The history of professional training for journalists in East Africa dates back to the early 1960's. The intention then was to Africanise the mass media. Between 1963 and 1968, the International Press Institute ran a series of six-month training programmes in Nairobi for journalists from English-speaking African countries. To continue of these programmes the Ministry of Education approached UNESCO in 1968 to assist in setting up a more intensive training programme integrated into the University of Nairobi.

Thus, the School was opened in the University as a UNESCO regional project financed largely by funds from Denmark, Norway, and Austria to cater for students from Eastern and Central Africa.

1. Master of Arts Degree in Communication Studies - Post graduate:
   The Master of Arts course in Communication Studies is intended to prepare students for careers in government information services, academic institutions and the private sector. Students will be exposed to a broad interdisciplinary perspective on communication science, communication research techniques and information, education and communication (IEC) programme design, management and evaluation. Special attention will be given to the mastering of skills necessary for first-rate writing and editing as well as management techniques in communication and mass media organisations in fast changing compositional and technological environments.
   
   The Objectives of the courses are:
   • To provide advanced training in communication studies as a multidisciplinary academic programme.
   • To train advanced level personnel for careers in government, the private sector, international organisations as well as in teaching and research.
   • To produce graduates with advanced level communication, editing and management skills for the communication industry and allied sectors..
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2. Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication - The Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication is designed for those with a good academic background and interested in pursuing a career in journalism or those who wish to develop and extend their competence in professional areas by acquiring the skills and techniques of the journalist.
   
   The Objectives of the courses are:
   • To offer specialised training in print and electronic journalism;
   • To equip the trainees with the management and operational skills to enable them operate competently and confidently in the discharge of their duties;
   • To enable trainees develop critical thinking and research skills for effective media operations;
   • To expose the trainees to the current and changing media trends in a fast changing media landscape.
   
   The study programme consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical work, a written examination and a research paper. During the final part of the course, candidates are attached to media organisations for practical experience.
   
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