Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice

MAPostgraduateMedia & Communication

About This Programme

A 30-credit master's blending media theory with advanced production and strategic communication, with thesis, professional-project and course pathways. Prepares graduates for careers in government, corporate communication, film, journalism and academia.

Course Highlights

  • Integrates media theory with hands-on production in one interdisciplinary curriculum
  • Three tracks: thesis, professional project or coursework
  • Specialisations in content creation, documentary, campaigns and strategic communication
  • Prepares for media industry, corporate/government communication and academia

What You'll Study

Integrates media theory with hands-on production; students choose a thesis, professional-project or coursework track, assessed via projects and (for two tracks) a six-credit thesis/professional project.

Required Courses (6 credits core; +6-credit thesis/project in those tracks)

  • MSP 501 Media Studies3 credits
  • MSP 510 Media Research Methods3 credits
  • MSP 599 Master's Thesis (thesis option)6 credits
  • MSP 598 Professional Project (project option)6 credits

Elective Courses (18 credits thesis/project track; 24 credits course track)

  • MSP 505 Advanced Media Production3 credits
  • MSP 511 Media Management3 credits
  • MSP 516 Strategic Communication3 credits
  • MSP 517 Media Law and Ethics3 credits
  • MSP 523 Advanced Digital and Social Media Skills3 credits
  • MSP 525 Advanced Documentary Filmmaking3 credits
  • MSP 527 Advanced Multimedia Journalism3 credits
  • MSP 528 Government Communication3 credits

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00 (2.50-2.99 may be considered for conditional admission); some programmes require prerequisite or bridging courses.
English: IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 4.5 (equivalent to 80 on the previous scale). Conditional admission is possible at IELTS 6.0 / iBT 4.0 (71 on the previous scale), except for the MBA and MA TESOL, which require the full score. Exemptions are decided case by case by Graduate Admissions, principally for AUS degree holders and for native English speakers who completed an English-medium bachelor's.

MBA and MBDA applicants take the GMAT or the AUS admission test; a statement of purpose is required for some programmes.

Careers

Positions graduates for careers in media industries, corporate and government communication, film and journalism, and academia.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

Licensed by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); AUS holds US regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Programme Details

Award

Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice

Start Date

August 2026 (Fall; Spring intake for many programmes)

Typical Offer

Relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA + IELTS 6.5 (or TOEFL iBT 80); bridging courses may be required and can be waived

Duration

2 years

Qualification

Masters

Subject Area

Media & Communication

Campus

Sharjah

Course Type

Master of Arts

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Tuition Fee

AED 65,565/yr

Apply online at apply.aus.edu with transcripts, a CV, references and a statement of purpose where required. The graduate application fee is AED 450 + 5% VAT. AUS offers graduate assistantships to qualified applicants.

EnquireView American University of Sharjah
Next intakes
AugJan

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