Program Overview

Master of Digital Communication Program

The Master of Digital Communication program at Umm Al Quwain University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of modern communication.

Program Overview

The master of digital communication is an applied academic program that aligns with the technological advancements in the media industry. It offers comprehensive studies on digital journalism, multimedia production, public relations in digital space, and crisis management strategies through social media and online platforms. The program explores the role of digital communication in political, social, economic, and healthcare development.

Program Objectives

The program aims to achieve the following objectives:

• To provide students with a solid scientific foundation by integrating theoretical studies and practical applications in the field of digital communication.
• To develop specialized media writing skills that align with the characteristics of digital communication writing.
• To strengthen collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• To connect academic knowledge with the needs of society and its media institutions.
• To stimulate scientific research in the field of digital communication.
• To enable students to acquire practical and cognitive expertise through hands-on and innovative applications of digital communication tools, enhancing their creative and technical capabilities to meet the demands of the UAE job market.
• To enhance skills in managing and developing websites, social media platforms, data analysis, and campaign organization.
• To advance digital communication research skills, encourage specialized scientific inquiry, and promote a culture of knowledge production.
• To prepare students for doctoral studies in digital communication at the University of Umm Al Quwain or other international universities.

Admission Requirements

All applicants for the Master of Digital Communication program must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Communication/Media or its equivalent from a university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA below 2.5 but equal to or above 2.0 may be considered if they successfully complete three preparatory courses with a GPA of 3.0 in each.
• English language proficiency as evidenced by one of the following:
  • IELTS: 4.5
  • TOEFL ITP: 450
  • TOEFL iBT: 45
  • TOEFL CBT: 133
  • Linguaskill: B1
  • UAQU Entrance Test: 60
  • Or any other equivalent test approved by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).
  • Applicants who have graduated with a bachelor's degree within one year of applying may be exempt from this requirement.
  • Alternatively, students can pass a remedial English course offered by the university.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must also meet the following criteria:

• Fulfill all the admission requirements for the Master of Digital Communication program.
• Be in good academic standing with no prior warnings or expulsions.
• Have a minimum bachelor's degree GPA of 2.5.
• Complete at least 75% of the program's course credits at UAQU.
• Transferred courses cannot account for more than 25% of the total credits.
• The master's thesis or its equivalent cannot be transferred.
• Achieve a grade of B or higher in all transferred courses.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master's of Digital Communication program can pursue diverse career paths, including:

• Digital Content Writer
• Customer Relations Manager
• Corporate Communications & PR Manager
• Social Media Specialist
• Senior Content Production Manager
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Digital Journalist
• Editor for News Portals & Digital Publications
• Digital Photojournalist
• Video Editor
• Web Media Designer
• Digital Content Developer
• Researcher in Digital Communication
• Strategic Digital Media Consultant
• Digital Crisis Management Specialist
• Crisis Communication Strategist
• Digital Crisis Data Analyst
• Media Relations Coordinator During Crises
• Rapid Response Specialist for social media

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Knowledge:

1. Critically understand the concepts, arts, and terminology of media and digital communication, and the production of media and multimedia materials.
2. Describe the elements and importance of digital communication, its societal and developmental role and impact, and its theoretical and applied evolution.
3. Explain the reality of digital communication, appropriate methods for dealing with social media crises, and the factors affecting its practices at all levels.

Skills:

1. Discuss the sources of preparation, management, and production of materials related to digital communication, multimedia, and their applications.
2. Interpret the principles, approaches, theories, and professional rules used in digital communication, digital journalism, and multimedia.
3. Evaluate the dimensions, components, and theoretical and applied developments included in media and multimedia materials in an integrated and critical manner.

Competence:

1. Infer the types of research, methods, and tools used in digital communication research, compare them with traditional methods, and identify related information sources, using various statistical methods to address media issues and problems.
2. Apply practically, individually or within a team, the production of designs and projects for digital communication, multimedia, and public relations in a creative and effective manner until completion.
3. Produce media works, digital newspaper designs, and multimedia that adhere to professional and ethical standards and prevailing media laws.

Program Structure

The Master of Digital Communication degree is awarded by the College of Mass Communication at Umm Al Quwain University upon successful completion of 30 credit hours, distributed as follows:

• Required Courses: 18 credit hours
• Elective Courses: 6 credit hours (students choose two courses)
• Thesis: 6 credit hours
• Total: 30 credit hours

Program Structure Details

Required Courses (18 credit hours)

• MDC 500: Media Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• MDC 501: Digital Communication Theories (3 credit hours)
• MDC 502: Special Topics in Digital Communication (3 credit hours)
• MDC 503: Digital Public Relations in Modern Organizations (3 credit hours)
• MDC 504: Digital Journalism and Multimedia Applications (3 credit hours)
• MDC 505: Digital Media Production (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

• MDC 506: Digital Communication and Crisis Management (3 credit hours)
• MDC 507: Screenwriting and Short Film Production (3 credit hours)
• MDC 508: Digital Communication Planning and Management (3 credit hours)
• MDC 509: Special Topics in Development Communication (3 credit hours)
• MDC 510: Media Law and Ethics (3 credit hours)
  • Students select only two courses from the above list.

Thesis

• MDC 511: Thesis (6 credit hours)

General Requirements

1. The minimum duration for completing the master's degree is one year, and the maximum is two years, extendable by a maximum of one year with college board approval.
2. Required and elective courses are offered in regular semesters only, as outlined in the program plan.
3. The minimum duration for thesis completion is nine months from the date of thesis registration and the start of writing the thesis proposal. The college board approves the thesis proposal and appoints a supervisor.
4. Required and elective courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters.

Study Plan

First Semester

• MDC 500: Media Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• MDC 501: Digital Communication Theories (3 credit hours)
• MDC 504: Digital Journalism and Multimedia Applications (3 credit hours)
• Elective Course (3 credit hours)
• Total: 12 credit hours

Second Semester

• MDC 502: Special Topics in Digital Communication (3 credit hours)
• MDC 503: Digital Public Relations in Modern Organizations (3 credit hours)
• MDC 505: Digital Media Production (3 credit hours)
• Elective Course (3 credit hours)
• Thesis Proposal and Data Collection (0 credit hours)
• Total: 12 credit hours

Third Semester

• MDC 511: Thesis (6 credit hours)
• Total Program Credit Hours: 30 credit hours