Faculty, alumni and journalists gather to celebrate the launch of the new AUS master’s in media studies and practice

American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently hosted a special gathering to celebrate the launch of its new Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice (MAMSP). The event, held on April 12 in the Sheraa Hub at AUS, brought together AUS faculty, alumni, journalists, industry professionals and students to mark the beginning of this exciting new program, which is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Media Communication. The gathering welcomed over 30 guests and provided attendees with an opportunity to network, discuss the future of media education and explore the new program’s unique features.

“We were delighted to see so many passionate individuals from the media and education sectors come together to celebrate the launch of our master’s program,” said Dr. Sohail Dahdal, Head of the Department of Media Communication at AUS. “Our program addresses a real gap in the market for advanced, interdisciplinary media education that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. We’re excited to begin preparing a new generation of students with the skills needed to drive innovation, influence change, and shape the future of the local and global media industries.”

The global media and entertainment industry has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, a trend mirrored in the UAE market. In 2024 alone, 9,000 new media licenses and 600 new social media licenses were issued to individuals and companies and Dubai alone is home to more than 4,000 Arab, regional and international media organisations. The UAE is also witnessing a surge in digital media consumption, driven by younger demographics and an increasing demand for personalized and localized content.

The new master’s program, which will welcome students starting in Fall 2025, has been carefully crafted by AUS’ expert faculty in the Department of Media Communication to ensure graduates work in and lead multidisciplinary teams across both media organizations and marketing and communications departments in a wide range of businesses. It covers areas such as journalism, integrated marketing communication, digital media and media production. It also encourages the development of critical thinking and creativity, skills that are essential in today’s media industry in light of the rise of AI tools and disinformation. In addition, MAMSP students will be able to personalize their learning experience by choosing one of three tracks—coursework, a thesis or a professional project—based on their career goals.

"We are proud to partner with AUS to shape the next generation of leaders. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to nurturing creative talent and integrating real-world experience into academia. Through these initiatives, we provide platforms for young minds to experiment, grow and lead purposefully. Together, we are building a future where youth are prepared for the evolving media landscape and empowered to influence it," said Abeer AlAmeeri, Head of Partnerships at Sheraa.

The event featured inspiring speeches from AUS Alumni Alya Taryam, and Hana Taryam, co-founders of ORA Wellness Lounge, and Dr. Fatima Alwari who is both an AUS faculty member and alumna of the Department of Media Communication, as well as Dr. Dahdal, the head of the department and one of the key individuals behind the development of the MAMSP. The launch was also supported by Sharjah’s Entrepreneurship Center, Sheraa, which is currently partnering with the AUS Department of Media Communication on the Middle East’s first student-run agency—an initiative that enables AUS students to work with real-world clients and develop key skills in advertising, public relations, marketing and communications before they graduate.

The new master’s program complements the department’s long-standing Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication program, whose graduates are making an impact in the media industry across the region. For more information about the Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice (MAMSP), please visit www.aus.edu/cas/department-of-media-communication/master-of-arts-in-medi....