UniMAC launches PhD programme in Media and Communication next year

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) is set to introduce a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Media and Communication early next year, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, has said.

He explained that UniMAC, tasked with equipping students with the intellectual and practical tools needed to navigate the rapidly evolving fields of media and communication, faced significant challenges in those disciplines.

A key challenge, he noted, was the shortage of highly qualified faculty members to lead in both teaching and research.
"UniMAC occupies a distinct position in Ghana's educational landscape. Established to provide specialised education in media, arts and communication," he stated.

Prof. Opoku Mensah highlighted that communication studies, as a discipline, lacked the depth of expertise needed to propel it into new realms of innovation and relevance.

He, therefore, described the introduction of the PhD programme as a definitive step towards addressing the gap.

He was speaking last Thursday at the official launch of UniMAC's first doctoral programme in communication studies, held in Accra.

Mandate

Prof. Opoku Mensah emphasised that the introduction of the PhD programme would strengthen the university's institutional mandate and demonstrate its commitment to developing the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

He stressed that the launch was not merely an academic milestone, but also one with far-reaching implications for Ghana’s economic and political development."Economically, communication is an essential driver of business innovation, public engagement and industrial competitiveness, advanced training and communication studies, equip professionals with the skills to navigate and lead in sectors such as marketing, public relations, media engagement, film studies and contributing directly to economic growth.

“Politically, the role of communication cannot be overstated. In a thriving democracy like ours, effective communication fosters transparency, accountability and citizen engagement. It ensures that governance is participatory and policies are responsive," he explained.

Prof. Opoku Mensah stated that through the programme, the university aimed to produce scholars and practitioners who would strengthen the country's democratic foundations.

The PhD programme

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr George Kwabena Asamoah, explained that the programme would offer specialisations in areas such as media and journalism, political communication, public relations, and film and television studies, catering to the diverse and evolving needs of the field.

He noted that the programme would span four years, beginning with foundational coursework in research methods, theory, and analysis during the first year.

“This would be followed by seminars, critical reviews, research proposal defences, and intensive thesis work in subsequent years,” he explained.

He said applicants would be required to hold a Master’s degree in a communication-related field from an accredited university, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a compelling research proposal.

Dr Asamoah stated that the structured approach would ensure graduates were equipped with the skills, knowledge and expertise to excel in academia, industry and policymaking.

The proposed fees for the first year of the programme are set at GH¢17,250.