor of Arts in Filmography allows students to learn through a hands-on approach to films, including direction, cinematography, video editing, sound designing, production, and lighting.

The candidate should have a good academic score with a Bachelor’s degree in media studies, communication, social science or similar areas. This requires at least 55 percent marks at the Bachelor’s degree level.

How to Become a Media Faculty career tips profession

2.3.2 Post-Graduate Degree Requirements/ Options

A master’s degree is a great idea, even a PhD. Consider areas you want to develop expertise in, such as Animation, Mass Comm., Journalism, Film Making or Advertising.

2.4 License Required

No, a license is not required in order to become a teaching faculty. However, you just need a degree from an accredited institute.

2.5 Internship/ Work Experience Required

Internship or prior work experience is mandatory to enter the field.

One with an experience of 8 years and above has the highest chance of becoming a media professor.

2.6 Cost of Tuition and Training: How Much Does it Cost to Become a Media Faculty?

It varies according to the following:

  • Course to course – While a normal Diploma may cost Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 75,000, a Bachelor’s degree may cost Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 6,00,000 overall.
  • From a college to a university to an institute – It ascends in the order mentioned. A college degree is cheaper as compared to university or institute.
  • Govt to private – Government colleges offer media degrees at about Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year. On the other hand, private colleges will provide degrees starting from Rs. 3,00,000 and above.
  • Period or duration of the course – The longer the duration of study, the more the cost shall be.

2.7 Competition: How Hard is It to Become a Media Faculty

It’s an extremely competitive industry with cut throat competition. So if you truly want to become a media faculty, make sure you catch up with the latest advancements, trends, and skills.

2.8 General Age: How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Media Faculty in India?

25

You have to be 18 years and plus to be able to apply for a media faculty job. Of course, consideration becomes prominent with more experience, skills, a decent CV and knowledge. After your bachelor’s degree, it’s 2 years of master’s, or in some cases more for PhD, and some work experience (1-3 years).

2.9 Governing Bodies

The governing bodies for this profession in India and globally are IMPA, CINTAA, IMC, IIMC, PTI, IDPA, Writer’s Association, WCA, and more.

3. Professional Opportunities/ Career Growth for Media Faculties

become a media faculty professional opportunities

3.1 Specializations/ Sub-Professions

Certain sub-professions in a media faculty’s field are as follows:

  • Photography
  • Creative Writing, Content Writing, Copy Writing, and Editing
  • Art Direction
  • Fashion Designing, and Make Up and Hair Styling
  • Choreography
  • Production Design
  • Animation, VFX, SFX,
  • Sound Design, Music Production, Audio Engineering,
  • Correspondent, Reporter, and Journalist
  • Production Controller
  • Cinematography, Producing, Directing, and Acting
  • Talent and Celebrity Management
  • Gaffer

3.2 Companies & Institutions that Employ Media Faculty

Apart from academic institutions, those who employ media faculties are as follows:

  • Film and television production houses
  • Television channels
  • Advertising and public relation agencies
  • OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar, etc.

3.3 Growth Prospects

As in any field, the growth is subject to your passion, commitment, hard work and more importantly, smart work. The sky is the limit. And technically speaking, many media professors tend to rise from their current positions. For instance, an assistant professor to professor, a professor to HOD, and a HOD to Vice Chancellor or board member.

3.4 Entrepreneurship Opportunities

There are immense entrepreneurship opportunities from the word go, but it is always important to gain experience first. After that, you must build a profile, develop resources, follow the trends, study the market and demands. Lastly, build a clientele before venturing out independently. There are many media faculties who start a small medium enterprise from scratch. A production house or a social media company for example.

3.5 What is the Salary of Media Faculty in India?

Again, the salary is subject to the choice you make and the place you choose. Your caliber will determine your value and worth. An average would be Rs. 20,000 at starting level. But everything is subject to the above mentioned points.

4. Further Resources

Below are some useful industry resources on to become a Media Faculty. These resources will help you further in understanding the nitty gritties of this field and where to exercise your skills to turn it into expertise.

Become a Media Faculty resources

4.1 Top Universities in India

The most famous universities of media studies in India are as follows:

  • Amity University Mumbai – bachelors and masters degrees and Ph.D Research in Media and Communication.
  • Mumbai University and its affiliations like Xavier’s Institute of Communication and Wilson College – Bachelor’s of Mass Media.
  • Vidyalankar School of Information Technology – Bachelor of Mass Media.

4.2 Top Universities in World

The top media universities in the world according to ranking are as follows:

  • University of Amsterdam
  • University of Southern California
  • The London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Stanford University
  • University of Texas at Austin

4.3 Famous Personalities

Some famous media personalities are:

  • Prasoon Pandey
  • Ravish Kumar
  • Dhruv Rathee
  • Llyod Baptista
  • Casey Neistat
  • Nas Daily
  • Aamir Khan
  • A.R. Rehman
  • Pratik Kuhad
  • Mira Nair

In addition, Prasad Naik, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Ang Lee, Shekhar Kapur, Zoya Akhtar, Sanjay Leela Bansali, Shyam Benegal, and Satyajit Ray are personalities worth reading and observing the works of.

4.4 Useful Links or Resources

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Curated & Edited by Prerna Sharma (CareerNuts Staff)

Read next:

Media Faculty Career Path: Scope, Prospects and More

The media & entertainment industry is truly an exciting one. From radio and television to anchoring, advertising, audio engineering, and script writing, it offers an ocean of options to choose from. And the one thing in this world of incredible opportunities which is even more amazing is of walking on a media faculty career path. 

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