EDUCATION

Mass Communication in Polytechnic vs University: Which is Better?

Mass communication is one of the most sought-after courses in Nigeria today. From print and broadcast journalism to public relations and digital media, this course opens doors to a variety of careers. But one major question many students ask is whether it’s better to study Mass Communication in a university or a polytechnic.

Both institutions offer solid education in this field, but the experience, opportunities, and outcomes can be quite different. If you’re planning to study Mass Communication and you’re stuck between choosing a polytechnic or a university, this article will help you weigh your options and decide which one suits your goals better.

Let’s compare them based on curriculum, duration, practical experience, job opportunities, and cost.

Admission Requirements

The first major difference comes at the point of entry. For most universities, you’ll need a higher JAMB score and a strong post-UTME performance to study Mass Communication. Universities often set their cut-off marks between 180 and 250, depending on how competitive the course is in each institution.

Polytechnics, on the other hand, are more lenient. Many of them accept scores from 120 to 160, depending on the school and the number of applicants. This makes polytechnics a good option for students with lower scores who still want to pursue a career in media or communication.

Duration of Study

In terms of how long the programme lasts, universities usually offer a four-year degree for Mass Communication, leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) depending on the faculty. If there’s a strike or delay, it could stretch to five or more years.

Polytechnics follow the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) structure. The ND lasts for two years, followed by one year of industrial training (IT), then another two years for HND. Altogether, it also spans about five years, but you can pause after ND if you choose not to continue.

This flexibility allows polytechnic students to enter the job market earlier or switch to another field.

Curriculum and Training Style

Universities tend to be more theory-based. Students spend more time on the academic and research side of Mass Communication, studying topics like communication theories, media laws, development communication, and media ethics.

Polytechnics focus more on the practical side. You’ll be trained in camera operations, editing, news writing, broadcast presentation, public relations practice, and advertising campaign development. This hands-on approach makes polytechnic graduates job-ready in many cases.

Some employers even prefer HND holders for technical roles in radio, television, or publishing houses because of their strong practical background.

Availability of Equipment and Studios

This depends on the institution, but in many polytechnics, especially those with a strong focus on communication, you’ll find well-equipped studios, editing suites, and campus radio or TV stations. These facilities are used regularly for training, and students get real-world experience producing content.

Universities may have better funding overall, but in some cases, they fall short when it comes to hands-on training. While students may learn the theory, they may not always get enough time with equipment due to large class sizes or outdated facilities.

Cost of Education

Polytechnics are generally more affordable than universities. Their tuition fees, accommodation costs, and general expenses tend to be lower, especially in state-owned or federal institutions.

Also, since polytechnics offer the ND programme separately, students can choose to complete only the ND if they can’t afford further studies at the moment. This makes it more flexible financially.

Universities, especially private ones, are usually more expensive. The cost of obtaining a degree can be a challenge for many students and their families.

Job Opportunities After Graduation

Many students assume that a university degree gives better job opportunities. While that may be true in some industries, the media and communication space is slightly different.

In journalism, broadcasting, advertising, and digital content creation, skills often matter more than qualifications. Employers want to see what you can do—your writing, your voice, your editing, your creativity—not just what certificate you hold.

Polytechnic graduates who have built strong portfolios often get hired faster than degree holders who lack practical experience.

However, university degrees can give an edge in competitive roles, leadership positions, or when applying for postgraduate programmes. Some government jobs or foreign opportunities may also require a university degree as a minimum.

Postgraduate Opportunities

This is one area where universities clearly have an advantage. If you want to go for a master’s degree or academic research, having a B.A. or B.Sc. from a university will give you a smoother path.

Polytechnic HND holders often face challenges when applying for master’s programmes, especially outside Nigeria. They may be asked to do a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) first, which adds time and cost.

That said, some polytechnic graduates do well after switching to universities for top-up or conversion programmes. These bridge the gap and allow them to pursue advanced studies later on.

NYSC and Professional Recognition

Both polytechnic and university graduates are eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as long as their institution is accredited and the programme is recognized by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) or the National Universities Commission (NUC).

However, some employers still show preference for university graduates during recruitment, especially in formal sectors or multinational firms. In creative industries like film, radio, PR, and online media, talent speaks louder than paper.

Which One Is Better?

If you want a fast entry into the media world, are passionate about hands-on training, and want something more affordable, the polytechnic route may be better for you.

If you’re more interested in research, academics, or long-term career growth with international opportunities, a university degree will serve you better.