Program Overview

Foundation Year in Records Management and Archival Science

The Foundation Year in Records Management and Archival Science, taught in English, is designed to equip students with the academic and linguistic skills required to succeed at university level and to progress in the Bachelor's programme related to this field.

Programme Overview

Understanding the critical role of records management and archival science in the digital era is essential to achieving national priorities such as Zero Bureaucracy, Digital Transformation, the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031, and UAE Vision 2030. As the country advances towards digital transformation, where data has become a strategic resource, the Foundation Year equips students with data and information management skills that enable them to contribute to the UAE's aspirations.

Programme Objectives

This discipline also promotes government transparency, the preservation of cultural heritage, and evidence-based decision-making. The programme therefore introduces students to the strategic importance of archival science in today's information-driven society, preparing them to enrol in a unique major in the region.

Programme Structure

During the Foundation Year, three high priority targets are aimed:

• Students will enhance their linguistic command in English and in Arabic through intensive and interactive courses
• They will gain critical thinking, problem solving and academic skills through methodology courses
• Students will also learn the basics of records management and archival science through introductory courses that explore the current digital revolution, one of today's most widely debated topics in politics, economics, business and heritage

Programme Details

An introduction to emerging disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Big Data, Data Mining, and Cyberdata will be delivered through workshops led by professionals, academic courses, online modules, and on-site visits to both private and public entities in the UAE. Computer courses will also form a key component of the Foundation Year, equipping students with an understanding of relevant electronic management tools. An analysis of current issues and challenges in records management and archival administration will serve as a valuable introduction to the Bachelor's programme in Records Management and Archival Science.

Strategic Partners

• National Library and Archives: A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on November 2018 with the National Library and Archives (NLA) in the UAE. The professional, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes have been designed in collaboration with the NLA to fulfil the market job requirements in this field. Professionals and experts from the NLA contribute to support these academic programmes by being involved in some applied works, internships, and current research projects.

Programme Chair

• Dr. Yann Rodier, Head of History Department & Associate Professor

Programme Duration and Language

• Programme duration: 1 year
• Delivery Language: English

Tuition Fees and Accreditation

• Tuition fees: AED 71,700
• Accreditation: Not Applicable

Application Deadline

• Deadline to apply: 21-08-2026

Faculty Team

The faculty team includes:

• Dr. Liah Shonhe, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer
• Dr. Yann Rodier, Head of History Department & Associate Professor
• Dr. Proscovia Svard, Associate Professor
• Dr. Forget Chaterera Zambuko, Assistant professor
• Dr. Victor Kanganga Kabata, Assistant professor
• Dr. Mehluli Masuku, Assistant professor
• Dr. Samson Mutsagondo, Assistant Professor

Student Recruiter and Academic Coordinator

• Essam Ahmad, Senior Officer - Student Recruitment
• Malik Bensoltane, Academic Coordinator

School of Data, Science and Engineering

The School offers various programmes, including the Foundation Year in Records Management and Archival Science, Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Science, and Master in Records Management and Archival Studies.

Study Programmes

The university offers a range of study programmes, including:

• Foundation Year in Sciences
• Foundation Year in Intensive French
• Bachelor in Business and Foreign Languages
• Bachelor in Economics and Management
• Bachelor in Law
• Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Science
• Double Bachelor in Philosophy and Sociology
• Bachelor in History – Concentration: International Relations
• Bachelor in Mathematics, Specialisation in Data Science for Artificial Intelligence
• Bachelor in Geography and Planning
• Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology
• Bachelor in Physics
• Bachelor in Humanities Applied to Public and Cultural Affairs (HAPAC)
• Master in Business and Foreign Languages
• Master in Banking, Finance and Fintech
• Master in Health Economics
• Master in Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Law
• Master in International Business Transactions and International Arbitration
• Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty
• Master in Applied Sociological Research
• Master in History of Art and Museum Studies
• Master in Marketing, Communication and Media
• Master in Records Management and Archival Studies
• Master in Urban Planning and Development – Urban Innovation and Sustainability
• International Programme in Sports Management
• SELFEE-Sorbonne French Language Courses
• Advanced Strategic Maritime Course
• Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management
• Global Challenges in Transport - Understanding Infrastructures
• The Art of Negotiation: Step by Step to Successful Outcomes

University Overview

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a university that offers a range of academic programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as continuing education courses. The university is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, and is dedicated to providing students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.