Digital Media and Communications MA
About This Programme
The MA Digital Media and Communications at the University of Birmingham Dubai prepares students to succeed in the fast-moving digital media industry, engaging critically with the theories, methods and practices of media and communication, as a next career step or a route into further research. It runs for 12 months full-time or on a part-time basis. Students explore current trends in digital communication, including social media, mobile technology and AI, and relate them to concepts from the social sciences, media studies and the humanities. They study digital cultures from local communities of practice to vast social media networks with a range of digital research tools, consider the legal and ethical implications of data research, and build skills in statistical analysis, data manipulation, data visualisation and content creation, alongside communication and research skills for business and media.
Course Highlights
- Deeper understanding of content creation and data analysis.
- Teaching from researchers who work closely with media and data practitioners and the creative industries.
- Networking events and employer talks with industry professionals.
- An interdisciplinary approach and a versatile skill set for further study or professional roles.
- Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
Teaching is research-led, by lecturers and professors active in digital media and communications, mainly in small-group seminars, with projects and workshops. Each taught module represents 200 hours of study, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation, and students write a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic that interests them.
Autumn term: September to December
Eleven weeks. Full-time students normally take three modules, with two hours of seminars per module each week and an emphasis on guided independent learning, and begin planning the dissertation, which makes up one third of the degree, submitting a proposal.
Spring term: January to April
Twelve weeks. Full-time students take three more modules and are assigned a dissertation supervisor to begin research on their topic.
Summer term: May to August
No taught modules; students research and write the dissertation for submission at the end of August.
Modules
180 credits, all compulsory: six 20-credit modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
- Research Methods in Digital Media and Communications20 credits
- Data Skills20 credits
- Global Communications20 credits
- Language and New Media20 credits
- Media, Culture and Identity20 credits
- Business Discourse and Communication20 credits
- Dissertation60 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
The degree builds transferable skills in statistical analysis, data manipulation and visualisation and digital content creation, and a rounded understanding of the digital, creative and media industries. Graduates might become social media managers, content creators, digital marketing specialists, public relations specialists, digital strategists, social media analysts, content marketing managers or e-commerce managers. The University has connections with regional, national and international organisations that students can meet during the programme, and the Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Communications.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Arts (MA)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Media & Communications
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Full time, Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 128,300/yr
AED 128,300 a year full-time or AED 64,150 a year part-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation and is charged for each year of study, so part-time students pay it in both years; it can be paid in full or in three instalments a year, and it does not include visa or living costs. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made online through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal, with no application fee; postgraduate applicants upload transcripts for study completed so far, their degree certificate if available, and a CV. Decisions are usually made within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form, and full-time students can apply for a student visa sponsored by the University.