Journalism isn’t just for people sitting in newsrooms; it really is about sharing stories in a way that connects with the audience. If you have ever thought about trying your hand at writing articles, chasing headlines, or even blogging, the best free journalism courses with certificates can be the right way to start. The best part is that you don’t need to spend a single rupee to get your training, and you still end up with a certificate that you can add to your CV. Here is the list of the best free journalism courses for you.
Top Platforms for Best Free Journalism Courses with Certificates
At first, you can get an idea of the top platforms for the journalism courses below.
Platform | Details |
|---|---|
Alison | Offers a variety of journalism and media courses ranging from beginner introductions to diploma-level programs. The platform allows free access to all learning materials, and certificates are available at minimal or no cost. |
FutureLearn | Provides journalism courses developed by top global universities. The platform focuses on both academic and practical aspects of journalism. |
NBCU Academy | A specialized platform created by NBCUniversal, offering short courses that cover journalism fundamentals, digital storytelling, and media ethics. Certificates are completely free, making it a strong option for learners. |
Cursa.app | A mobile-first platform that provides short, easy-to-follow journalism courses. It is suitable for learners who prefer studying on the go. The platform offers free certificates and is ideal for quick upskilling in journalism basics. |
Coursera | Hosts journalism courses from top universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. You can audit courses for free, with access to lectures, quizzes, and readings. Certificates usually require payment, but financial aid is also available. |
SWAYAM | An Indian government initiative offering journalism and mass communication courses. These are developed by reputed Indian universities and institutions. |
Also Read: BJMC vs BA Journalism: What’s Better?
List of Best Free Journalism Courses with Certificates
Here you can check out the top free journalism courses .
Course Name | Platform | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Journalism | NBCU Academy | 7 hours |
English for Journalism | Coursera (University of Pennsylvania) | 3 weeks |
Understanding Digital Journalism | Alison | Self-paced |
Introduction to Journalism (Revised) | Alison | Self-paced |
Journalism in the Digital Age | Alison | 3 hours |
Alison | 10-15 hours | |
Learn Journalism | Cursa.app | Self-paced |
Journalism 101 Classes | Cursa.app | Self-paced |
Introduction to Journalism | FutureLearn | 6 weeks |
Print and Broadcast Journalism | SWAYAM (ASPEE College of Nutrition and Community Science) | 13 weeks |
Also Read: List of Journalism Courses after 12th - Career Options, Jobs & Salary
Career after Free Journalism Courses with Certificates
You can get the following job roles after completing the journalism courses.
Job Role | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
Journalist / Reporter | 3,50,000 - 8,00,000 |
4,00,000 - 9,00,000 | |
Content Writer (Media/ News Portals) | 3,00,000 - 7,00,000 |
Photojournalist | 4,00,000 - 8,50,000 |
Editor / Sub-Editor | 4,50,000 - 10,00,000 |
Broadcast Journalist | 5,00,000 - 11,00,000 |
Investigative Journalist | 6,00,000 - 12,00,000 |
Media Research Analyst | 4,00,000 - 8,50,000 |
3,50,000 - 7,50,000 | |
Digital Journalist (Online Media) | 4,00,000 - 9,00,000 |
Top Recruiters for Journalism Job Roles
Here are some of the leading companies in which you can secure jobs after completing journalism courses:Company | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
The Times of India Group | 4,00,000 - 9,00,000 |
Hindustan Times | 3,50,000 - 8,50,000 |
NDTV | 4,00,000 - 9,50,000 |
India Today Group | 4,50,000 - 10,00,000 |
The Hindu | 4,00,000 - 9,00,000 |
News18 (Network18 Group) | 3,50,000 - 8,50,000 |
Zee Media Corporation | 3,50,000 - 8,00,000 |
Doordarshan (DD News, Govt. of India) | 5,00,000 - 10,00,000 |
BBC News India | 6,00,000 - 12,00,000 |
ANI (Asian News International) | 3,50,000 - 8,00,000 |
How to Choose the Best Free Journalism Courses?
Here are some tips to help you choose the top free journalism courses.
Tip | Details |
|---|---|
Check Course Credibility | Always look for courses offered by reputed universities, government platforms, or well-known media organizations. |
Check Certification | Make sure that the course provides a free or affordable certificate. |
Review Course Content | Go through the syllabus to check if it covers essential topics like reporting, editing, media ethics, digital journalism, and storytelling. |
Check Learning Format | Choose courses that match your learning style - self-paced for flexibility or guided by an instructor if you prefer structured guidance. |
Check Duration | Pick a course that fits into your schedule. You can pick short modules for quick skills or long diplomas for in-depth knowledge. |
Read Reviews | Go through feedback from previous students to understand the course’s strengths, weaknesses, and usefulness in careers. |
Also Read:
10 Types of Journalism: Which is Right for You?
Journalism is all about passion and practice. With the best free journalism courses with certificates, you are getting the option to learn the basics, improve your skills, and a certificate in the end. Now, choose any of the courses from above and get started.
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