Practical Journalism Training through IGNOU’s MJML-020
In the age of 24/7 news cycles and digital storytelling, practical skills are indispensable for aspiring journalists. At the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), we offer more than just classroom learning — we offer a real-world training experience that prepares you for the newsroom. Our course IGNOU MJML-020 Practical – Print & Online, part of the MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) and PG Diploma (Journalism & Mass Communication), is a hands-on gateway into the evolving landscape of media.
Production Portfolio Guidelines
All learners must prepare and submit a Production Portfolio, which will be evaluated during the Term-End Practical Examination. The MJML-020 practical portfolio has two major components:
- Print Journalism
- Online Journalism
Each component includes various journalistic tasks to assess your skills in news writing, reporting, editing, and digital publishing.
Portfolio Structure and Evaluation
| S. No. | Item | Quantity | Marks |
| 1. | Political News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 2. | Legal/Court News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 3. | Sports News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 4. | Health News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 5. | Educational News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 6. | Local Governance News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 7. | Crime News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 8. | Business News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 9. | Lifestyle/Fashion/Films News Report (300–500 words) | 1 | 3 |
| 10. | Feature Article on Any Topic (700–1000 words) | 1 | 5 |
| 11. | Interview with a Local Public Figure (500–700 words) | 1 | 5 |
| 12. | Click and Print Two Photographs (with captions) | 2 | 3 |
| 13. | Data-Based News Report (300–500 words) — must include one data visual | 1 | 5 |
| 14. | Design and Print the Front Page of a Lab Journal (Tabloid Size) — Soft copy in CD/DVD | 1 | 10 |
| 15. | Design Five Web Pages (1 homepage + 4 section pages) using content from above | 5 | 15 |
Total Marks: 70
Important Notes for Submission
- Handwriting Requirement
- All news reports, feature articles, and interviews must be written by hand.
- Language
- The portfolio can be prepared in English or Hindi, as per the learner’s preference.
iii. Data Visualization
- For Item No. 13 (Data-Based News Report), the visualizations may be created using a computer and attached as printouts with the handwritten news report.
- Presentation and Organization
- Compile all handwritten work in a folder.
- The front page of the folder must clearly mention the following:
- Full Name
- Enrollment Number
- Programme Code
- Course Code: MJML-020
- Email ID
- Phone Number
- Postal Address
- CD/DVD Submission
- Include one CD/DVD containing soft copies of:
- The two news photographs
- The lab journal front page
- The five designed web pages
- The CD/DVD must be properly attached to the folder and clearly labeled with:
- Full Name
- Enrollment Number
- Programme Code
- Course Code: MJML-020
What We Offer: A Skill-Based, Media-Ready Curriculum
Through the MJML-020 course, IGNOU delivers a rich practical experience designed to cultivate a wide range of journalism skills. Whether you are aspiring to write compelling news reports, craft engaging features, master headline writing, or develop content for online media, this course has it all. We provide you with the tools, guidance, and structure to become an effective communicator in the fast-evolving media landscape.
Our services go beyond conventional teaching. This is a guided, evaluated, and technologically enabled training that covers essential components of modern journalism:
News Report Writing: Develop the craft of writing precise and impactful news reports across multiple beats — from politics to sports, education to local governance.
Feature and Editorial Writing: Hone your ability to delve deeper into human interest stories and societal issues, capturing nuance and emotion with flair.
Interview Techniques: Learn to conduct and present professional interviews that uncover meaningful insights from newsmakers.
Infographics and Data Journalism: Understand how to visualize data to enhance storytelling, a critical skill in digital journalism today.
Photojournalism: Gain skills in capturing and captioning powerful news images that speak louder than words.
Page Design and Web Content: Experience designing print layouts and creating fully functional web pages using HTML or CMS platforms.
Digital Journalism Tools: Create content for news websites incorporating multimedia elements such as audio, video, podcasts, and more — with an emphasis on search engine optimization and interactive content.
Every learner compiles a Production Portfolio that includes all these journalistic pieces — a valuable asset when applying for media jobs or internships.
How We Deliver: Blending Technology with Learning
We believe learning should be accessible and dynamic. That’s why MJML-020 is delivered through a variety of platforms:
Gyan Darshan (TV) and Gyan Vani (FM Radio) broadcast expert-led practical sessions.
Gyandhara (Internet Radio) hosts live discussions and recordings, available 24/7 for your convenience.
eGyanKosh and the IGNOU e-Content Mobile App store all course materials, guides, and recorded lectures.
YouTube and Facebook Live bring academic support to your social feed.
WhatsApp Groups and Email ensure you never miss a schedule, assignment update, or resource link.
SWAYAM and Google Classroom provide structured e-learning environments with added flexibility.
This multi-platform approach guarantees that our learners, regardless of geography or personal circumstance, receive quality training on par with any traditional journalism institute.
Your Portfolio: A Practical Showcase of Your Talent
Our course culminates in the creation of a detailed Production Portfolio, consisting of:
8 news reports across different beats
1 feature article
1 interview
Data-based news with infographics
Photographs with captions
Front page layout of a lab newspaper
Five webpages of a news site (sports, national, opinion, business, etc.)
All work is original, handwritten (except digital components), evaluated by professionals, and submitted with soft copies via CD/DVD. This portfolio is then assessed in a Term-End Practical Examination, followed by a viva-voce to test your understanding and creativity.
Guidance by Experts: Learning from the Best
Our resource persons include:
Academic Counselors: Media professionals and faculty who guide you through practical tasks and portfolio building.
Study Centre Coordinators: Your go-to contacts for exam dates, submissions, and administrative support.
Faculty from SOJNMS (School of Journalism & New Media Studies): They lead sessions via teleconferencing, radio, and online classes.
You’re not alone in this journey — you’re mentored by the very people shaping the future of Indian media education.
Accessible, Affordable, and Industry-Oriented
IGNOU’s open and distance learning model is ideal for working professionals, rural learners, and those balancing multiple responsibilities. MJML-020 can be completed within a year of enrolment and fits seamlessly into the three-year MAJMC or two-year PGJMC programme.
With study centres across India, you’re supported locally while benefiting from national-level resources.
Why Choose IGNOU’s MJML-020?
You learn by doing, not just reading.
You build a professional portfolio evaluated by experts.
You gain exposure to both print and digital journalism.
You receive continuous support via tech-driven learning tools.
You become job-ready for roles in news reporting, digital media, editorial design, and more.
Start Your Journalism Journey Today!
With MJML-020, IGNOU offers more than education — we offer a launchpad for your media career. If you’re passionate about news, storytelling, and making a difference through journalism, our course is where your journey begins.
