Founded in 1982 by Anwar Jamal Kidwai (former VC of Jamia Millia Islamia and later, Chairman of the Centre), AJK Mass Communication Research Centre (MRC) is a premier media institution in India and one of the constituent units of Jamia Millia Islamia.

The MCRC offers graduate and postgraduate courses in the art, craft, and technology of the modern media. The MCRC provides the highest standard of media education and training with a professionally and academically accomplished faculty and a broad spectrum of visiting professionals.

MCRC was established by A.J. Kidwai in collaboration with York University, Toronto and the Canadian International Development Aid Agency (CIDA). The CIDA provided the MCRC with a range of sophisticated production equipment while York University sent the first generation of teachers.

The institute envisioned by AJ Kidwai as providing an intensive and integrated media education that would enable students to develop their individual expertise and skills within a secular and collaborative working environment.

Upholding the philosophy & vision of its founders, the institute continues to provide its students with a comprehensive media education that nurtures the individual aspirations of students while inspiring them to make a meaningful contribution to the social environment within which they work.

The centre continues to work within this broad mandate while regularly updates its courses to meet the growing challenges of contemporary media. These efforts have been constantly appreciated and supported by generous grants from the government and other international agencies like Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

To provide international exposure and expertise to the students, the centre has also forged collaborative ties with the University of York, Toronto (Canada), University of Westminster, London(UK) and Sciences Po, Paris(France).

At present, the centre offers postgraduate and doctorate courses in the field of Mass Communication stream with various specialisations.