Department of Media Communication
Storytelling in the Digital Age
Head of Department
Welcome to the Department of Media Communication.
For more than two decades, the Media Communication Program, formerly Mass Communication, has been one of the most dynamic and innovative academic programs at AUS. I am happy to report that it has consistently attracted talented young students who are passionate about journalism, advertising, public relations, filmmaking and the media arts. Over the years, our graduates have become some of the most sought-after media professionals, securing high-profile positions across the private and government sectors in the UAE and beyond, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. |-BREAK-|
A defining strength of our program is its deep professional engagement with the media industry. We provide students with exceptional exposure to contemporary media practices by inviting top industry practitioners into our classrooms, supporting a five-week full-time internship at leading media organizations, operating an on-campus student-run agency, and involving students in major local and international media events. Our on-campus media facilities further equip students with valuable hands-on experiences, enabling them to develop and refine their professional skills under the guidance of faculty members with extensive academic and industry expertise. Using the professional-grade audio-visual technology and production spaces in our MCM TV Studio, our students transform creative ideas into high-quality media products. Our computer labs also enhance creative learning by providing full access to the Adobe Creative Cloud for graphic design and video editing. I invite you to explore the MCM Hub to see highlights of our students’ work.
As local and global media landscapes continue to evolve rapidly, we remain committed to delivering an education that keeps pace with industry trends. Our two concentrations—journalism and integrated marketing communications are regularly updated to reflect the highest international standards. The curriculum incorporates courses in digital storytelling, data analytics, infographics, multiplatform planning and multimedia journalism. We are now launching a new round of curriculum updates to ensure even stronger alignment with market needs and global accreditation benchmarks.
Once again, welcome to the Department of Media Communication, a place where your passion for media can thrive and your creative potential can be fully realized.
Mohammad Ayish
Professor and Interim Head of Department
Programs
Faculty
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MCM Facilities
- MCM Studio
The MCM studio provides mass communication students with a professional platform to practice their creative audio-video skills. The facility consists of a control room that houses a vision mixer, audio mixer, light controller and 70-square meter soundproofed floor for video training and production. Students use three professional studio cameras and an anchor desk to conduct interviews and present newscasts. The studio also houses one audio production facility, a video editing space and a student lounge.
The MCM facility serves important academic and professional purposes relating to the preparation of students for future careers and challenges in the media industry. The studio supports students’ training and production needs in all MCM video-based courses. Those include, but are not limited to, anchoring, broadcast and digital storytelling and reporting, social media, advertising campaigns, documentaries, film and multiplatform journalism. The studio enables students to work in a semi-professional environment in which they use professional equipment to film, learn how to run a control room and create studio settings.
By utilizing the studio’s resources, students are able to generate productions that reflect best practices in the industry. MCM students have showcased their video works on Etisalat’s E-Life Channel as part of an MoU signed between AUS and Etisalat. This outreach opportunity, enabled by the department’s facilities, has allowed the students to share their work with the UAE community. Their shared video projects on the channel reflect MCM students’ creative skills and potential to contribute to the media industry during their program of study.
- Macintosh Labs
In addition to the MCM studio, the department maintains two Mac-based labs to meet the students’ needs for digital storytelling, graphic design, infographics and video production. The Adobe Creative Cloud packages, including Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design, Animate and Premier, are installed on the Macs. MCM students are also provided with access to the Adobe CC packages on their laptops for use outside the lab.
Hands-On Industry Connections
- Internships
Our department has built enduring working relations with the media industry throughout the region. MCM students benefit from these relationships through internships and job opportunities. As part of their degree requirements, students complete internships in roles aligned with their area of study. For many, the internships are a starting point on their career path once they graduate.
- Guest Speakers
Our engagement with the media industry includes inviting top-notch professionals to meet our students and provide them with valuable insights about the industry. Through the years, many professionals from various media sectors have met with our students to discuss challenges and opportunities in many industries, such as journalism, online media, social media, marketing communications and government communication. Such encounters often led to jobs for many graduating students.
- Advisory Board
We also bolster industry relations through an Advisory Board consisting of professionals and leading media practitioners. The mission of the MCM Advisory Board is to advise the department on curricular development, student internships and careers. The Advisory Board held its first meeting in March 2017 with the participation of members from leading online and print UAE-based media and key PR and advertising agencies.
Hear from our Students and Alumni
Zain AlMasri | Media Communication Graduate
Head of Brand and Reputation Marketing at Google Middle East and North Africa
“I like the hands-on approach within the MCM program because it has taken my learning beyond theory. I have learned to apply my knowledge through experiences like giving presentations, working in teams and being actively involved in programs. What I enjoyed most about the program is its variety of classes and how it has given me the opportunity to meet people from all majors and backgrounds. The classes and connections I have made through AUS have strengthened my passion for advertising. Being surrounded by intelligent individuals in discussion-based classes has shown me how powerful young minds can be."
Laila Alkaf | Media Communication Graduate
Creative Copywriter at Leo Burnett
“I’ve always had a passion for creating—whether it’s videos, photographs, art, editing or writing. I also enjoyed the process of storytelling and wanted to learn more about it. I felt media communication at AUS was an ideal place for me to further explore my passion and find a suitable career path for it.”
Hala Nasar | Media Communication Student
“Joining the Department of Media Communication at AUS was the best decision I made in advancing my knowledge and studies in media and the world. My favorite thing about being a journalism major is that it has makes me more knowledgeable about what’s happening around me and enhances my self-awareness and ability to communicate better. My passion for writing has grown, and I realize that I can do tremendous things. Even if you’re not an MCM major, you should definitely take a class or two and keep up with the news!”
Latifa Almaazmi | Media Communication Student
“I always wanted to make a change in this world. Choosing media communication was the best decision I made. It expanded my understanding of the world and shaped my personality and my self-esteem. It is the window to see the world differently, more creatively and virtually.”
Alumni Impact
Our alumni are well-represented across the media and communications industry in the UAE and around the world.
Here are just some of the organizations in which our alumni are making a name for themselves.
ADQ
Arab News
ARAMCO
Bloomberg
CNN
DMI
Gambit Communications
Google
Gulf News
Gulf Today
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Khaleej Times
MBC
Memac Ogilvy
The National
The World Bank
United Nations
MCM Hub
MCM faculty are committed to providing students with opportunities to hone the skills they will need for their future careers and to have their work published in public forums. On our MCM Hub, our students can share their talents with the wider world. Take a look to discover what MCM students are writing about and how they are readying themselves for careers in the media.
Contact
For more information about our department or programs, please contact us:
Department of Media Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
American University of Sharjah
PO Box 26666
Sharjah, UAE
Department Head
Dr. Suheil Dahdal
Tel +971 6 515 2530
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Noura Alblooshi
Tel +971 6 515 2736
[email protected]
For admission information, please visit https://infodesk.aus.edu, sign up and post your query.
