FAQs

 Q: What undergraduate programmes does CARIMAC offer?

A: CARIMAC offers four programmes:

• one-year Diploma in Media and Communication
• a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication
• a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production
• a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Q: At which campuses are CARIMAC undergraduate programmes offered?

A: All CARIMAC undergraduate programmes are offered at the Mona Campus in Kingston. The BA in Digital Media Production and the BA in Media and Communication (PR Specialisation) are offered at the UWI Mona Western Jamaica Campus in Montego Bay. 

Q. What are the educational qualifications for the undergraduate degrees?

A: The required qualifications are 5 CXCs/ O levels and one of the following: 2 A levels; 2 units of 2 CAPE subjects including English Language; or an associate degree from a recognized institution. Additionally, applicants must sit and pass the CARIMAC Entrance Exam.

Q: Are there specific subject requirements for entry into the Media and Communication undergraduate programme? 
A: There is no specific subject requirement. Applicants 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. Applicants also should have a very good command of the English language.

Q: Can I qualify for CARIMAC without the Entrance Exam? 
A: No. CARIMAC applicants must pass the Entrance Exam and satisfy the University’s matriculation criteria.  Exemptions are granted only to past CARIMAC Diploma students with an average of B+ or higher.  Past copies of Entrance Exam are available at CARIMAC.

Q: What is the tuition fee for the undergraduate degree in Media and Communication? 
A: The current (academic year 2009/2010) tuition fee is US$2,076 for all students from UWI contributing countries and US$10,799 for non-contributing countries.

Q: Can the undergraduate programmes be done part-time? 
A: The undergraduate programmes are not usually offered on a part-time basis, but special cases exist. There is no evening programme for these programmes; however, in select instances, students are permitted to pursue a reduced course load. 

Q: What specialisations does CARIMAC offer under the BA in Media and Communication? 
A: Currently, CARIMAC offers six specialisations: Print and Online Journalism, Public Relations, Social Marketing, Multimedia, Television Broadcasting and Radio Broadcasting.

Q: Can I do more than one specialisation? 
A: Presently CARIMAC’s programme does not facilitate students doing more than one specialization. However the curriculum is designed to equip students with a range of media and communication skills.

Q: Does CARIMAC offer a degree in film? 
A: CARIMAC does not offer a specialisation in film. However, many students use the specialisation in Television Broadcasting as a stepping stone to further studies in film.

Q: Does CARIMAC offer voice and speech training? 
A: Broadcast presentation is taught in the Radio and Television specialisations, and oral presentation is taught in the other specialisations. Our Short Courses Programme usually includes courses in public speaking. 

Q: What careers can I pursue with a degree in Media and Communication? 
A: Your career opportunities are wide and varied. Graduates are best equipped to function in their area of specialisation but are not necessarily limited to that area. Careers include: communication consultants, public relations officers and managers, advocates, marketing managers, graphic designers, web designers, proposal writers, speech writers, journalists, senior administrators, editors, project managers, social marketers, researchers, announcers, lecturers, teaching assistants. Your choice of courses outside of your specialisation and major also has an impact on your career options.

Q: What financial assistance is available? 
A: Students can secure commercial loans, student loans, or scholarships and bursaries from various financing agencies.  Scholarships for matriculating students include the popular Open University scholarship which covers tuition costs for students in any major. 

Q: Can I pursue another major with media and communication? 
A: All majors except physical therapy, medical science and law, are available as an option for a double major. You would need to satisfy the entry requirements for both majors and the regulations governing the pursuit of a double major. Challenges for individuals pursuing double majors include timetable clashes and quota restrictions set by faculties.

Q: What is the qualification for a diploma in Media and Communication? 
A: Diploma applicants must have at least 3 years working experience in the media industry and at least 5 CXCs/ O levels. You can pursue a diploma only in the area in which you have experience. The areas of specialisation for the one-year full-time diploma programme are: Print and Online Journalism, Television Broadcasting and Radio Broadcasting, Public Relations, Multimedia and Social marketing

For more information, contact: 876 927 1481

UWI Office of Admissions: 876 927 2779 or 876 927 1661-9