Middlesex University Dubai’s BA (Hons) Advertising, PR and Branding degree has been accredited by the International Advertising Association (IAA). The accreditation was awarded following an expert evaluation of the programme’s content, which assessed its relevance to current and emerging trends in advertising, and how it prepares students for the world of work in the creative sector. As a result of the accreditation, students will receive complimentary IAA Student Membership throughout their studies, which provides access to exclusive content and learning materials, as well as invitations to events and competitions.
The IAA is a global association that represents all areas of the marketing and communications industry and has been championing key industry issues for over 80 years. John D Chacko, IAA Global Vice President Education, highlighted on the IAA website: “Education is a foundational pillar of the IAA. Knowledge and learning and creating lifelong learners in marketing communications is at the core of our reason for being. We provide current and relevant content and learnings from across the world to our members, academicians and students. Through the IAA program accreditation, student memberships, content hub, apprentice conference, competitions and global summits, we aim to prepare future leaders in marketing communications across the world.”
Steve King, Lecturer in Media at Middlesex University Dubai, who had already facilitated fruitful engagement with IAA to the benefit of media students, said: “As a result of this accreditation, our students now have access to global resources to support their learning and career development. These include knowledge resources and an increased professional network that will grow with them as they progress through their studies and into the world of work. We are delighted that the hard work of our faculty and current and past students has been recognised, and we look forward to deeper and richer engagements with the global advertising industry as a result.”
The accreditation by IAA provides not only provides opportunities for Middlesex students, but also provides further external industry recognition of the Middlesex University Dubai Media department. Middlesex University’s award-winning Media Department was awarded “University of the Year” at the 2019 Dubai Lynx Festival of Creativity and “Best Media Centre” by Forbes Middle East. Students in this programme are well-supported by visiting faculty from industry, as well as full-time academic faculty, and have been successful in gaining valuable work experience and winning industry awards.
The accreditation by IAA will open up even more opportunities for industry engagement, timely industry insights, and experiential learning opportunities.
