Bachelor of Arts in Communication - New Media.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Umm Al Quwain University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication – New Media is a 4-year, 126-credit undergraduate degree delivered in Arabic that prepares students to become skilled professionals in digital media creation, interactive platforms, and contemporary communication fields. It suits students who want careers in multimedia production, social networking and blogging, web design, digital advertising, content strategy, and online community engagement, blending communication theory with practical new media skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 — Foundations of Media & Communication:
In the first year, students build core competencies with courses such as Introduction to New Media, Communication Theories, and Introduction to Journalism and Public Relations which provide a broad understanding of how digital platforms operate within mass communication. Foundational units also strengthen critical thinking, computer literacy, Arabic and English communication, and media culture within the UAE context.

Year 2 — Growing Digital Skills:
The second year develops practical and analytical skills with subjects like Social Networking and Blogging, Media Integration, and Graphic Design and Infographics, where students learn how to create, edit, and integrate multimedia content across platforms. These modules focus on audience engagement, digital storytelling, and using visual tools to communicate messages effectively.

Year 3 — Applied New Media Practice:
In the third year, learners take advanced new media courses such as Multimedia, Website Design, and Digital Advertising, enabling them to produce professional digital content, build functional websites, and design targeted online promotional strategies. This stage emphasises creative production combined with strategic use of digital technologies for communication campaigns.

Year 4 — Professional Integration & Capstone:
The final year brings together accumulated learning through a Graduation Project in New Media and an Internship, where students demonstrate their ability to apply digital media principles in real-world contexts. These experiences help build a professional portfolio and sharpen industry-ready skills.

Focus areas (in a string):

Social networking and blogging, multimedia production, website design, graphic design and infographics, digital advertising, media integration, communication theory and research.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Demonstrate understanding of communication and media theories; apply multimedia tools and software to create digital content; convert information into interactive online formats; analyse audience engagement; and address societal issues using new media effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and is part of UAQU’s College of Mass Communication, ensuring qualification recognition and alignment with national higher education standards.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Umm Al Quwain University is a licensed UAE higher education institution, and its communication degrees prepare graduates for roles in emerging media sectors; while specific global rankings for this exact programme are not widely published, the degree supports employability in digital communication, content strategy, multimedia production, online marketing, and related fields

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.
Workshops and Guest Lectures: The program regularly hosts workshops and lectures by media professionals, journalists, PR executives, and filmmakers to provide current industry insights and networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Umm Al Quwain University's Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication develop skills in journalism, public relations, and new media, securing roles across UAE media sectors through practical training. Typical job roles include public relations officer, press reporter, photojournalist, and website editor in media outlets and organizations.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Program supports labor market entry: