BA (Hons) Creative Media

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Bath Spa University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Creative Media at Bath Spa University (Academic Centre RAK) develops students’ creative, technical, and critical skills in digital media production and visual communication. It suits aspiring media makers who want to specialise in multimedia storytelling, moving image, and digital content creation for careers in creative industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish core creative and production skills through modules such as Short Film Production: Drama, Short Film Production: Documentary, Digital Content Creation, Digital Practice, and Creative Photography, building foundations in storytelling, image making, and digital media techniques.

Year 2

The second year expands technical and creative practice with modules like Advanced Digital Practice, Everyday Media Making, Promotional Media, Participatory Media, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics I & II, Commissioning Content Creation, and opportunities such as the Professional Placement Year. These deepen skills in post-production, animation, digital campaigns, and collaborative project work.

Year 3

In the final year, students focus on enterprise, innovation and personal creative identity with modules including Creative Media Enterprise I & II, Creative Incubator, Digital Innovation and Enterprise, and Personal Project, allowing them to produce professional-level work and a portfolio that demonstrates individual practice and industry readiness.

Focus areas (in a string):

Digital media production, moving image, interactive media, visual effects, digital storytelling, creative enterprise

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Students will master multimedia production skills, apply digital tools creatively, produce portfolio-ready content, and develop professional media identities

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Accredited by Bath Spa University under UK higher education standards and delivered at the RAK Academic Centre

Reputation (employability rankings):

Bath Spa University has high regional rankings for media and creative subjects (e.g., #1 in South West for teaching satisfaction in film and photography) and graduates find roles in digital content, media production, and creative industries.

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 Bath Spa University Dubai's BA (Hons) Creative Media develop versatile skills in digital production, animation, and content creation, securing roles in Dubai's vibrant creative industries through live projects and industry collaborations. Typical job roles include digital content creator, multimedia producer, social media specialist, and creative strategist at firms like Aardman Animations, BBC, and Warner Bros.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Industry-focused support ensures employability:

Careers service provides placements, CV workshops, networking with creative agencies, and portfolio reviews.
UK average earnings £24,000 (AED ~115k equiv) 15 months post-graduation; UAE digital media roles AED 60k–120k entry-level.
Partnerships with regional production houses for live briefs and festivals like RTS Awards.
KHDA-accredited UK degree guarantees long-term global recognition.
Outcomes: professional portfolios via Artswork Media production house experience.

Further Academic Progression: Pursue master's in creative media or film at Bath Spa Dubai/UK campuses; builds advanced production and research expertise.