Symbiosis Centre For Media & Communication: Equipping Graduates For High-Demand Careers In Media And Entertainment

In India, media and mass communication colleges must equip students with the latest skills in journalism, filmmaking, advertising, and digital media. As technology reshapes how content is created and consumed, professionals must be adept at multimedia storytelling, data-driven journalism, and digital marketing. Hands-on training in emerging tools and platforms ensures graduates remain competitive, adaptable, and ready to meet industry demands, driving innovation and excellence in the ever-changing media ecosystem. One institution dedicated to this mission is Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication (SCMC).

Inception and Evolution of SCMC

SCMC has been a leader in undergraduate media education since its inception in 2008. While traditionally offering a mass communication program, the institution quickly diversified into advertising, public relations, film studies (AV), and journalism. Over time, the college has refined its approach, now offering a four-year NEP-aligned undergraduate degree with majors and minors. The BA in Mass Communication focuses on content creation, while the BBA in Media Management trains students in content management.

The BA program offers three key majors, namely Multimedia Journalism, Film Production, and Film Studies. Minors can be chosen to complement these majors, providing an interdisciplinary expertise. The BBA program emphasizes brand communication, with minors in digital marketing, advertising management, corporate communication, public relations, and media entrepreneurship. This unique, multidisciplinary, and research-driven structure makes SCMC one of India’s most distinguished media education institutions.

Furthermore, SCMC ensures the highest quality of faculty by maintaining a balanced mix of academic researchers and seasoned industry professionals. Both backgrounds are equally important in providing students with well-rounded learning experiences. Many of its faculty members have extensive industry experience, having held leadership positions before transitioning into academia. Its Heads of Departments (HODs) come from industry backgrounds, bringing years of expertise and practical knowledge. Many of them have PhDs, contributing to research and scholarship while enhancing their teaching capabilities. The college’s leadership includes professionals who have spent decades in the corporate sector before moving into academia.

SCMC empowers future media leaders with knowledge, creativity & hands-on experience, shaping storytellers who inspire, inform, & innovate

World-Class Infrastructure for Hands-on Training

SCMC offers world-class infrastructure designed to provide students with hands-on training using industry-standard equipment. The institution boasts a fully sophisticated, automated LED lights-driven chroma studio and shooting floor, ensuring that students gain practical exposure in professional-grade filming environments. This industry-standard shooting floor is complemented by a state-of-the-art Mac editing studio equipped with Apple Studio Max Systems, the cutting-edge editing platform widely used in the media industry.

SCMC also houses an extensive collection of professional-grade lenses that are used in top-tier production studios. “With over 10 to 15 high-end cameras, including Blackmagic cameras, valued at ?7-8 lakhs each, our students train with equipment used for filming content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Additionally, we conduct workshops on ARRI cameras, the Rolls-Royce of film cameras used in blockbuster movie productions”, says Dr Sreeram Gopalkrishnan, Professor & Director, SCMC.

Beyond traditional media tools, SCMC stays ahead of technological advancements by integrating AI-powered software into its curriculum. The institute offers AI editing tools like Runway & Picart AI, enabling students to experiment with cutting-edge shooting and post-production techniques. With extensive hardware support, advanced computer labs, and a commitment to innovation, the institute ensures students are fully equipped for the evolving media landscape.

Most importantly, SCMC, as part of Symbiosis International University, offers a range of scholarships to support students in accessing world-class education. The institute provides Northeast regional scholarships for students from diverse parts of the Indian subcontinent, along with scholarships for foreign students. Additionally, the institute rewards academic excellence by offering scholarships, including fee waivers, to the top-performing students. Each academic year, the top four rank holders receive these merit-based scholarships, ensuring that high-achieving students are recognized and supported.

Industry Partnerships

This institute stands out as one of the few undergraduate colleges in India that mandates three internships, each lasting two months. This ensures students graduate with six months of work experience, making them highly employable. The rigorous program contributes to SCMC’s near 100 percent placement record. With over 200 internship and placement partners, including marquee and iconic brands, students gain valuable industry exposure. Even during the pandemic, SCMC maintained robust placements, ensuring students secured opportunities despite challenging circumstances in the job market.

SCMC’s future roadmap includes expanding programs and enhancing its curriculum to align with the evolving media landscape. The institute has introduced 120 (4 Credit) courses, replacing nearly 90 percent of its previous syllabus to address the demands of the new age digital media market. Constant innovation remains a priority, with potential plans to introduce specialized programs in filmmaking or standalone journalism courses. While the institute has implemented significant changes over the past few years, the next steps will be guided by student outcomes, placement success, and industry feedback to ensure maximum value for graduates.

In conclusion, Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication remains committed to nurturing future media professionals through a dynamic curriculum, real-world experience, and industry collaborations. By constantly evolving with new-age media trends, they guarantee students are well-prepared to excel in journalism, filmmaking, advertising, and digital media, making a lasting impact in the industry.