BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FILM AND NEW MEDIA DESIGN

The Bachelor of Science in Film and New Media Design at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a four-year creative and technical degree that prepares students to become innovative filmmakers, digital designers, animators, and interactive media artists. It suits students who are passionate about storytelling through film, immersive media, animation, AR/VR, and emerging technologies, combining hands-on production with theoretical understanding of media as a social and cultural phenomenon.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students complete a Foundations Year Program that introduces core concepts in art, design, and media, building a strong base in design principles and creative thinking. Courses such as Multimedia Design Studio, Photography, and History of Design encourage early exploration of visual and narrative forms, while Research Methodologies for Design supports analytical skills. This foundation year helps students transition from secondary education into creative practice and prepares them for specialised study.

Year 2:
The second year deepens technical and creative skills, with subjects like Motion Graphics and Video, 3D Animation, and Media Systems and Publishing that teach students how to create dynamic moving-image content across platforms. Students also explore Typography and Visual Communication within time-based media, expanding their understanding of design elements in film and interactive work. Through studio-based projects, learners begin producing professional-level media while applying theoretical concepts to practice.

Year 3:
In the third year, students engage with more advanced production and design technologies such as Interactive and Immersive Media, AR/VR Technologies, and Physical Computing, fusing creativity with emerging digital tools. Coursework encourages experimentation in interdisciplinary contexts, integrating animation, real-time media, and interactive design. By this stage, students are creating portfolio-worthy projects that reflect their personal vision and technical competency.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on professional synthesis with a Senior Capstone Project that culminates students’ learning in a substantial film, interactive media, or multimedia design work. Alongside practicum and internship experiences, students refine their portfolios and prepare to enter the creative industries with confidence. Electives in specialised areas, such as advanced narrative media or immersive experiences, help tailor study to specific career goals.

Focus areas (in a string):
Film production, motion graphics, 3D animation, interactive and immersive media, AR/VR design, media systems, photography, physical computing, visual storytelling, narrative design.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Develop creative media projects; apply advanced techniques in animation and screen media; integrate theory with practice; communicate design ideas effectively; produce professional portfolios; and understand film and new media within cultural and social contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Education and meets international quality standards, supported by AUS’s broader accreditation in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Reputation (employability rankings):
AUS’s College of Architecture, Art and Design is ranked #1 in the UAE and among the top 200 globally for art and design subjects in QS World University Rankings by Narrow Subjects, enhancing graduate visibility and employability in creative industries.