Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication and Information Studies (B.C.I.S.) is unique to the American University in Dubai. Not only do we focus on the regional media industry in the large majority of our courses, we also expose our students to all aspects of the regional and international media, and its relationships with politics, globalization and popular culture.

We have attracted some of the best minds to teach at the School, many of whom remain established in the industry to this day. Our strong external relationships within the media allow us to equip students with the most up to date, globally-recognized skills and knowledge on the rise of new media, the arts, the nature of audiences and communications management.

We foster a passion for learning through student interaction with media professionals such as actors, screenwriters, editors, producers and journalists, at presentations, workshops and screenings of local and international films.

Consisting of two majors: Digital Production and Storytelling, and Journalism, the Bachelor program begins at freshman level with the core concepts, theories and media ethics, culminating in final projects and internships at reputable media firms in the UAE.

Upon completion of the degree program, students will be able to:

• Identify and administer various media platforms to communicate with diverse audiences about a wide range of topics;
• Analyze the complexities of information gathering, evaluate the credibility of sources and ensure the highest possible reliability of information provided to the public;
• Demonstrate proficiency in production aesthetics, particularly in using digital media platforms, to provide various forms of media content to the public;
• Determine and analyze elements of communication theory, including the societal responsibilities and professional practices of news, entertainment, and other media industries;
• Identify various facets of issues, think independently and critically, and make informed judgments;
• Determine the importance of media independence while recognizing legal and ethical principles that govern media practices;
• Appreciate the value of lifelong learning about the constantly changing practices and influence of the mass media, and the importance of being able to innovate within the evolving world of media;
• Recognize the importance of being able to interact with fellow media professionals and the larger public in ways that reflect sensitivity to diverse interests.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Communication and Information Studies (B.C.I.S.) at AUD is a 125 credit-hour, four-year program, accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

The program consists of two majors: Digital Production and Storytelling (DPST) and Journalism (JOUR) both of which begin at the freshman level with fundamental concepts, theories and media ethics, before culminating in final projects and internships at reputable media firms in the UAE.

DIGITAL PRODUCTION AND STORYTELLING
This major is aimed at training media professionals to produce original and creative content for television, film and the web. Courses include Screenwriting Fundamentals, Video Editing and Sound Design, and Cinematography.

JOURNALISM
Aimed at training reporters, presenters, editors and non-fictional storytellers for TV, print media, online media and radio, the Journalism major focuses on courses such as Media Writing Skills, Reporting, Newsroom Management and Decision Making, and Broadcast Journalism.

For the full course details and sequencing view the e-brochure.

Facilities

At MBRSC, we provide our students with state-of-the-art facilities to assist them in the completion of their tasks/projects, including:

• Fully equipped, soundproof TV studio and control room with three cameras, lighting, vision and audio mixers, lighting console and a multi-viewer screen;
• Access to full camera kits including HD cameras, lighting and sound equipment;
• 36-station, Mac Computer Labs and individual editing suites that run Avid™ editing software and Adobe premiere.
• Global classroom that serves as a high-technology medium for lectures by the most accomplished media academicians and professionals from around the world;
• 36-seat screening room, equipped with a high-definition projector and surround sound system.

ADMISSIONS ENTRY

All applying students must have:

• A high school/secondary school certificate or equivalent from an institution accredited by the Ministry of Education in the U.A.E. or by the relevant national or regional institutional accrediting body;
• International TOEFL^®or Academic IELTS^TM or the equivalent score on another internationally-recognized English exam. PBT is accepted from specific centers in the UAE.
• The University administers the ACCUPLACER^TM Exam (Math) to place students at the appropriate mathematics level. Students may substitute the SAT for this, depending on the score.

Scholarships

The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication offers annual scholarships to select undergraduate students who meet the criteria set by AUD. In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must be an Arab National and have a high school certificate with a minimum of 90% grade average (or equivalent).

Students should consult with the Admissions Office for further details or admissions@aud.edu.

B.C.I.S. Enrollment, Retention and Graduation

Check this link, which provides yearly update of the B.C.I.S enrollment, retention, graduation and alumni employment data.

FACULTY

STAFF