TLDR: K J Somaiya Institute of Management has partnered with Jio Creative Labs to introduce a pioneering two-year, full-time MBA in Marketing Communications. This program, designed for the 2025-27 batch, integrates academic rigor with practical industry experience, offering guaranteed internships, live project work, and masterclasses, with a curriculum that includes modules on Generative AI and other cutting-edge marketing specializations.
Mumbai, India – In a significant move to bridge the gap between academia and industry, the K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) has officially partnered with Jio Creative Labs (JCL), the advertising and communications arm of Reliance Jio, to launch a groundbreaking work-integrated Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing Communications. This two-year, full-time program, commencing with its inaugural batch for 2025-27, is a first-of-its-kind collaboration in India, aiming to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world experience.
The strategic alliance, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), introduces a unique blended learning model. Students will engage in three days of academic instruction at KJSIM’s Vidyavihar campus, complemented by two days of immersive studio learning at Jio Creative Labs’ headquarters in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. This structure ensures continuous industry engagement, allowing students to apply classroom concepts directly to live campaigns and real business scenarios from the outset.
The curriculum is meticulously designed to combine foundational management courses with advanced specializations tailored for today’s dynamic, digital-first marketing landscape. Key modules include Integrated Marketing Communication, Consumer Behaviour, Brand Storytelling, Generative AI, Influencer Marketing, Customer Experience Design, Immersive Technologies, Celebrity and Reputation Management, and Luxury Brand Marketing. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-versed in both traditional and emerging marketing strategies.
A cornerstone of the program is its commitment to practical exposure. Every student is guaranteed a summer internship at Jio Creative Labs, where they will actively participate in live projects and work on actual campaign briefs. The program also features masterclasses led by senior leaders and experts from JCL and the broader marketing industry, providing invaluable insights and networking opportunities. In their final year, students will undertake a capstone project, demonstrating their ability to merge strategic thinking with creative execution.
Dr. Raman Ramachandran, Director and Dean of K J Somaiya Institute of Management, emphasized the program’s unique value proposition. “This is a truly unique programme in India. It is based on work-integrated learning. By the end of these two years, students will not only understand concepts but also know how the industry truly works. Our vision has always been to bring academia and industry closer so that students graduate work-ready,” he stated, congratulating the new batch.
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Admission to the program, which has an intake capacity of 30 students, requires a minimum of 50% aggregate in graduation from a recognized university and qualifying scores in national-level management entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, or CMAT. This collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering industry-ready marketing professionals capable of navigating the complexities of modern communication.
