Bachelor of Digital Media
Admission to Program
Admission to the program is explained in the HCT Admission Policy described in the Academic Policies section of this Catalogue
Program Mission
The Bachelor of Digital Media program is designed to develop in students the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively communicate in a variety of media and professional settings. Graduates will demonstrate their competency as professional, research-oriented communication specialists in a variety of fields, such as strategic and corporate communication, social media, and digital media, by developing their writing, verbal, and digital communication skills.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Digital Media is a four-year program consisting of 120 credit hours, including General Study requirements. Through the program, graduates will be prepared to enter the fields of digital communication, public relations, advertising, strategic communication, and social media. Students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to critically analyze and devise effective solutions to solve digital media challenges for a variety of audiences and contexts. By integrating work-integrated learning and client briefs, students will acquire a thorough understanding of how digital media plays a pivotal role in developing brands, social cultures, and effective communication strategies. Graduates will demonstrate advanced communication proficiency, collaborative skills, professionalism, and ethical responsibility within the dynamic digital media landscape.
The objective of this Bachelor's program is to provide UAE nationals with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies required for effective communication across a range of media platforms and professional settings. Graduating students will be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in the field of communication by enhancing their writing, verbal, and digital communication skills. By completing this program, students will be well-prepared to excel in diverse fields such as strategic and corporate communication, social media, and digital media.
Program Goals
- Develop in students a comprehensive knowledge of digital media tools, technologies, and techniques, emphasizing their application in professional settings and creation of content of a high aesthetic quality.
- Foster strong communication skills, enabling students to articulate ideas clearly, write effectively, apply communication theories strategically, and utilize social media platforms efficiently
- Promote a professional attitude and practice emphasizing ethical leadership, social responsibility, and effective teamwork within diverse settings.
- Prepare students to think analytically, critically, strategically, and independently, while also preparing them with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to excel in the global digital media marketplace.
- Equip students with a commitment to lifelong learning, continuing education, and professional growth.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use a range of digital media techniques, tools and technology which can be applied in professional contexts.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the development and impact of digital media.
- Apply critical, strategic, and independent thinking principles to the formulation of effective communication strategies.
- Engage in professional conduct, including collaboration, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
- Effectively communicate digital content solutions through social media platforms to diverse audiences.
- Produce creative work that showcases an understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of digital media.
- Demonstrate analytical and entrepreneurial skills essential for thriving in the global marketplace.
Completion Requirements
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 120 credits, including:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Media and Design Core Courses | 24 | |
| Digital Media Core Courses | 27 | |
| Digital Media Specialisation Courses | 45 | |
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| General Studies | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
To qualify for the bachelor's degree, a student is required to:
- Successfully complete the required number of credits and courses specific to the program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Complete 100 hours of volunteering.
- Meet the residency requirement that a minimum of 50% of the program credit requirements have been completed at the HCT.
Digital Media and Design Core Courses
Required Credits: 24
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DMD 1103 | Fundamentals of Visual Design | 3 |
| DMD 1113 | Photography and Image Making | 3 |
| DMD 1123 | Introduction to Media Technology | 3 |
| DMD 1133 | Digital Storytelling | 3 |
| DMD 1213 | Digital Literacy | 3 |
| DMD 2313 | Digital Media in Arabic | 3 |
| DMD 2423 | Media Production | 3 |
| DMD 3623 | Portfolio and Presentation | 3 |
Digital Media Core Courses
Required Credits: 27
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DGM 1213 | Social Media and Society | 3 |
| DGM 1223 | Writing for Media | 3 |
| DGM 1233 | Creative Technology | 3 |
| DGM 2303 | Podcasts and Interviews | 3 |
| DGM 2313 | Introduction to Advertising | 3 |
| DGM 2403 | Brand Identity | 3 |
| DGM 2413 | Digital Media Analytics | 3 |
| DGM 2423 | Social Media Content Creation | 3 |
| DGM 2433 | Creative Writing | 3 |
Digital Media Specialisation Courses
Required Credits: 45
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DGM 3503 | Convergent Journalism | 3 |
| DGM 3513 | Public Relations | 3 |
| DGM 3523 | Event Management | 3 |
| DGM 3533 | The Pitch: Persuasive Presentations | 3 |
| DGM 3603 | Integrated Marketing | 3 |
| DGM 4703 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| DGM 4716 | Industry I * | 6 |
| DGM 4733 | Brand Management | 3 |
| DGM 4743 | Capstone I | 3 |
| DGM 4803 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| DGM 4816 | Industry II * | 6 |
| DGM 4833 | Media Relations | 3 |
| DGM 4843 | Capstone II | 3 |
*Apprenticeship courses
Elective Courses
Required Credits: 6
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DGM 3003 | Fashion Communication | 3 |
| DGM 3023 | Media Innovation | 3 |
| DGM 3033 | The Creative Industries | 3 |
| DGM 3043 | Field Trip | 3 |
General Studies
Required Credits: 18
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LSC 1103 | Professional Written Communication | 3 |
| AES 1003 | Emirati Studies | 3 |
| DMD 1203 | AI in Digital Media | 3 |
| DMD 2433 | Sustainable Design | 3 |
| DMD 3613 | Freelancing and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| DGM 3543 | Communication and Technology | 3 |
| Description | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Required Credits | 120 |
| Maximum Duration of Study | 6 years |
| Minimum Duration of Study | 4 years |
| Cost Recovery Program | No |
| Program Code | BADGM |
| Major Code | DGM |
Recommended Sequence of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | |
| DMD 1103 | Fundamentals of Visual Design | 3 |
| DMD 1113 | Photography and Image Making | 3 |
| DMD 1123 | Introduction to Media Technology | 3 |
| DMD 1133 | Digital Storytelling | 3 |
| LSC 1103 | Professional Written Communication | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| DGM 1213 | Social Media and Society | 3 |
| DGM 1223 | Writing for Media | 3 |
| DGM 1233 | Creative Technology | 3 |
| DMD 1203 | AI in Digital Media | 3 |
| DMD 1213 | Digital Literacy | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| DGM 2303 | Podcasts and Interviews | 3 |
| DGM 2313 | Introduction to Advertising | 3 |
| DMD 2313 | Digital Media in Arabic | 3 |
| DMD 2423 | Media Production | 3 |
| AES 1003 | Emirati Studies | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| DGM 2403 | Brand Identity | 3 |
| DGM 2413 | Digital Media Analytics | 3 |
| DGM 2423 | Social Media Content Creation | 3 |
| DGM 2433 | Creative Writing | 3 |
| DMD 2433 | Sustainable Design | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Semester 5 | ||
| DGM 3503 | Convergent Journalism | 3 |
| DGM 3513 | Public Relations | 3 |
| DGM 3523 | Event Management | 3 |
| DGM 3533 | The Pitch: Persuasive Presentations | 3 |
| DGM 3543 | Communication and Technology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| DGM 3603 | Integrated Marketing | 3 |
| DMD 3613 | Freelancing and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| DMD 3623 | Portfolio and Presentation | 3 |
| Elective I | 3 | |
| Elective II | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Semester 7 | ||
| DGM 4703 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| DGM 4716 | Industry I | 6 |
| DGM 4733 | Brand Management | 3 |
| DGM 4743 | Capstone I | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| DGM 4803 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| DGM 4816 | Industry II | 6 |
| DGM 4833 | Media Relations | 3 |
| DGM 4843 | Capstone II | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Ahlam Mohammad Ali Al Bannai, Master (Media Communications), University of Wollongong, Australia
Akhmed Kaleel, PhD (Humanities), Voronezh State University, Russian Federation
Amr Ali, PhD (Social Media), Cairo University, Egypt
Ashavaree Das, PhD (Speech Communication), Florida State University, USA
Awatef Abdulla Rashed Mushourab Al Hebsi, Master of Arts (Communication), University of Sharjah, UAE
Dalia Rehab, PhD (Media and Communication), University of Leicester, UK
Fatema Al Kamali, Master of Arts (Museum Studies), Zayed University, UAE
Ivana Ercegovac, PhD (Journalism), Megatrend University, Serbia
Lim Meng, Master of Business Administration (Luxury Brand Management), International Fashion Academy, France
Lara De Matos, Master of Advanced Theatre Practice (Dramaturgy and Performance Practices), Royal Centre School of Speech and Drama, London, UK
Maha Abdalla AlBlooshi, Master of Arts (Communications), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Marko Sredojevic, Master (Journalism), John Naisbitt University, Serbia
Mohammed Abuhannoud, PhD (Communication Studies), Westphalian Wilhelm University of Münster, Germany
Mohammed Alomari, PhD (Instructional Multimedia), University Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Mona Gabr, PhD (Mass Communication), Cairo University, Egypt
Nada Al Shammari, Master of Arts (Media Arts), Philosophy and Practice, University of Greenwich, UK
Priyanka Dasgupta, PhD (Mass Communication), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Rizwan Wadood, PhD (Mass Communication), Banasthali Vidyapith, India
Shadi Alhroub, Master of Design (Branding and Advertising), Middle East University, Jordan
Shreesha Mairaru, PhD (Communication & Journalism), University of Mysore, India
Zakaia Cvitanovich, Master of Arts (Communication Studies), University of New England, Australia