Language and media together
Literary analysis, linguistic history and translation studies are taught alongside professional training in journalism, film and broadcasting.
UGEst. 1964
Department of Malayalam and Mass Communication
B.A. Malayalam and Mass Communication
Department sections
Overview
The Department of Malayalam was established with the college in 1964, with Prof. Devasya as its first faculty member, and grew through the pedagogical expansion of 1977 under Fr Thomas Vattakkunnel SJ. Its scholarly standing deepened in 1979 with the arrival of the poets Prof. V. Madhusoodhanan Nair and Prof. O. Indira Devi, followed by Dr Iris Koilio and Dr Lekha Narendran.
The decisive shift came in 1998 with the undergraduate programme in Malayalam and Mass Communication, with Translation as an auxiliary course. Reclassified under CBCSS in 2010, the department launched the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme in 2024 with a sanctioned intake of thirty-three seats. Literary and linguistic study is taught alongside journalism, filmmaking, photojournalism and broadcasting, supported by an in-house Media Lab, mandatory industry internships, and field exposure to All India Radio, Doordarshan, Chithranjali Film Studio and the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Vision
To be recognised as a leading regional centre for Malayalam language and media studies, fostering a dynamic synthesis of literary heritage and contemporary media practice.
Mission
To cultivate linguistically articulate, media-literate graduates who tell meaningful stories with technical precision, intellectual integrity and social commitment, in keeping with the Jesuit values of Magis and cura personalis.
Highlights
In-house Media Lab
A dedicated facility for video editing, audio production, digital storytelling and news layout gives students continuous practical experience.
Mandatory industry internship
Every student completes a structured placement in a professional media organisation before graduating.
Institutional field exposure
Regular visits to All India Radio, Doordarshan, Chithranjali Film Studio and the Kerala Legislative Assembly connect coursework to newsroom and studio practice.
Alumni in mainstream media
Graduates hold reporting and editorial positions at Kairali News, Manorama News, Jaihind TV and Mazhavil Manorama.
HoD's Message
This department has taught Malayalam since the college opened its doors in 1964, and among our former colleagues are poets whose work belongs to the language itself. In 1998, we made a decision that still defines us: to teach literature and media together, rather than ask students to choose between them. A graduate of this programme can read a poem closely and cut a news package with equal facility, translate a difficult text and direct a short film with the same assurance.
That range is built through our Media Lab, through the lab journals our students edit, and through a compulsory internship in a working newsroom or studio. Visits to All India Radio, Doordarshan, Chithranjali and the Kerala Legislative Assembly introduce them to the very institutions they may one day report on. Our alumni now hold positions across Kerala’s major channels. Come prepared to write, listen and film, and you will leave with both a portfolio and a profession.
Programme Overview
Three-Year / Four-Year Honours Degree in Malayalam and Mass Communication
A four-year, eight-semester, career-oriented undergraduate degree affiliated with the University of Kerala. The programme integrates deep linguistic, literary and cultural studies with practical expertise in digital media, journalism, translation and audio-visual production.
- Seat Availability
- 33 seats
- Eligibility Criteria
- Successful completion of Plus Two (Higher Secondary Education) or equivalent examination recognised by the University of Kerala.
Functional Sanskrit (Add-on Course)
Offered to departmental students seeking classical language competency and foundational knowledge for advanced linguistic and translation studies.
Why Choose Us?
Integrated Dual-Core Pedagogy
Our pedagogy combines rigorous literary analysis, linguistic history and translation studies directly with professional skills in journalism, filmmaking, photojournalism and broadcasting.
Real-World Field and Institutional Exposure
We offer experiential learning through curated visits to major media institutions, including All India Radio, Doordarshan, Chithranjali Film Studio and the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Proven Track Record in Mainstream Broadcast Media
We have demonstrated success in graduate outcomes, with alumni serving in key reporting and editorial roles at major television networks including Kairali News, Manorama News, Jaihind TV and Mazhavil Manorama.
Skill and Value-Added Certification Courses
Functional Sanskrit (Add-on Course) is offered to departmental students seeking classical language competency and foundational knowledge for advanced linguistic and translation studies.
Facilities
ICT-Enabled and Digital Instruction Classrooms
Classrooms are equipped with multimedia setups enabling regular film screenings, real-time media analysis, interactive digital presentations and audio-visual critiques.
In-house Media Lab
A dedicated facility for video editing, audio production, digital storytelling and news layout gives students continuous practical experience.
Student-Led Publications (Lab Journals)
The Media Club facilitates lab journal publication, giving students practical experience in editorial management, page design, news gathering and deadline management.
Media Club
The departmental Media Club serves as the primary incubator for hands-on experience in video editing, audio production, digital storytelling and newsroom workflows.
Central Library Access
Extensive physical holdings of Malayalam literature, communication theory texts, media journals and film studies archives, complemented by digital databases for academic research.
Faculty
Prof. Dr. Thomas Scaria
Principal, St. Xavier's College
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Dr. Varghese J
Assistant Professor and Head of the Department
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Dr. Renuka O
Assistant Professor and Vice-Principal
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Dr. Lisba Yesudas
Assistant Professor
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Dr. Anilkumar D
Assistant Professor, NSS Coordinator
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Dr. G Anoopa
Assistant Professor
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Mr. Akhilsha Ansar
Guest Lecturer
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Syllabus
Semester-wise syllabi and course structure documents for the undergraduate Malayalam and Mass Communication programme affiliated with the University of Kerala.
Course Structure
Course Structure — Malayalam
Course Structure — Mass Communication and Journalism
Three-Year / Four-Year Honours Degree in Malayalam and Mass Communication
Mass Communication and Journalism
Admission
- Eligibility
- Successful completion of Plus Two (Higher Secondary Education) or equivalent examination recognised by the University of Kerala.
- Duration
- Three-Year / Four-Year Honours Degree in Malayalam and Mass Communication (FYUGP)
- No. of Seats
- 33 seats
Career Opportunities / Future Pathways
Graduates of the B.A. in Malayalam and Mass Communication possess a versatile skillset that bridges linguistic mastery, media production, and digital storytelling. This combination enables success across mainstream news, media production, public relations, and academic pathways.
Primary graduate pathways include television and print journalism, video editing, scriptwriting, radio broadcasting, digital content strategy, public relations, translation services, and academic research.
Scope for Higher Studies
Primary Career Tracks
Scientific Research & Development / Language Technology
Corporate & Industrial Sectors
Academia & Teaching
Government & Public Sector Services
Demonstrated Employer Destinations
Alumni of the department serve in key professional positions at leading media networks, including:
M.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism
M.A. in Malayalam Literature & Linguistics
M.A. in Film & Media Studies
M.A. in Cultural Studies or Translation Studies
Translation Specialist (Literary, Legal, Media)
Linguistic Data Evaluator / Content Localisation Specialist
Broadcast Journalist / News Reporter
Filmmaker / Assistant Director / Scriptwriter
Video Editor / Audio Producer / Podcaster
Digital Content Strategist / Copywriter
Public Relations Officer / Communications Executive
Higher Secondary Teacher (Malayalam / Media Studies)
Assistant Professor / Research Scholar (upon completion of Master's/NET/Ph.D.)
Information & Public Relations Department (IPRD) Officer
State Legislative Reporter / Content Officer
Kairali News TV (e.g., Santhosh — Chief Reporter)
Manorama News TV (e.g., Pooja Vinod — Reporter)
Jaihind TV (e.g., Sona — Reporter)
Mazhavil Manorama (e.g., Anjali Ashok)
Gallery
Campus cultural performance
Outdoor seminar
Studio filming
Student film production
Audio production training
Former faculty portraits
Malayalam novel class
Interested in Malayalam and Mass Communication?
Apply now to join the Department of Malayalam and Mass Communication at St. Xavier's College, Thumba.