CUC to introduce dual-degree programmes in Ghana
The Communication University of China (CUC) would soon introduce a two-year double Masters’ Degree programmes in some top communication schools in Africa, including Ghana.
The programme would be sponsored by the Chinese Government under its scholarship programme and is aimed at creating opportunity for majority of African media practitioners to receive first class training in media and communication.
Professor Hu Zhengrong, the Vice-President of the University, gave the hint in Beijing during a visit by Mr Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, the Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC).
The visit was on the sidelines of the China-Africa Cooperation Media Forum and the Star-Times Forum on TV Digital Migration which took place in Beijing, between June 20 and 25, 2016.
It was also to enable the NMC Chairman to explore areas of cooperation, especially between the African Communication Research Centre of the Institute of Communication Studies of the University and the Research Centre of NMC.
Professor Hu explained that the programme would be taught in English and could be accessed by all interested Ghanaian students as well as media practitioners.
The programme would also give an opportunity for beneficiaries to explore higher levels of communication programmes to aid effective and positive leveraging of the media on society.
He mentioned the Ghana Institute of Journalism as one of the beneficiary institutions when the programme takes off in Ghana.
Professor Hu said under the proposals, a prospective student would spend one year in their home countries and use the last year for practical training in China.
Professor Hu said CUC was established in 1954 with the name Beijing Broadcasting Institute and was later changed to CUC in 2004.
It has four faculties namely, Journalism and Communication, Arts, Science and Engineering, and Literature and Law.
Currently it has 30,000 students of which 15,000 are on distance education programmes from foreign countries.
The University was last year ranked as the top in journalism, communication, drama, cinematic and TV arts, in China by the Ministry of Education.
Professor Hu said the CUC also had collaborations with international media outlets or media organisation and government bodies and wish to have same with Ghana.
Mr Gyan-Apenteng praised CUC for training professionals to help advance journalism in Africa mentioning Mr Theophilus Tettey as an example who runs the NMC’s research centre.
He noted that the NMC, as an independent body set-up by the Constitution, regulates media practice in Ghana.
Mr Gyan-Apenteng said the NMC was working with international partners in research and it was looking forward for fruitful collaboration with CUC to carry out short courses for media practitioners in Ghana.
Source: GNA