Program Overview

Master of Arts in Communication

The Master of Arts in Communication program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of strategic communications principles and play a crucial role in shaping public perception, influencing public opinion, and facilitating informed decision-making while navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Program Structure and Content

The program consists of seven core courses that provide the foundation for discipline knowledge, including:

• COM601 Foundations of Communication Studies
• COM604 Cross Cultural Communication
• COM606 Understanding Consumer Trends
• COM602 Communication Research Methods
• COM607 Social and Digital Media Strategies
• COM623 Event and Festival Planning and Promotion
• COM613 Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics

Starting in the second semester, five courses that include an applied research seminar and capstone research project deliver advanced topics tailored toward theory development and industry application. Students may specialize in one of two professionally oriented study options: Strategic Public Relations or Tourism and Cultural Communication.

Strategic Public Relations

The Strategic Public Relations study option provides extensive knowledge and understanding of strategic communication and how to think strategically in a global context. Key courses include:

• SPC612 Strategic Public Relations
• SPC614 Internal Communications
• SPC615 Crisis and Risk Management Communication
• COM650 Applied Research Seminar
• COM651 Capstone Research Seminar

Key Facts

• Program Duration: 3 Semesters (On Average)
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Language of Instruction: English
• Credit Hours: 36
• Cost Per Credit Hour: AED 2,667
• Application Deadline: 3 August 2026

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities. Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree with a CGPA of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) or higher from an accredited university and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced graduate program. While a Bachelor's degree in communication would be beneficial, this is not essential to gain entry to the Master of Arts in Communication program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program excel in sectors such as corporate, government and public affairs, non-profit, healthcare, technology and startups, entertainment and media, financial services, travel and hospitality, education, energy, and sustainability. Some of the key job roles include:

• Corporate Communications
• Media Relations
• Sales
• Fundraising
• Public Affairs/Relations
• Marketing and Advertising
• Writing, Editing and Publishing
• Meetings & Events Planning
• Digital Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Financial Communication
• Government Relations

What Will You Learn?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:

• Independently conceive and produce creative and innovative communications content suitable for a variety of audiences and in a variety of media forms.
• Communicate complex information effectively and deliver professional presentations in written, verbal, digital and integrated formats.
• Critically apply professional and ethical principles in pursuit and presentation of accurate, fair and objective information.
• Articulate a mastery of specialized knowledge in functional theories of communication.
• Develop advanced skills to conduct research, evaluate information and formulate insights appropriate to the communication contexts in which they apply.
• Apply professional knowledge in problem-solving that enables critical analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive communication strategies.

Who Should Pursue a Master of Arts in Communication?

This program is suitable for job seekers with bachelor's degrees who want to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as mid-career professionals who want to make a career change, use the degree for career advancement, enhance their skills in their current positions, or pursue a doctoral degree.