The Department of Journalism and Media Studies was conceived in 1999, following recommendations by the Williams Commission in 1989. The Commission noted that communication and information science were fast becoming major technological developments globally. In view of these fast developments in information technology, the Commission recommended that the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) establish a Faculty of Communication and Information Science to meet these challenges. This Faculty would incorporate the Department of Journalism and Media Studies which would be tasked with offering sound technical and theoretical training in broadcast and print journalism while also highlighting the dynamic, exciting world of new information technologies. Following these recommendations by the Commission, NUST had wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders from the media fraternity, civil society, government and the general Zimbabwean community in 1999. The consultation process was important for surveying the needs of these key stakeholders to ensure that the university formulated a relevant programme that addressed the pressing professional requirements of the local media while at the same time adhering to regional and international journalism and media standards.

The Journalism and Media Studies Department offers three programmes. An undergraduate Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. This is a four-year full-time programme with a versatile curriculum that academically, practically and technically addresses most of the problems faced by journalists locally, regionally and internationally. The other two programmes are the Master of Science Degree in Journalism and Media Studies and Master of Science Degree in Strategic Communication. These are Block release MSc programmes studied over a period of 18 months. In addition, the Department through its affiliate, Harare Polytechnic School of Mass Communication, is offering the Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mass Communication that began its first enrolment in 2024. The Department is working on introducing new programmes that will include the Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc) Degree in Film Production Technology and Visual Effects, Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Strategic Communication and the Master of Science Degree in Communication for Development and Innovation.

Since its establishment the department has produced over 1000 graduates some of whom have gone on to occupy managerial positions in the media, corporate sector, government departments and civic society entities locally and within the African region. Others have gone to establish various media enterprises that are contributing to the national development agenda and created employment.