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Digital Media and Communications with Integrated Foundation Year (Dubai) BA
- CampusDubaiDelivery formatIn person
- Start dateJanuary and SeptemberDuration4 years full-time
- AwardBachelor of Arts
- Entry requirementsTypical offer CC at A level
- Fees (UK/Ireland)January 2026: AED 115,652 (full-time). September 2026: AED 123,506 (full-time)
Course overview
Unlock your creativity with our BA Digital Media and Communications with Integrated Foundation year. Get the knowledge and skills needed to build a thriving career in the creative sectors.
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.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Course highlights
Immerse yourself in the ways in which we communicate, on- and offline, and explore the use of media and digital technologies in different cultures and contexts. 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
- Top 30
for English Language and Literature
QS World Rankings 2025
Get a head start in the graduate market with our work-based placements and employability focused modules
Become part of a diverse community of staff and students from around the world
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.
Course delivery
Learn with academics from the UK and Dubai in small classes and personalised one-to-one sessions with your tutor.
Lecture
Seminar
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.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any 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.
Foundation year
Foundation year
2026/27 Session
The Foundation Year will equip you with essential knowledge in Global Environmental Issues, Business and the Market, Law and Legal Skills, and academic English, preparing you for undergraduate study. Be immersed in the university environment where you will receive dedicated support.
Successful completion of at least 100 credits, with a minimum of 60% in Academic English, and 60% overall in your modules, will ensure progression to the Bachelor in Commercial Law.
The following must be taken:
Year 1
Year 1
2027/28 Session
Begin your journey by studying the fundamentals of digital media and communication.
The following must be taken:
Year 2
Year 2
2028/29 Session
Master your understanding of the subject and explore its key principles in modules such as writing for money, global media, media in the workplace, and data skills for the digital world.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Applied Media Practice | 20 |
| Data Skills for the Digital World | 20 |
| Global Media | 20 |
| Media in the Workplace | 20 |
| Media, Culture and Identity | 20 |
| Writing for Business | 20 |
Year 3
Year 3
2029/30 Session
In your final year you will delve into advanced modules in marketing communications, podcasting, business discourse and professional skills.
You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake independent research as part of your digital media and communications project.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Business Discourse and Communication | 20 |
| Marketing Communications | 20 |
| Podcasting | 20 |
| Professional Skills | 20 |
| Digital Media and Communications Project | 40 |
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- A Level
CC
- IB
4,4 at Higher Level with a minimum of 28 points overall.
Number of A levels required: 2
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 115,652
Full-time (January 2026 start)
- AED 123,506
Full-time (September 2026/January 2027 start)
The above fee applies to the Foundation Year only. Subsequent year's annual tuition fee for the programme will be AED 119,700 per year for September 2026 entry. September 2027 entry fees are to be confirmed.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
To apply for an undergraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Career opportunities
The teaching, assessments, employability modules and work placements throughout our BA Digital Media and Communications undergraduate degree will prepare you for the world of work.
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.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025 High Fliers reports.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
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.