Honours Degree in Communication and Creative Arts
The Department of Communication and Creative Arts offers a honours degree in Communication and Media Studies for the undergraduates of the University of Colombo. The unique identity of this programme is that it combines communication, media and creative arts which are inseparably interrelated components of the discipline. The degree programme is designed as an interdisciplinary programme by bringing the creative arts orientation to the study of Communication.
The programme is developed in order to address a long felt need for a honours degree programme in Communication and Creative Arts. The newly introduced degree programme consists of unique and up to date course units that would widen the academic scope of the Faculty of Arts. The creative arts component of the degree programme is a novel and timely initiative to the Faculty of Arts and it addresses the specific need for an academic programme focusing on creative arts. The programme aims to produce graduates who are competent in both theoretical and practical aspects of Communication and Creative Arts.
Study Stream in Communication and Creative Arts
In 2006, the academic scope of the Journalism Unit was broadened in order to meet the current requirements, and the entire curriculum was fully revised to provide a wider spectrum of the discipline. New course modules were introduced and the area of study was renamed as Communication and Media Studies. The Communication and Media Studies courses were introduced to first year students from the year 2006. In 2015, under the Faculty Study Stream programme, Journalism Unit introduced a new study stream programme titled ‘Communication and Creative Arts’. At present, Department of Communication and Creative Arts offers 19 course modules under the study stream of Communication and Creative Arts.
Diploma in Communication and Media Studies
Then Journalism Unit inaugurated a one-year diploma programme in Journalism in 1986 as a professional academic programme for journalists. The course was introduced under the leadership of Prof. J.B Dissanayaka and Mr. Edwin Ariyadasa and Mr. D.F Kariyakarawana were the founding members of the programme. The diploma programme is offered in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages and it is the only Communication and Media Studies programme that is offered in all three languages in Sri Lanka. In 2019, the diploma programme was revised according to the SLQF guidelines, and a curriculum review was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Wimal Dissanayake, Prof. Ariyathna Athugala and Mr. Edwin Ariyadasa. Since 2020, the programme is offered as the ‘Diploma in Communication and Media Studies’ with an updated and modern curriculum. The course has been followed by a large number of journalists, media practitioners and writers, who have excelled in their professions.
The Diploma in Communication and Media Studies programme covers key aspects in the field of Communication and Media Studies. This programme provides the orientation in the process of communication in both print and electronic media, the background to communication and media activities, issues linked to the practice of media, the impact of communication and journalism on society, historical evolution and new developments and technological advancements in the field of Communication and Media Studies.
Undergraduate Programmes
Honours Degree in Communication and Creative Arts
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
*Effective for students enrolling from the 2025/2026 intake onward.
O – Optional
E – Elective
Year 1
| Sem | Module Code | Type | Title | Credits | Sem Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CCA 1101 | C | Introduction to Communication | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | CCA 1202 | C | Introduction to Media and Creative Arts | 4 | 4 |
Year 2
| Sem | Module Code | Type | Title | Credits | Sem Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CCA 2111 | C | Theories of Communication | 4 | 16 |
| CCA 2112 | C | Historical Evolution of Sri Lankan Mass Media | 3 | ||
| CCA 2113 | O | Print Media: Reporting and Editing | 3 | ||
| CCA 2114 | O | Sound Broadcasting: Theory and Practice | 3 | ||
| CCA 2115 | O | Language of Moving Image | 3 | ||
| 2 | CCA 2216 | C | Media Literacy and Critical Thinking | 3 | 15 |
| CCA 2217 | C | Language , Culture and Communication | 3 | ||
| CCA 2218 | O | Media and Fundamentals of Performing Arts | 3 | ||
| CCA 2219 | O | Digital and Social Media Studies | 3 | ||
| CCA 2220 | O | Writing for Television and Film | 3 |
Year 3
| Sem | Module Code | Type | Title | Credits | Sem Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CCA 3140 | C | Communication and Contemporary Issues | 4 | 15 |
| CCA 3141 | C | Media and Political Communication | 3 | ||
| CCA 3142 | O | Feature Journalism: Print and Online | 3 | ||
| CCA 3143 | O | Radio Programme Production | 3 | ||
| CCA 3144 | O | Production Techniques: Film and Television | 3 | ||
| 2 | CCA 3245 | C | Media Policy and Regulation | 3 | 15 |
| CCA 3246 | C | Communication Research Methods | 3 | ||
| CCA 3247 | O | Concept Development and Advertising | 3 | ||
| CCA 3248 | O | Critical Studies in Film | 3 | ||
| CCA 3249 | O | Rhetorical Theory and Skills in Communication | 3 |
Year 4
| Sem | Module Code | Type | Title | Credits | Sem Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CCA 4160 | C | Media and Creative Writing | 3 | 18 |
| CCA 4162 | C | Mass Media and Art Criticism | 3 | ||
| CCA 4163 | C | Traditional Communication: Creativity and Modernity | 3 | ||
| CCA 4166 | C | Media Management and Public Relations | 3 | ||
| CCA 4167 | C | Communication for Development | 3 | ||
| CCA 4168 | C | Dissertation or Creative Production (Part 01) | 3 | ||
| 2 | CCA 4264 | C | Internship | 6 | 15 |
| CCA 4265 | C | Popular Culture and Entertainment Arts | 3 | ||
| CCA 4268 | C | Dissertation or Creative Production (Part 02) | 3 | ||
| CCA 4269 | O | Image Art and Production Design *Not Offered for 2027/2028 Academic Year |
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