India faces significant challenges, including illiteracy, population explosion, corruption, and inequality. For students driven to voice their concerns for a better society and work toward creating a safer, more equitable nation, Mass Media becomes a vital instrument of change. The need for both qualitative and quantitative education in this field has never been more pressing. This is where institutions like the Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication (SCMC) excel, shaping the media professionals of tomorrow to contribute meaningfully to society. Recognized as India’s premier mass communication college, SCMC has carved a distinct niche in media and communication education since its inception in 2008.
SCMC in a Nutshell
The Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication (SCMC) operates as an integral part of the Faculty of Media Communication (FoMC) at Symbiosis International University (SIU). Established under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, SIU has earned an “A++” accreditation from NAAC, showcasing its dedication to academic excellence.
With the introduction of NEP-aligned 4-year degree programs, the Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication (SCMC) now offers two advanced courses: the B.A. in Mass Communication with Research and Honors, and the BBA in Media Management with Research and Honors. These programs blend traditional academics, research, cyber learning, and experiential methodologies to provide a comprehensive educational experience.
As India’s first institute to introduce undergraduate specializations in media studies, SCMC integrates extensive coursework, sessions led by industry experts, immersive internships, and hands-on projects, fostering a holistic approach to learning. The programs are designed to merge the best aspects of media communication and management, aiming not only to meet market demands but also to set new benchmarks for the future.
SCMC’s courses are delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced professors. Learning is further enriched through conclaves, seminars, field visits, and case studies, ensuring the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Best Media and Mass Communication Institute of the Year 2024
SCMC has successfully integrated the NEP 2020 framework into its undergraduate programs. The institute offers a comprehensive 160-credit program, along with a 167-credit honors program, which provides students with the opportunity to specialize in one of seven fields: Multimedia Journalism, Event Production, Brand Communication and Advertising Management, Digital Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, and Media Entrepreneurship.
To provide our readers with an insight into why SCMC has been honored as the Best Media and Mass Communication Institute of the Year 2024, we interviewed Dr. Sreeram Gopalkrishnan, the Director of the institute. When asked about the institute’s achievements over the past few years, he highlighted the substantial progress made in both academics and placements. “We have successfully benchmarked our B.A. Mass Communication and BBA Media Management programs to international standards,” he explained. “In the last three to four years, our placement performance has significantly improved, with nearly a 100% placement rate for the communication management program and slightly lower than that for media communication.”
Dr. Gopalkrishnan also expressed his pride in the accomplishments of their students, particularly Garima Pura, who won an Oscar for The Elephant Whisperers, a Netflix film for which she was the story writer. He also mentioned other notable awards and recognitions, including accolades at the Durgapur International Film Festival, Tamil Nadu Film Festival, and Goa Film Festival.
Furthermore, the director highlighted the introduction of the SCMC Chronicle, a student-led journal. Initially printed in a tabloid format, the Chronicle has now shifted to a digital platform, showcasing nearly 500 stories.
Bridging Academia and Industry
SCMC fosters strong ties with industries and corporate partners, ensuring that students gain valuable real-world experience. As part of their curriculum, students complete two mandatory cognates, developed in collaboration with industry partners. Unique in India, SCMC offers three internships, each lasting two months, providing graduates with a total of six months of work experience by the time they complete their degree, greatly enhancing their employability.
With over 200 placement partners, the institute arranges internships, relieving students from the task of seeking them independently. At SCMC, however, the focus is on “learning packages” rather than “earning packages.” The institute encourages students to choose companies based on exposure, quality, and mentorship rather than salary alone. Companies offering high packages are carefully screened to ensure they align with SCMC’s values and to avoid placing students in potentially toxic environments.
A Strong Commitment to Research Excellence
Research has been a central focus at SCMC, and over the past five years, the institute has published nearly 35 Scopus-indexed research papers, a significant achievement for an undergraduate institution. This accomplishment underscores the innovation and expertise of SCMC’s faculty, who combine academic knowledge with industry experience to deliver high-quality education. Through their research, the institute offers live scenarios and unique perspectives that are directly relevant to the media industry. Starting with zero Scopus publications in 2017-18, reaching 35 reflects SCMC’s growth and commitment to advancing research.
To further support its research initiatives, SCMC launched the Pramana Research Conference, which has already hosted two successful editions. The third edition, scheduled for February 2025, will be held in collaboration with the Q1-ranked journal South Asian Popular Culture. This partnership allows participants to present their research and potentially have their papers published following a peer-review process, further enhancing SCMC’s research credentials and impact in the media field.
In the Days to Come
In conclusion, when asked about SCMC’s short-term and long-term plans, Dr. Gopalkrishnan highlighted the institute’s commitment to aligning its courses with global standards and enhancing its resources to provide an exceptional learning experience. With 116 unique courses currently offered, SCMC aims to expand its curriculum further in the near future.
Looking ahead, SCMC has ambitious long-term goals, including the introduction of new programs, strengthening international collaborations, and expanding into the digital learning space. The institute has already established valuable partnerships with institutions like Birmingham City University and various universities in the US, including a recent collaboration on the “India@75” project. Moving forward, SCMC plans to forge additional alliances with leading universities and industry partners, further advancing its educational offerings and ensuring continued excellence in media and communication education.
