FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Undergraduate Programme

Q: What is the educational qualification for a degree in Media and Communication?
A: The general qualification for a degree in Media and Communication is 5 CXCs/ O’ levels and 2 A’ levels or 2 units of 2 CAPE subjects inclusive of English Language, or an associate degree from a recognized institution. Additionally applicants must sit and pass the CARIMAC Entrance Exam.
For further information regarding qualification contact Admissions Section of UWI, Mona or visit the website: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/admissions/

Q: Are there specific subject requirements for entry in the Media and Communication degree?
A: There is no specific subject requirement. Applicants only need to satisfy the entry qualification to the University of the West Indies for the Faculty of Humanities and Education and be short listed from the CARIMAC Entrance Exam. However, you may want to ensure that you have a very good command of the Enlish language.

Q: Can I qualify for CARIMAC without the Entrance Exam?
A: No. Your success in the CARIMAC Entrance Exam is one criterion for acceptance along with satisfaction of the University’s matriculation criteria, unless you are a past Media and Communication Diploma student who has a B+ average.

Q: What is the tuition fee for the degree in Media and Communication?
A: The current (academic year 2005/2006) tuition fee is J$123,156.00 for all students from contributing countries. For additional information regarding tuition cost contact admissions section or visit: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/admissions/fees/0607/

Q: Can the degree programme be done part-time?
A: The degree in Media and Communication is not usually offered on a part-time basis, but special cases exist. If a student is given a part-time status it should be understood that part-time does not refer to evenings only, instead this refers to course load. A part-time student is required to do fewer courses than a full time student.

Q: What specializations are offered by CARIMAC?
A: Currently, CARIMAC offers six specializations: print and online journalism, public relations, social marketing, multimedia, television broadcasting and radio broadcasting. For more details of the description of these specializations contact CARIMAC or visit the website: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/carimac.

Q: Can I do more than one specialization?
A: Presently CARIMAC’s programme does not facilitate students doing more than one specialization, however the curriculum is so designed to make students well rounded and equipped with varying skills.

Q: Does CARIMAC offer a degree in film?
A: CARIMAC does not offer a specialization in film. However a degree in Media and Communication specializing in television broadcasting can be a stepping stone to further studies in film and can provide an opportunity for persons interested in film to develop a portfolio of works, which is usually requested by universities offering degrees in film.

Q: Do you offer voice and speech training?
A: Some voice and speech training is covered in the Radio Broadcasting specialization. There is also usually training offered in public speaking in our Summer School programme. For qualification and outline of this course visit: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/carimac/ssCourses.html#kps.

Q: What careers can I pursue with a degree in Media and Communication?
A: Your career opportunities are wide and varied having specialized in Media and Communication. You help to guide your career path by the choice of courses you select outside of your major (media and communication) and your area of specialization. Graduates are best equipped to function in their area of specialization but not necessarily limited to that area only. Careers include: communication consultants, public relations officers and managers, advocates, marketing managers, graphic designers, web designers, proposal writers, speech writers, reporters, senior administrators, editors, project managers, social marketers, researchers, announcers, lecturers, teaching assistants, etc.

Q: What financial assistance is available?
A: Various opportunities are available for the financing of your tertiary education such as: commercial loans, student loan or scholarships and bursaries from various financing agencies, for scholarships and bursaries visit: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/osf/Scholarships/2004/. For additional information please contact the Office of Student Financing, UWI, Mona. Most of the scholarships and bursaries listed on this website are for existing UWI students, but a popular Open University scholarship exists which covers the cost of the entire tuition for potential students who have applied to the undergraduate programmme to purse any major.

Q: Can I pursue another major with media and communication?
A: In some instance it is possible to pursue another major with media and communication. All majors except, physical therapy, medical science and law are available as an option for another major. You would however, need to satisfy the entry level requirement for each major and the regulations governing the pursuit of a double major. An example of a double major is media and science. Challenges for individuals pursuing double majors are timetable clashes and quota restrictions set by faculties.

Q: What is the qualification for a diploma in Media and Communication?
A: At least 3 years working experience in the media industry and at least 5 CXCs/ O’ levels is required. The applicant can only pursue a diploma in the area that he/she has experience. The areas of specialization for the one year full time diploma programme are: Print and Online Journalism, Television Broadcasting and Radio Broadcasting.

For additional questions or comments please contact us at: 977-1400/ 977-0898/977-1481 or e-mail: carimac@uwimona.edu.jm.