The Multimedia and AI Journalism program is designed to prepare modern journalists who can work at the intersection of media, artificial intelligence (AI), and communication. The primary objective of the program is to train highly skilled professionals capable of creating intelligent media products through the effective use of information technologies and multimedia tools, while developing critical thinking and data literacy skills.

Throughout the learning process, students acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of journalism, mastering such contemporary areas as data journalism, media analytics, algorithmic content production (automated journalism), visualization, and fact-checking. In addition to developing materials in textual, audiovisual, and digital formats, students learn to apply artificial intelligence tools—such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Synthesia—in journalistic research and content creation.

The program emphasizes practice-oriented learning through workshops and projects conducted in multimedia studios, newsrooms, and digital media environments. Students also study the ethical and legal aspects of journalism, as well as the principles of digital security and data protection.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue professional careers in the media industry, news agencies, digital media platforms, communication and IT companies, as well as in creative industries that integrate data and artificial intelligence.

• To be able to study issues of environmental protection, pollution, and sustainable living aimed at ensuring people’s safety and well-being, as well as to become familiar with fundamental legal norms. To comprehensively analyze the principles and mechanisms regulating consumer goods consumption, and to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for starting and managing entrepreneurial activities. Understands the principles of Inclusive Education, identifies the individual characteristics of the student, differentiates barriers to learning.
  
• To have basic knowledge and skills in natural sciences, to contribute to the development of a personality motivated for higher education, and to be proficient in English and Kazakh/Russian languages.
  
• To use information and communication technologies such as the internet, cloud, mobile, and digital services for searching, storing, and processing data and information.
  
• To understand the fundamentals of rights, ethical principles, the history and theories of mass communication, as well as critical analysis in a journalist’s professional decision-making.
  
• To know the skills and methods of video journalism, audio journalism, and photojournalism for creating journalistic content.
  
• To discuss theories of journalism and mass communication, their issues and trends, using systematic research methods.
  
• To know the process of producing journalistic content and to be able to prepare and adapt content for print and online media in written and multimedia formats according to requirements.
• To create journalistic investigations by collecting and analyzing data in multimedia and/or convergent journalism formats using data visualization and infographics.
  
• To implement visual communication skills using graphic and editorial design software.
  
• To gain advanced production skills in creating TV programs and shows for the YouTube platform, scriptwriting, public speaking and delivery, as well as camera operation.
  
• To develop the fundamentals of marketing, media management skills, and content promotion through various distribution channels, as well as strategic communication and audience engagement methods.
  
• To use skills in writing and editing journalistic texts across various fields, including economic and political, as well as to master the ability to critically evaluate these areas.
  
• To use informational and communicational technologies, such as internet resources, cloud, mobile and digital services for searching, storing and analysing data and information.
  

Graduates of the Multimedia and AI Journalism program possess broad professional opportunities in the fields of media and technology. They are in high demand not only within traditional and digital journalism but also in the emerging media ecosystem driven by artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Their professional career paths include:

• working as journalists, editors, producers, or content creators in digital and multimedia publications;
  
  
• serving as data journalists, media analysts, or fact-checkers in news agencies and digital news platforms;
  
  
• pursuing careers as SMM specialists, PR experts, or digital marketers in media and communication organizations;
  
  
• and working within IT and creative industries as AI journalism specialists, AI-based content creators, or visual media designers.
  
  

In addition, graduates can successfully work in start-up projects, independent digital media outlets, as well as in communication departments of international organizations and commercial companies.

According to the results of the Atameken National Ranking, graduates of SDU University’s journalism programs demonstrate a high level of employability and strong reputation in the media market. The program aims to nurture creative, technical, and analytical competencies among students, preparing them to become professionals ready to thrive in the future media landscape where journalism and artificial intelligence are deeply integrated.

• International admissions
• Student social life
• Student service center
• Our social media

At our university, the Journalism major is offered as a four-year undergraduate program. However, due to the Bologna system and the credit-based learning format, students also have the opportunity to complete the program in three years.

Students gain professional experience through the “Beta Career” and “Beta Academy” programs. Within the Beta Career program, during the first semester of their fourth year, students undertake internships at media organizations and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. In some cases, students may even be offered full-time positions at the institutions where they complete their internships. This program allows students to be released from classes for one semester and focus entirely on practical work in their chosen field of journalism, giving them the chance to begin their professional careers before graduation.

Meanwhile, students who participate in the Beta Academy program gain experience as teaching assistants for one semester, working alongside faculty members. This opportunity provides valuable academic experience and serves as a potential pathway for those wishing to pursue a career in academia and continue at the university as young professionals.