Bachelor of Communications

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Dubai

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communications at Curtin University Dubai is a three-year undergraduate degree that develops students’ understanding of media, digital communication, corporate communication, and marketing communication. It is designed for students who want to work in web-based media, social media management, online communities, content creation, and marketing environments, combining theoretical insight with practical media skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Communication & Media:
Students begin with broad communication and media units introducing mass communication concepts, media writing, culture and communication, and engaging media, where they learn how media operates and influences society. Early coursework also covers foundational skills in writing, rhetoric, and persuasion important for all communication fields.

Year 2 – Web Media & Online Skills:
In the second year, learners progress into Web Media, Writing on the Web, Social Media, Communities and Networks, and Managing Social Media Platforms, focusing on the strategic use of digital platforms and online engagement. Units emphasise practical application of communication theory to social media and web content strategies.

Year 3 – Marketing Communication & Advanced Topics:
The third year expands into marketing and communication strategy with modules such as Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing Strategy, Corporate Marketing Strategy, and Marketing Across Borders, where students explore how communication intersects with marketing and organisational goals. Capstone and media culture units synthesise these skills in strategic communication contexts.

Focus areas (in a string):

Web media and online communication, social media platforms and strategies, digital content creation, consumer behaviour, marketing communication strategy, media writing and persuasion.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Understand media and communication theories; produce effective online and social media content; apply strategic communication and marketing principles; analyse audiences and consumer behaviour; implement digital communication strategies professionally.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Curtin University Dubai is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Education and licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), ensuring that qualifications are recognised in the UAE and support graduate entry into communication, media, and related industries.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Curtin University is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide and appears in major global rankings (e.g., ARWU, QS), giving its Dubai campus strong academic credibility; this reputation enhances graduate visibility in fields such as digital media, communications, content strategy, and marketing.

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.
- Student Media Outlets: Students gain real experience by contributing to and managing student-run media, such as the university newspaper, radio station broadcasts, and online media channels.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Curtin Dubai's Bachelor of Communications gain versatile skills in digital media, marketing, and production, achieving strong employability in Dubai's media hub with over 86% placement rates across communication fields. Typical job roles include communications officer, digital marketer, PR consultant, and content creator in agencies, corporates, and broadcasters.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Industry-focused support accelerates careers:

Career Central offers internships, job fairs, CV workshops, and employer networks like Khaleej Times.
Salaries: AED 50k–100k entry-level in UAE comms roles.
Partnerships: Khaleej Times and Dubai agencies for projects/placements.
KHDA/CAA accredited for enduring UAE/global recognition.
Outcomes: portfolio skills via capstones and real campaigns.

Further Academic Progression: Pursue master's in communications/media at Curtin Dubai or UAE peers; builds strategic research foundation for advanced roles.