Amidst an increased demand for qualified graduates in the media sector, The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is launching a new Bachelor of Communication and Media Degree in September, 2019.
Twenty years ago, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched Dubai’s media strategy that aimed to position the city a media hub through pioneering initiatives and projects. Today, Dubai is home to more than 4,000 Arab, regional and international media organisations. This month, The Arab Information Ministers Council named Dubai as the Capital of Arab Media for 2020.
With digital media leading the way against the backdrop of declining trends in more traditional print media, UOWD is launching their new degree that will cater to the growing demand for skilled working professionals in the digital media and communications sector.
Professor Mohamed Salem, UOWD President, said: “As the world shifts away from more traditional media offerings towards a new digital landscape, it is important that we introduce new and innovative programmes that support the needs of the region. This new degree will build on Dubai’s ambition to becoming an internationally recognised hub of media excellence and will attract international students to further their higher education ambitions in Dubai.”
Dr Feras Hamza, Head of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Health at UOWD commented on the significance of the launch of this new degree: “Our world is being shaped and reshaped by media technologies at an incredible pace. In this increasingly complex and interconnected world, there is much ambiguity and risk, but also great opportunities for creativity and innovation. We need to prepare this current digital generation to become global citizens with ethical foundations, as we equip them with transferrable skills for a job market that is yet to be created.
This innovative new programme will have four key areas of focus; Social Media, Graphic Design, Video Production and Marketing & Communication. This programme is being designed for students who are digitally proficient and are interested in the rapidly developing world of digital media and marketing.”
The programme will be led by Associate Professor Dr. William F. Smith II, who commented on the launch of this new programme being offered with a unique, flexible and innovative curriculum: “Communicators with media skills are in high demand, particularly in a growing market like the UAE with such a young and media savvy population. With a renewed focus of digital media adoption being available at our fingertips, the need for accredited degrees focusing on new innovative methodologies in delivering digital media is more important than ever. I am looking forward to welcoming the new batch of students in September.”
After graduating from the Bachelor of Communication and Media Degree, students will be able to work in such creative fields such as Game Design, Digital Animation, Visual Communications, Mobile Applications, Journalism, Graphic Design, Events, Social Media, Live Streaming, Brand Strategy and many more.
The UOWD Bachelor of Communication and Media Degree is accredited by the Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). The four year degree will launch in September, 2019 and students will have a choice of receiving their degree from either The University of Wollongong in Dubai or The University of Wollongong in Australia.
