Communication Design BA (Hons)
About This Programme
4-year BA (Hons) Communication Design with a transdisciplinary approach across four evolving specialisations: Graphic Design (inclusive illustration), Photography, Moving Image / Animation, and Interaction Design (UX/UI). Develops creative, critical, and technical skills with a sustainable, life-centred, socio-political design focus and strong MENASA and EU industry connections. Year 1 (mandatory): Design Context and Process, Design Communication, Design Prototyping, Design Challenge, initial design and visualisation skills, photography, visual development, design thinking, illustration fundamentals. Year 2 (mandatory): Design Thinking, Creative Advertising, MoGraph and Content Creation, Design Research Methods, Phygital Experiences and Environments. Year 2 optional: Product Innovation, Trend Forecasting and Media Content Production, Design Simulation and Modelling, Artistically Intelligent Design, Circular Economy for Design. Year 3 mandatory: Professional Practice, Dynamic Transmedia Storytelling, Art Direction, Planning Design Research. Year 3 optional: Live Project, Industry Placement. Year 4 (Honours): Professional Creative Futures, Design Showcase, Honours Project (full-year). Optional Year 4 pathways: Technology and Innovation, Marketing Management and Strategy. Year 1 entry: A-Level CCD (or BBBB AS); IB 24; CBSE 65%; American HS 70% + SAT I 1000; Tawjihiyya 80% (Elite 75%); FBISE 70%; BTEC L3 MMM; WAEC B2; Scottish Highers BBBB; Lebanese Bac 80% or 13/20 + IELTS 6.0; French Bac 12/20 + IELTS 6.0; Russian/Kazakhstan Attestat grade 5 + IELTS 6.0. Year 2 entry: successful completion of first year in a related degree with a strong portfolio of work. IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5). Accreditations: UAE MoHESR, UK QAA. September intake (some January modules available). Tuition AED 82,264/year (incl. VAT), total AED 329,056. 90%+ graduates in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months. Graduates work in film, media, social enterprise, and broader design industry.
What You'll Study
Year 1, September Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The first year focuses on initial design and visualisation skills preparing the student with the fundamentals in overall photography, visual development, design thinking, and introductions into illustration.
- Design Context and Process
- Design Communication
- Design Prototyping
- Design Challenge
Year 2, September Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The second year builds upon the fundamentals taught in the first year, by introducing specialist topics such as typography, videography, and advertising. This is supplemented with courses in creative writing, professional practice, and graphics.
- Design Thinking
- Creative Advertising
- MoGraph and Content Creation
- Design Research Methods
- Phygital Experiences and Environments
Optional courses
- Trend Forecasting and Media Content Production
- Design Simulation and Modelling
- Circular Economy for Design
- Artistically Intelligent Design
Year 3, September Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The third year involves a unique series of four themed elective specialisations in design management, fashion communication, interaction design, graphics and illustration. However, we will initially be introducing just one pathway in graphics and Illustration. These third-year courses include events management, visual merchandising and fashion styling.
- Professional Practice
- Dynamic Transmedia Storytelling
- Art Direction
- Planning Design Research
Optional courses
- Live project
- Industry Placement
- Artistically Intelligent Design
- Circular Economy for Design
- Trend Forecasting and Media Content Production
- Design Simulation and Modelling
Year 4, September Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The final honours year will entail a two semester developed honours project using supervisory pedagogies, being supplemented by advanced evaluative practice and review.
- Professional creative futures
- Design Showcase
- Honours Project
Optional courses
- Technology and Innovation (pathway course)
- Marketing management and strategy (pathway course)
Year 1, January Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The first year focuses on initial design and visualisation skills preparing the student with the fundamentals in overall photography, visual development, design thinking, and introductions into illustration.
- Design Prototyping
- Design Challenge
- Design Context and Process
- Design Communication
Year 2, January Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The second year builds upon the fundamentals taught in the first year, by introducing specialist topics such as typography, videography, and advertising. This is supplemented with courses in creative writing, professional practice, and graphics.
- Creative Advertising
- Design Thinking
- MoGraph and Content Creation
- Design Research Methods
- Phygital Experiences and Environments
Optional courses
- Trend Forecasting and Media Content Production
- Circular Economy for Design
- Design Simulation and Modelling
- Artistically Intelligent Design
Year 3, January Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The third year involves a unique series of four themed elective specialisations in design management, fashion communication, interaction design, graphics and illustration. However, we will initially be introducing just one pathway in graphics and Illustration. These third-year courses include events management, visual merchandising and fashion styling.
- Professional Practice
- Dynamic Transmedia Storytelling
- Art Direction
- Planning Design Research
Optional courses
- Industry Placement
- Live project
Year 4, January Intake - Dubai
Detailed course guide The final honours year will entail a two semester developed honours project using supervisory pedagogies, being supplemented by advanced evaluative practice and review.
- Professional creative futures
- Design Showcase
- Honours Project
Optional courses
- Marketing management and strategy (pathway course)
- Technology and Innovation (pathway course)
Entry Requirements
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
This programme is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the United Kingdom.
Programme Details
Award
BA (Hons)
Start Date
September, January
Duration
4 years
Qualification
BA (Hons)
Subject Area
Design
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person