AHMEDABAD,  The FPM-C is the first programme of its kind in the country. It is an AICTE approved, three-year, residential programme that aims to encourage both fundamental and applied research in the communication domain. It will create researchers who can advance communication theory and practice, and enhance the contributions that communication can make to the larger community. The programme will be offered in four areas of specialisation: Integrated Marketing Communications, Communication and Social Change, Communication and Cultural Studies, and New Media and Communications. Candidates should choose any one area at the time of application.

MICAs FPM will produce Fellows of Communication who meet international norms of research and education in communication. FPMs focus would be on theory and, hence, critical thinking, argument development, and determining knowledge gaps, said Prof. Pradeep Krishnatray, Dean, MICA MICORE which is MICAs Centre of Excellence for Research.

FPM Students will also spend one term at an overseas university department, assigned to an eminent communication academician/researcher. They will be paid a stipend and after successful completion of the programme, they will be required to serve as faculty at MICA/MICORE for two years.

Prof. Ashok Ranchhod, Director, MICA said, The FPM programme will put MICA on the forefront of Global Media & Communications Research. The programme will increase the talent pool of accomplished researchers and educators for the Media & Communications discipline. Later, in the year, MICA will also launch its professional doctorate programme for experienced academics and industrialists.

Selection to the programme is based on Performance in MICAT-FPM (Written test, Oral Presentation & Personal Interview), Consistent academic performance from 10+2 onwards, Possession of M Phil or NET/JRF qualification, and Professional work experience in Media and Communication. Notes to Editor

Established in 1991, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) has set a precedent as the first residential academic institution in the Asia-Pacific region wholly dedicated to meeting the futuristic needs of the Communications industry (Media, Brand, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, Retail, Design and Creative Communications) through its various academic programmes.

Differentiated for its Creativity, Divergent thinking and Out of the box solutions, MICA & its Centres of Excellence- MICORE (Research Wing), EDC (Entrepreneurship Development Centre), KEIC (Knowledge Exchange and Information Centre), MDC (Management Development Centre) and CSDC (Centre for Social & Development Communications) are engaged in International Exchanges, Online education, Knowledge exchange and publications, CSR projects, Development communications, Consultancy and cutting edge Research directly related to realizing MICAs vision.

MICORE is MICAs centre of excellence for research established in 2006 to fill the void created by the absence of focused and systematic research on communications in India by an insistence on research of the highest academic rigor, bringing global Standards of excellence in communications research to India.