BA - English, Psychology, Sociology, Film Making, Mass Communication

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Humanities at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that lets students build expertise across subjects such as English, Psychology, Sociology, Mass Communication, and Filmmaking while also choosing minors in areas like Gender Studies, Journalism, Languages, Geopolitics, and International Relations. It suits students who want a flexible, liberal-arts education combining critical thinking, cultural insight, creative expression, research methods, and professional skills applicable in media, social impact, communication, or human-centred careers.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students engage with a broad foundation in liberal arts through units such as Language and Critical Thinking, Contemporary Narratives, Understanding the Mind and Behaviour, and Art of Storytelling. These courses introduce students to fundamental skills in analysis, writing, interpretation, problem-solving, and conceptual communication across texts and contexts. This grounding in diverse ways of thinking prepares them for specialised study by building analytical literacy and narrative competence.

Year 2:
From the second year, learners begin to personalise their academic journey by selecting majors and minors. English majors might study Literary Theory and Criticism and Literary Genres to deepen their interpretive and creative writing abilities, Psychology majors take Psychology of Social Behaviour and Foundations of Cognitive Psychology to explore human thought and behaviour, and Sociology majors engage with Classical Sociological Thought and Culture and Modernity to understand social structures and cultural dynamics. Electives in Introduction to Film or Understanding Social Media can expand practical and media perspectives, while research-oriented courses support analytical depth.

Year 3:
In the third year, students move into more advanced and specialised coursework aligned with their major tracks: English students might take World Literatures or Drama, Psychology students may study Abnormal Psychology and Counselling Skills and Processes, and Sociology students could explore Political Sociology and Media, Society and Representation. Media-related courses like Reporting and Writing or Visual Communication and Photography help build professional communication skills. Independent projects and elective choices allow students to tailor their learning towards creative industries, research, or applied social contexts.

Extra (Honours) Year:
Meritorious students may opt for a fourth Honours research track, which includes advanced methodology, academic writing, and a Thesis/Dissertation that synthesises research and disciplinary knowledge. This honours experience deepens scholarly expertise and prepares students for postgraduate study or research-oriented careers.

Focus areas (in a string):
English literature and writing, human behaviour and psychology, social structures and cultural analysis, media production and communication, filmmaking and visual storytelling, gender and global studies, research methods.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Develop critical thinking and analytical writing; apply theoretical frameworks to texts, media, and social phenomena; interpret human behaviour and societal systems; create effective communication across media platforms; conduct interdisciplinary research; and demonstrate ethical, reflective professional skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The BA (Honours) is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, ensuring it meets national quality and educational standards for liberal arts and humanities degree programmes.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai is recognised regionally for its high educational standards and holds a five-star rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), enhancing graduates’ visibility in media, communication, social impact, research, and cultural sectors; as part of the larger Manipal global network, its programmes benefit from international recognition and alumni connections.