Diploma of Communication - Murdoch University Dubai

Key Information

Duration and course structure

1 year to be completed in 3 trimesters (8 units)

Intake dates

January, May, September

Mode of delivery

On campus

Fees

Tuition fee for the entire course:

AED 59,960

Tuition fees are inclusive of VAT

*Note: Tuition fees exclude the cost of course study materials. Listed tuition fees apply for 2026.

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About the Diploma of Communication

The Diploma of Communication is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to communication in a supportive, student-centred learning environment. It will prepare students for further study or for a professional communication career.

Students will explore a broad range of discipline areas including, web and social media literacy; digital media and screen production and analysis; graphic design. They will also have a better understanding of career planning and management, as well as develop literacy skills that will enhance their academic and professional communication and language capabilities. The knowledge and skills gained through completing the Diploma will be directly transferable to either entry-level employment/work settings and/or to the second year of our Bachelor of Communication degree.

Course structure

A1001 - Diploma of Communication

Course Core Units (21 cp)

TLC101 | 3 cp | Communication Skills for Undergraduate Study
COM1001 | 3 cp | Thinking Communication
COM1011 | 3 cp | Social Media
GRD1011 | 3 cp | Introduction to Graphic Design
COM1021 | 3 cp | Strategic Communication
COM1091 | 3 cp | Introduction to Digital Media Skills
COM1051 | 3 cp | Critical Web Literacy

Electives (3 cp)

Select 1 unit (3 cp) from the following:

BUS1231 | 3 cp | Management in a Global Environment
BUS1241 | 3 cp | Global Marketing
BUS1631 | 3 cp | Introduction to Accounting
BUS1711 | 3 cp | Foundations of Economics
BSL1651 | 3 cp | Foundations of Business Law
BUS1401 | 3 cp | Introduction to Finance
PSY1011 | 3 cp | Introduction to Cultural Psychology
PSY1411 | 3 cp | Introduction to Psychological Science
PSY1731 | 3 cp | Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
CRM1011 | 3 cp | Introduction to Criminology

A1001 - Diploma of Communication

Second year of your Murdoch University Dubai degree

You can continue into your Bachelor of Communication with a major in:

Digital Communication
Strategic Communication

Successful completion of the Diploma will allow you to enter into the second year of the bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University Dubai Campus with 8 units of credit.

Academic entry requirements

Students must meet the minimum academic qualifications required for admission to this course.

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English language entry requirements

Students must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency before being admitted to this course.

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Faculty Profile – Media and Communications

Discipline Lead – Shalu Matani

An award-winning educator and communications practitioner, Shalu brings more than 25 years of academic and professional experience, including over 15 years with Murdoch University’s Transnational Education network in Singapore, where she delivered postgraduate and undergraduate units. Throughout her career, she has championed an industry-integrated approach, cultivating a teaching philosophy that brings together academic scholarship, professional practice, and global perspectives.

Shalu has been a proactive Faculty Advisor to the Murdoch-Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) student chapter and has served on the Singapore Academic Board, contributing to curriculum quality and academic governance. Her leadership and teaching have been recognized with First prize at the Murdoch Transnational Education Learning and Teaching Award for Excellence in January 2025, the Best Student Campaign Award at the PRCA Asia Pacific Awards 2024 as Mentor Supervisor of the winning student team, and the Teaching Excellence Award from Kaplan Higher Education Academy in 2018.

Alongside her academic work, Shalu brings over 12 years of public relations consultancy experience across Southeast Asian markets, principally in technology, consumer, and education sectors. Her clients included IBM, CNET Asia, Cartoon Network, LogicaCMG, and the Global Indian International School. She also initiated a PR internship program within the agency to develop emerging professionals and headed pro bono digital inclusion and mentorship programs with Lions Club International for underprivileged children at Jamiyah’s Children Home in Singapore. She holds a Master of Management Studies from the University of Bombay, India, and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK (AFHEA).

As the Discipline Lead, Shalu’s vision is to further position Murdoch University, Dubai as a leading destination for Media and Communication education by leveraging strong partnerships with Industry Associations, expanding experiential learning, supporting academic excellence, and committing to student growth that eventually translates into exciting career opportunities.

Reflecting on her appointment, Shalu shared: Murdoch Dubai’s Transnational Education (TNE) translates into TRANSFORMATION as Education has the power to positively transform lives; NURTURE a vibrant learning community where everyone involved has the opportunity to realize their full potential and EMPOWER both staff and students to be committed, capable and confident leaders of today and tomorrow.