BA in Mass Communication

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at AURAK is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides a wide-ranging education in communication theory, media law and ethics, journalism, advertising, public relations, and digital media. It suits students who want dynamic careers in media content creation, strategic communication, digital platforms, and public engagement, with options to specialise in Digital Media or Public Relations and gain hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 — Foundations of Media Practice:
In the first year, students begin with introductory courses such as COMM 111 Introduction to Mass Communication, COMM 112 Introduction to Public Relations, and COMM 113 Introduction to Digital Media that establish core media concepts and practical skills. These units help learners understand how messages are constructed and disseminated across platforms and introduce tools for basic digital production and portfolio work. General education subjects like English Composition and Critical Thinking support effective communication and analytical ability.

Year 2 — Intermediate Media Skills and Contexts:
In the second year, learners advance into courses such as COMM 212 Media Writing, COMM 214 New Media and Digital Culture, and COMM 215 Feature Writing, where they apply storytelling, writing, and digital communication techniques in more specialised contexts. COMM 222 Intercultural Mass Communication and COMM 223 Globalisation and Media Cultures deepen students’ understanding of how media operates across cultural landscapes and global environments. Electives and language courses like Arabic for Media broaden technical and contextual competence.

Year 3 — Specialisation and Applied Media Production:
By the third year, students build expertise through core and concentration-specific courses such as COMM 311 Media Law and Ethics, COMM 321 Theories of Media Communication, COMM 323 News Reporting, and COMM 334 Broadcast Journalism for those in Digital Media. Students in the Public Relations track take COMM 337 Public Relations Cases and COMM 344 Public Relations & Event Management, developing strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and campaign planning skills. Research and methodological training, such as COMM 391 Communication Research Methodology, equips them for evidence-based practice.

Year 4 — Professional Practice and Capstone:
The final year includes COMM 390 Internship in Mass Communication, where students gain real-world experience in media or corporate environments, and advanced electives that explore multimedia and strategic communication applications. Many learners work on integrated projects that synthesise technical ability, critical insight, and professional standards, while portfolio development and optional advanced multimedia courses prepare them for careers in journalism, PR, advertising, or digital content creation.

Focus areas (in a string):

Journalism and news reporting, public relations and strategic communication, digital media production, media writing and storytelling, media law and ethics, intercultural communication, broadcast journalism, research methodology, interactive multimedia.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Produce effective media content across platforms; apply communication theories and ethical principles; conduct media research; implement PR and digital media strategies; demonstrate professional writing and multimedia skills; and integrate cultural awareness in communication practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The program is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, and aligns with contemporary industry expectations in journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital communication careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):

AURAK is ranked among the Top 500 universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, standing 6th among UAE universities, which enhances the visibility of its graduates in media and communication sectors; mass communication alumni are prepared for roles such as media planner, multimedia specialist, PR manager, content creator, and program researcher.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This applied learning approach is structured around key facilities and mandatory experiences:

On-Campus Media Production Facilities: The program is centered around the UAEU Media Center, which includes a professional Television Studio, a Radio Broadcasting Studio, a digital Newsroom, and multimedia Editing Suites.
Industry-Standard Equipment and Software: Students train with professional-grade video cameras, audio recorders, and lighting kits. They use industry-standard software such as the Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop) for editing and design, and broadcast automation systems in the radio and TV studios.
Mandatory Professional Internship: Students must complete a full-time, for-credit internship (often referred to as "Practical Training") at a media organization. Typical hosts include local and national newspapers, TV and radio stations, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and digital media companies in the UAE.
Capstone Media Project: In their final year, students undertake a significant senior project or thesis that involves producing a substantial piece of media work, such as a documentary, a full magazine issue, or a strategic communication campaign, from conception to execution.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of AURAK's Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication secure roles in dynamic media sectors, leveraging skills in journalism, digital production, and strategic communication honed through internships and real-world projects. Typical job roles include journalist, public relations specialist, digital media producer, and advertising executive, often in news outlets, government agencies, corporations, or online platforms. These outcomes align with the program's focus on ethical practices and employability in the UAE and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities: The program equips graduates for immediate employment and sustained career growth:

AURAK's Alumni and Career Services Department offers personalized counseling, skill workshops on resume writing and interviews, internship placements, and lifelong networking to aid employment.
An eight-week mandatory internship (240 hours) after 90 credits provides hands-on experience in media settings, boosting practical skills and initial employment records.
Partnerships include collaborations with Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office (RAKGMO) for newsroom work and scholarships, and RAK Hospital for podcast production, offering real-world exposure.
The degree holds accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education (licensed to 2026) via CAA, ensuring long-term recognition and value in regional job markets.
Graduates demonstrate proficiency in multimedia storytelling, ethical communication, and industry tools, enabling roles in traditional and digital media with strong employability in the UAE.

Further Academic Progression: Students can pursue master's degrees in mass communication, media studies, public relations, or digital media at institutions like American University in Dubai, Zayed University, or international options such as Northwestern University in Qatar or UK universities. The program's emphasis on research skills, critical thinking, and advanced communication prepares graduates for graduate-level research and independent study. Opportunities align with goals for higher education in communication fields, supported by AURAK's foundational training.