AIOU Strengthens Media Education with BS, MPhil, and PhD Curriculum Updates

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has approved the launch of a new BS (Face-to-Face) Media and Communication Studies program along with 10 certificate courses, following an important meeting of the Committee of Courses of the Department of Mass Communication held here on Friday under the chairmanship of the Head of Department, Dr. Bakht Rawan.
In the meeting significant decisions were taken regarding updating the curriculum along modern lines, keeping in view the academic and professional needs of students, and introducing new programs in line with the evolving demands of the media industry. Along with this, amendments were made in the already running BS, MPhil, and PhD programs in accordance with the policies of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the recommendations of the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC). The Committee also formally approved the new course outlines for all three levels (BS, MS, and PhD).
The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir, also attended the meeting. He appreciated the services of the Department of Mass Communication and said that
I congratulate the Head of Department, Dr. Bakht Rawan and his team for including contemporary courses and launching new programs. This development will prove to be a guarantee of success for students in the professional field.”
He further stated that the participation of the Vice Chancellor of Gomal University, Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal, was commendable and would help promote collaboration between educational institutions. Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal showed deep interest in the proceedings of the Committee, played an active role, and presented several important and forward-looking suggestions which were highly appreciated by the members of the Committee.
Other external experts present at the meeting included Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal (Vice Chancellor, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan), Professor Dr. Noshina Saleem (Chairperson, Department of Communication and Media Research, Punjab University), and Professor Dr. Zahid Yousaf (Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Gujrat).
On this occasion, Director Academic Planning and Course Production, Dr. Zahid Majeed, provided detailed guidance to the Committee regarding the University’s policies and academic development.
At the beginning of the meeting, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Bakht Rawan, said:
“In view of the rapid development of media and its changing requirements, curriculum reforms are the need of the hour. Our objective is to equip students with modern media technology, research, and professional skills so that they can become more effective and productive in the professional field.”