About Us

Africa Media Matrix Building (Nicky Dorrington)

JMS is internationally-known for its academic programmes and wide-ranging media projects. It aims to develop outstanding journalists, media workers and researchers. Located on the Rhodes University campus in the purpose-built and well resourced Africa Media Matrix (AMM) building, the most sophisticated journalism education environment in Africa. Explore this web-page to find out why our high-tech facilities give us the competitive edge.

Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University is the brainchild of renowned poet Prof Guy Butler who set up the original department in 1970. The school has grown each year since then to its present complement of more than 500 students over six courses of study.

Read more about the history of Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies.

Since 1970, Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University has been a leader in South Africa teaching under-graduate and post-graduate students both the theory and the practice of journalism at university-level. Throughout South Africa the qualifications are highly respected within the media industry.

With its journalistic focus, JMS educates graduates who potentially play an important role in the world of journalism. This world of media incorporates print, broadcast radio and TV in all its forms (public, private and community); and online media, both mainstream and alternative.

The degrees and courses offered aim to produce thoughtful and imaginative media practitioners and the approach of the school is to integrate intellectual study with the production of media.

There are also various projects that the school are involved with which serves it students but also the greater community. These include Highway Africa, the Sol Plaatje Institue for Media Leadership and Grocotts Mail.