Digital Media and Communications with Integrated Foundation Year (Dubai) BA

Balance classroom-based study and practical, hands-on creative learning to get you graduation-ready for roles in sectors as varied as advocacy, the creative arts, journalism, media, marketing, publishing and many more.

Course structure

The course is delivered full-time over 4-years, including an integrated foundation year, featuring lectures, seminars and workshops. Our modules are designed to provide you with the essential skills needed to boost your employability and achieve your professional goals. 

Our programme offers project leadership, globalised media and cross-cultural awareness so you can transfer expertise across sectors and countries. Develop your professional practice alongside academic study, and graduate with skills in research, professional communication, media and content creation.

• Our innovative and creatively challenging programme will help you develop professional and practical-based skills
• Develop theoretical understanding, media practice, research skills, and prepare to shape media and digital agendas in your future career
• Undertake a work experience placement with employers in the Digital Media and Communications sector on our Professional Skills module
• Explore the key principles in digital cultures, media studies and professional communication across a diverse portfolio of exciting modules

Prepare to work in the creative world

Benefit from the growing media, cultural and creative sector in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a placement with one of our local partner organisations in the heritage, social enterprise, or creative arts sector.

By graduation you will have the transferable skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing creative sector, including media, journalism and marketing.

You will enjoy a diverse learning experience, including lectures, small group tutorials, workshops, presentations, independent study and peer group learning. For all assessments there will be a formative element where you can develop ideas and arguments for feedback before completing the module’s summative elements.

Contact hours

Although contact hours vary significantly from week to week depending on the modules that you are studying, you can expect an average of 12 hours of taught contact time per week in each year of your BA Digital Media and Communications degree. This may include lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussions and presentations. Outside of these times, staff are also available for individual meetings and informal supervisions.

Assessment methods

Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:

• coursework, such as essays
• group and individual presentations
• and exams

Feedback - you will receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Number of A levels required: 2

English language requirements

To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.

The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.

You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.

To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.

To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.

Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.

 You’ll develop the capacity to think critically about a range of topics, argue, defend and advocate for your positions in presentations and written work and respond creatively to real-world tasks.

You’ll have the optional opportunity to study on a number of challenge-based modules, responding to live briefs from local, national and international partners, as well as spending time on placement with one of our local partner organisations in the creative arts, heritage, or social enterprise sector.

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2025 report. Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

Careers Network

In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Dubai

Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.

Take a virtual tour

Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.