Master of Arts in Communication Concentration in Tourism and Cultural Communication

GSD


Program Duration	Location	Credit Hours	Cost Per Credit Hour
4 Semesters	Abu Dhabi	36	AED 2,667

The Concentration in Tourism and Cultural Communication program will provide participants with extensive knowledge and understanding of tourism and developing strategic campaigns in a global context. Overall, graduates acquire key skills and competencies in effectively planning and managing tourism activities and promoting cultural heritage.

Graduate Student Reflection

On reflection, my two years as a graduate student at Zayed University was, without a doubt, an experience that has not only made me a much stronger communicator but equally prepared me for a successful career in communication and tourism. During my studies, I was challenged to discover my affection for the arts and cultural communications. Now that passion has been unleashed it now plays a central role in my work the Louvre Abu Dhabi and especially so in the field of arts and tourism.

During my studies my mentors and peers were always supportive, challenging and very helpful. They provided continual constructive input and guidance. These inputs have helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses and, as a result, to be able to critically assess them.

One resource I enjoyed and valued enormously during my studies was the university library. It was always found to be a very well-prepared space with so many outstanding books and references.

For me, my studies at Zayed University have truly been a valuable learning experience.

I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to experience the life of an active graduate student and the intensity of the studies that are required for graduation. During the journey to graduation I continually grew in confidence as both as a student and a professional given the support I received during the program. It certainly helped studying the wide scoping topic of culture – a topic I seriously relate to, given its importance to the cultural dimensions and identity of the UAE.

During the program I was given the opportunity to develop and present a research-based paper at the UAE Graduate Student Research Conference. While that proved to be a big challenge, with my professor’s support I did enjoy the opportunity to craft a paper that was founded on an application of theoretical cultural knowledge to a real-life situation. There have been many positive outcomes from my time as a graduate student. One example is I have become equipped to and now have developed an integrated set of personal, academic, and professional goals. These will surely stand me in good stead for the future. I also now have much more refined abilities in time management along with a strong confidence to manage multi projects in parallel successfully.

The big bonus from the program is that my existing interest in Emirati cultural and heritage issues has become much more enhanced. It is my intention now to apply for a doctoral program so that I can have the opportunity to engage in research that embraces aspects of cultural heritage. In doing this, not only will I be furthering my deep interest in culture, but I also plan to use the knowledge gained to help preserve the cultural heritage of the UAE for generations to come.

Hala Abu-Maizar
M.A. in Communication Concentration in Tourism and Cultural Communication Graduate

AlAnood Bin AlShaikh
M.A. in Communication Concentration in Tourism and Cultural Communication Graduate with Distinction

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Articulate a mastery of specialized knowledge in functional theories of communication.
Develop advanced skills to conduct research, evaluate information and formulate insights appropriate to the communication contexts in which they apply.
Apply professional knowledge in problem-solving that enables critical analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive communication strategies.
Independently conceive and produce creative and innovative communications content suitable for a variety of audiences and in a variety of media forms.
Communicate complex information effectively and deliver professional presentations in written, verbal, digital and integrated formats.
Critically apply professional and ethical principles in pursuit and presentation of accurate, fair and objective information.

Curriculum

Orientation Seminar

At the beginning of the program, students take an intensive one-day orientation. The orientation offers several workshops to introduce students to the University and its resources, the program and communication and virtual classroom software such as BlackBoard Learn and Collaborate, MS Outlook, Extranet, and Bannerweb.

Core Courses

The following seven courses provide the foundation for discipline knowledge:

COM501 Foundations of Communications Studies

COM504 Cross Cultural Communication

COM506 Understanding Consumer Trends

COM502 Communication Research Methods

COM507 Social and Digital Media Strategies

COM523 Event and Festival Planning and Promotion

COM513 Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics

Concentration Courses

Starting in the second year, the following five courses deliver advanced topics tailored toward theory development and industry application:

TCC521 Strategic Planning and Development

TCC522 Tourism Communication

TCC525 Tourism in the UAE and MENA Region

COM550 Applied Research Seminar

COM551 Capstone Research Project

Participants will engage in some internship hours attached to specific coursework and should apply for the final internship. Participants will be assigned a faculty member (as a Zayed University supervisor) and a school leader to mentor the student during the internship. The Zayed University supervisor in collaboration with the mentor will identify leadership and school-based opportunities that will align with learning outcomes required in the internship and reflect the career aspirations of the participants.

Participants will make a public presentation of their internship experience and demonstrate their achievement in meeting the graduate program learning outcomes.

An international internship (study abroad opportunity) is possible by prior arrangement (the expenses will be borne by the participant).

Program Delivery

Program Duration

The program is delivered in English over a period of 24 months at Zayed University located in Abu Dhabi.

Course Delivery Format

Typically, three courses are delivered face-to-face one-at-a-time during two evenings on weekdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. over the course of a semester.

For more information on the admission deadline, start date and location for delivery of the program, please visit the Key Dates section of the website.

Abu Dhabi & Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971-2-599-3605

Email: Ameera.AlShehyari@zu.ac.ae