Degree Structure
College
Communication
Department
Public Relations
Level
Graduate Masters
Study System
Courses and Theses
Total Credit Hours
33 Cr. Hrs.
Duration
2-4 Years
Intake
Fall and Spring
Language
English
Study Mode
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Important Dates
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Degree Overview
The M.Sc. in Media Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation program is offered by the Colleges of Communication - University of Sharjah in the UAE. It will be delivered in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology and Communication at the University of Barcelona, Spain according to an agreement between the two universities. This is an interdisciplinary program that covers both fields of study - communication and business - by allowing participants to undertake interdisciplinary studies at both colleges under coordinated and integrated approaches. This includes having joint supervision in certain projects as well as the flexibility in the curriculum as to address students' strengths and weaknesses.
The program will be physically hosted in the University of Sharjah, but students will regularly attend Sharjah Media City (Shams). Consequently, students will undertake their classes at the University of Sharjah as well as have a base at Shams to develop their own business - thesis project. This will also allow them to network and connect with other start-ups while benchmarking ideas, procedures, and best practices.
The M.Sc. in MEDI is set to meet the requirements of society's welfare by supporting the strategic goals of the U.A.E. in terms of fostering growth by means of economic diversification and innovation. It addresses two fundamental areas, the promotion of a Competitive Knowledge Economy and fostering a First-rate Education System that competes in the world stage. MEDI will bring together scientific areas that would otherwise be spread across various departments or Colleges making emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates delivery and assessment across subject fields while combining theory and practice. This helps the university fulfil its goal of promoting interdisciplinary studies across the board.
The M.Sc. in MEDI is a “Dual Degree". Graduates of the program will get two accredited certificates, one from the University of Sharjah in the UAE and one from the University of Barcelona, Spain. The program is a credit hours and thesis based. The student must and a thesis. the period of the program is two years (full time). During the first year, the applicants will complete eight Modules (24 Credit Hours) and in the second year he/she will complete the thesis (9 Credit Hours).
Applicants from non-communication disciplines (such as Sociology, Political Sciences, Psychology, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Economics) need to study remedial courses in communication.
Program Goals
• The goals of the MSc in MEDI program are to: Offer a sound and interdisciplinary program that delivers knowledge and skills that enable students to become entrepreneurs and leaders of media companies and organizations.
• Offer a sound and interdisciplinary program that delivers knowledge and skills that enable students to become entrepreneurs and leaders of media companies and organizations.
• Provide skills sets in the areas of media entrepreneurship and management.
• Provide a grounded education in relation to media and communication.
• Create among participants an entrepreneur culture that favors innovation and creativity.
• Provide specialized knowledge and skills around digital transformation that allow students to adopt and use new media technologies and incorporate them into their enterprises.
• Teach students how the media industry operates and what is the nature of the political economy that underpins it.
• Motivate students to engage in life-long learning, adapt to ever-changing research and innovation, and contribute to the expansion of knowledge.
Study Plan
What You Will Learn
students should be able to:
1. Explain elements of media entrepreneurship and innovation.
2. Communicate digital knowledge both orally and in writing proficiently to present a project with the purpose of securing investment and support.
3. Analyze principles of management and administration of a media and communication company.
4. Apply digital skills in developing innovative media projects.
5. Critically discuss the legal and ethical principles that govern the field of media entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
6. Critically evaluate the paradigms followed by researchers in advancing their ideas in both research proposals and published papers.
7. Integrate knowledge and creative skills acquired in their course work into a project related to digital media industry.
8. Function autonomously and take responsibility for managing professional research project.
9. Work collaboratively with other individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.
10. Evaluate and take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice in media entrepreneurship and digital Innovation.
University Requirements
College Requirements
Degree Requirements
Course Description
0307520 |
Entrepreneurship and Organizational Change |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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The module covers the current thinking in entrepreneurship in order to develop new knowledge and enhance students' capabilities in terms of entrepreneurial thinking needed for identifying and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities. The students will get the opportunity to critically analyze various aspects of the entrepreneurial process and other related topics such as creativity and idea generation, business planning, market entry strategies, managing and growing entrepreneurial ventures, and entrepreneurial exit. The module integrates the knowledge of entrepreneurship and organizational change and also analyzes the main drivers of change, suggest approaches to diagnose change, plan, implement, communicate, and sustain change. |
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0307521 |
Leadership and Organizational Behavior |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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The module focuses on the leadership dimension of managers by dealing with the dynamics of human interactions in organizations. It addresses issues related to the influence of leadership on the behavior of individuals, teams, and networks in the context of organizational culture. In addition, it shows how to build productive relationships and manage performance for the long-term success of the organization. Overall, the course equips students with a balance of theory and practice on the major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in formal organizations. |
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0801511 |
Communication Technologies |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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This module examines the role of communication technologies in society and culture, with a particular emphasis on digital technologies and their implications for contemporary societies. Students will learn about major theoretical frameworks dealing with the impact of new technologies on societies and how they can be applied to understand the ramifications of technological convergences and platformization on modern societies at all levels. Through case studies and readings, students will explore major issues in the field such as the network and information society, fake news and digital literacy, e-governance and e-government, e-health communication, and video games and social behavior, among others. |
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0801513 |
Emerging Digital Media & Practices |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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This module will explore the emerging digital media and practices that are transforming our lives, culture, and society. We will examine the implications of these changes for individuals, organizations, and society. Topics covered will include digital media technologies, social media platforms, mobile applications, virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and more. The course will blend theoretical studies and project-intensive practice in leading-edge applications of emerging digital media. Assignments are structured to explore creativity as well as the technical, theoretical, and artistic aspects. |
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0801515 |
Managing Digital Media & Innovation |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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This module explores the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of digital media, with a focus on how to manage and innovate in this complex and exciting environment. The module covers the latest trends and emerging technologies in digital media, including social media, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. It examines the business models and strategies that companies use to succeed in the digital landscape, including how to leverage data and analytics, develop digital marketing campaigns, and create engaging user experiences. It also covers the challenges of managing and leading digital teams, including how to foster innovation, collaborate effectively, and adapt to change in a constantly evolving industry. Through a combination of case studies, hands-on projects, and discussions with industry experts, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage digital media and drive innovation in this exciting and dynamic field. |
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0801521 |
Digital Media & Sustainability |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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This module explores the impact of digital media on sustainability. It examines the ways in which digital media can be used to promote sustainable practices, as well as how it can be used to create more sustainable communities. Moreover, the course looks at the ethical implications of using digital media for sustainability and how to use it responsibly. Additionally, the course will explore how digital media can be used to engage people in conversations about sustainability and how it can be used to create positive change. |
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0801523 |
Researching & Analyzing Digital Media |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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The module prepares the students to do research projects and write their dissertations, with emphasis centered on researching and analyzing Digital Media. This module can take many forms, but one of the most common should be the research methods necessary for the writing of a dissertation based on the two major investigative methodologies of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Students are expected to learn about different social science research methods, carry out mini-research projects and case studies representative of different research processes and research strategies. Carrying out these assignments, students will put into practice the fundamental principles and underlying theories of researching and analyzing digital media and provide engaging examples and practice tips to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to complete their own research projects and dissertations. |
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0801525 |
Ethics of Digital Media & Enterprise |
3 Credit Hrs. |
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This module brings together various disciplines to introduce students to the ethical implications of digitization for media and business organizations. The course examines how the legal system works, relevant statutory, common and case law and the legal principles that affect media practitioners, business professionals and managers and their organizations. It surveys traditional and contemporary theories of moral reasoning, explores professional media ethics, examines the ethical and legal issues in the digital media and business environments such as libel, privacy, intellectual property rights, in addition to the ethical implications of AI, datafication, and algorithms for society and individuals and for marketing strategies and enterprises. |
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Career Path
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