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- Master of Media Design
Master of Media Design
Duration
18 - 24 months
10 subjects
Classes commence
| September (Autumn) |
| January (Winter) |
| April (Spring) |
Fees*
AED 9,415.35 / USD 2,565 per subject
*VAT 5% inclusive
The Master of Media Design is an innovative postgraduate degree program that focuses on the concept and practice of Media Design. This program is not about graphic design but rather about the design thinking processes that underpin the creation and communication of media work, artefacts and projects. It aims to prepare individuals to shape the future of the media industry with strategic, user-centered, and innovative approaches to creating media artefacts that have value, utility, and meaning in today’s world.
In this program, students will not only master the design of individual media projects, but also learn to design processes, workflows, and systems, considering the interconnectedness of individual components within a broader communication ecosystem, in society, and in the world around us. Our goal is to produce forward-thinking media design professionals who can navigate the complexities of the rapidly changing media landscape and contribute to the field with thoughtful, innovative, and impactful work and media artefacts.
Graduates of this program will be leaders of the media and creative industries, using media design principles to drive change in the industry and society, focusing on user-centered approaches to creative problem-solving and media-making. As leaders in the industry, you will be adept at translating abstract concepts into engaging media experiences, shaping the future of how we create, consume, and interact with media, people, and the world around us.
Program Goals:
- Shape the Future of Media Design
Empower graduates to become media practitioners who can anticipate and respond to emerging trends and challenges, creating innovative media solutions that influence the direction of the industry. - Lead with Creativity
Develop graduates who possess the leadership qualities and creative skills needed to lead teams and design projects/creative work relevant to the business area or field of work. - Excel in Media Production and Digital Storytelling
Goal: Equip graduates with the technical skills and creative insight needed to craft compelling stories across diverse media platforms, blending cutting-edge production skills with a deep understanding of narrative impact. - Ensure Ethical and Cultural Integrity
Instill a commitment to ethical responsibility and cultural sensitivity, empowering graduates to design media that respects diversity, promotes equity and contributes to the growth and development of society. - Inspire Lifelong Curiosity
Encourage a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity, ensuring that graduates continue to seek knowledge, remain adaptable and innovative, and make lasting contributions to the field of media and communication, as well as to society and the world.
Students applying for a master's degree must have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) at an accredited institution of higher education and have achieved the minimum grades outlined below:
| Country | Direct Admission | Probationary Entry* GPA 2.5-2.99 or equivalent |
Conditional Entry** GPA 2.0-2.49 or equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 65% | 57% | 50% |
| Brazil | 7/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| China | 75% | 63% | 50% |
| Colombia | 3.5/5 | 3.25/5 | 3/5 |
| Egypt | 65% (Good) | 57% | 50% (Pass) |
| India | 50% | 45% | 40% |
| 10 Point System: 7.0/10.0 | 10 Point System: 6.0/10.0 | 10 Point System: 5.0/10.0 | |
| 4 Point System: 3.0/4.0 | 4 Point System: 2.5/4.0 | 4 Point System: 2.0/4.0 | |
| Iran | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Japan | 70/100 or 4/5 | 65/100 or 3.5/5 | 60/100 or 3/5 |
| Jordan | 70% | 60% | 50% |
| Kenya | 50% | 45% | 40% |
| Lebanon | 11 | 10.5 | 10 |
| Mexico | 8/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Nepal | 50% | 45% | 40% |
| Nigeria | 50% | 45% | 40% |
| Pakistan | 50% | 45% | 40% |
| Russia | Average of 4 | Average of 3.5 | Average of 3 |
| South Korea | 80/100 | 75/100 | 70/100 |
| UAE | 3 | 2.5 | 2 |
| UK | 2nd Class Honours with lower division (or min 50%) | 45% | Pass (or min 40%) |
| USA | 3 | 2.5 | 2 |
* Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent, with an overall GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted to a master’s program, only if they meet the necessary English language requirement. Such students must take a maximum of 18cp of subjects studied for the master’s degree during the period of conditional admission and must achieve an overall WAM of 55 in their first 3 subjects at the University. Students who fail to achieve this standard may have their enrolment discontinued.
** Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent, with an overall GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted to a master’s degree, only if they meet the necessary English language requirement and they will be required to complete a maximum of 18cp remedial non-credit bearing subjects prior to enrolment in their chosen master’s degree. Students must achieve a minimum WAM of 55 in these subjects in order to progress to the master’s degree or may have their enrolment discontinued.
Note:
[1] Unless otherwise stated, the entry requirements above are based on Section I institutions. Further details on alternate entry requirements can be obtained by contacting the Admissions department.
| English Language Test | Entry Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic |
Overall score of IELTS 6.5 with scores no less than 6.0 in each band |
| TOEFL Internet based |
88 with not less than 22 in Writing, 20 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 18 in Speaking |
| TOEFL Computer based |
231 with a 4.5 TWE/Essay Writing |
| TOEFL* International paper based |
575 with a 4.5 TWE/Essay Writing |
| EmSAT Achieve English |
1550 |
Note: Students with IELTS 6.0 and scores no less than 6 in each band could be admitted with the condition to successfully complete a remedial subject in first trimester.
* Students admitted under this criterion must complete the test at AMIDEAST.
If you are seeking credit for prior learning, you will need to submit an official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and the grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) for the courses you have successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system. Your eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning will be decided in consultation with UOWD's Faculty Offices prior to the beginning of the program.
To make an application for your chosen program, complete the online application form and submit it along with all your supporting documentation (see below) prior to the application deadline.
Late applications may be accepted subject to the availability of places but applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The following records are required to process your application. Please ensure that all these documents accompany your UOWD application for admission form submittal:
- The original transcripts of your bachelor’s degree results
- A Certificate of Completion
(If the above documents are not in English, a certified English translation is required)
- Proof of your english language proficiency
(Note: Results from IELTS & TOEFL tests must be sent to the University directly from the IELTS or TOEFL testing centres quoting the UOWD institution code IELTS: AE109 / TOEFL: 7907)
- Your current resume or CV
- A copy of your UAE ID card (if applying from within the UAE)
- A copy of your passport (and Residence Visa, if resident in the UAE).
Additionally, if you are seeking advance standing in your chosen program:
- Certified copies of official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) of the courses you successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system.
Applications are required to obtain attestation / equivalency of their bachelor’s degree from the UAE Ministry of Education. The attestation / equivalency process is dependent upon whether you completed your bachelor’s degree within the UAE or outside the UAE.
If the bachelor’s degree was completed outside UAE, you must have your bachelor’s degree and transcripts/mark sheets certified by:
- The issuing University and/or recognised authority for tertiary education in the host country in which you completed your education
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the host country
- The UAE Embassy in that host country OR the Embassy of the host country in UAE must attest the authenticity of the documents and attestations.
Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Education must issue an Equivalency Certificate. Applicants must have a valid UAE residency visa when applying for an Equivalency Certificate. In special cases where complying with conditions (2) and (3) are not feasible, the certificates may be verified against originals by Embassies in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you are unable to secure the Equivalency Certificate(s) as outlined above will be asked to sign a “Consent to Provide Documents” form agreeing to secure the equivalency. You will be permitted to commence your studies at UOWD, but will be given a maximum of one semester to obtain the equivalency certificate(s). UOWD reserves the right to take appropriate action against any applicant who cannot secure the appropriate documentation in this time, which may result in the termination of the student’s enrolment at UOWD.
For more information or assistance on attesting documents from outside UAE, click here.
Program Structure
To qualify for the Master of Media Design, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 60 credit points comprising of 42 CP of MMD core subjects, 12 CP of Research Practice.
Students from a three year bachelor's degree or a four year program without a research component will be required to take additional two subjects decided in consultation with the faculty.
Core Subjects
Research Practice
The second trimester is where students carry out their research projects. Projects can materialize in a number of formats, including a written thesis of 10,000-12,000 words, substantial, research based non-fiction films, design based research projects, or other formats as appropriate for the chosen area of study.
The research approach may be qualitative, quantitative, media/social media focused or a combination of approaches. In research practice, the output can be a thesis, project, creative work, or creative production. The topic and scope of the project must be agreed upon with the student’s advisor and the Program Director before the student settles on a final topic. This final research project will allow students to advance and hone their research skills in one of the core discipline areas of Media, Media Design, Communication and the practice of Media Making. This project will prepare them for future academic or research oriented work and further postgraduate studies (written thesis), or continued work in the media/creative industry.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate specialist understanding of cultural and aesthetic forms of creative media and their roles in historical and contemporary societies and communication practice
- Analyse media practices across platforms and networks to design communication strategies using new/emerging technologies and advanced creative design principles
- Design and create innovative media artefacts using advanced digital storytelling techniques and emerging technology
- Analyse media management and leadership practices and develop strategies for leading teams in the production of media artefacts
- Apply expert understanding of the cultural and historical underpinnings to ethical communication, including in research and practice
- Plan and manage a substantial, self-directed research or practice-based project
Our Master's in Media Design program is tailor-made for professional communication roles. Upon completing this course, you'll acquire the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a successful career in media and communications, not only in Dubai but also on a global scale. You'll be well-prepared to work in diverse settings, whether it's within public or private organizations, or even as an independent freelancer.
As a graduate of our program, you'll have the flexibility to explore a wide array of opportunities across various sectors. These may include advertising, marketing, public relations, broadcasting, print media, social media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), intergovernmental organizations, and the arts and heritage sector. Some specific roles you can pursue include:
- Journalist, Reporter, Editor, News Presenter
- Market Researcher
- Social Media Executive/Manager
- Press Relations Officer
- Digital Media Officers
- Digital Marketing Professional
- Media Planners
- Film Scriptwriter/Director
- Spokesperson
- Graphic Designers
Moreover, you'll be well-equipped to excel in similar roles that demand a blend of analytical, creative, and communication skills. Our program also lays a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D., opening doors to research careers in institutions such as universities and other public or private organizations.
Accreditation and Recognition
All degrees at the University of Wollongong in Dubai are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Education and are licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). In addition, the degree is quality assured by UOW, which is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the national regulator of the higher education sector in Australia.
Students will be issued a UOW Australia degree upon graduation.
Dr Michael L Mallory
Assistant Professor
Program Director (Undergraduate & Postgraduate Media)
Dr Michael L. Mallory is the Program Director for Media & Communication at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). He teaches a wide range of courses in the Bachelor of Communication and Media (BCM) and Master of Media and Communication (MMC) degrees
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