SAE University College Launches Dubai’s First Accredited Bachelor of Music Degree
SAE University College has launched Dubai’s first accredited Bachelor of Music degree, offering aspiring musicians, producers, songwriters and music entrepreneurs an opportunity to earn an internationally recognised qualification while studying in the UAE.
The new three-year programme is designed to support the UAE’s expanding creative economy by combining practical education, industry partnerships and professional experience. Applications are now open for the September 2026 intake, with additional intakes scheduled for February and May 2027.
The programme comes as the UAE continues to invest in its cultural and creative industries. Under the UAE National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, the country aims to increase the sector’s contribution to 5% of GDP by 2031. The regional music industry is also expanding, with recorded music revenues across MENA increasing by 15.2% in 2025, according to the figures provided by SAE University College.
Practical Music Education in Dubai
The full-time Bachelor of Music programme spans three years and focuses on developing the creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills required in the modern music industry.
Students will study areas including:
- Songwriting and composition
- Electronic music production
- Studio production
- Stagecraft and live performance
- Creative musicianship
- Entrepreneurship
- Music business
The programme uses project-based learning to help students develop professional portfolios while gaining practical workplace experience through a major industry project.
Students will also have access to professional-standard studios, equipment and software at SAE University College Dubai. The learning environment is designed to reflect the technology and working practices used across today's music industry.
Industry Partnerships and Professional Experience
SAE University College has developed the programme in collaboration with industry partners including Melody House, Muzikminds and Hungarian-American songwriter and producer Miklos Malek.
The partnerships are intended to provide students with exposure to industry practices and help align the programme's curriculum with the skills sought by employers and music businesses.
Jan Horn, Managing Director of SAE University College Dubai, said the programme will allow aspiring musicians to develop their skills, establish industry connections and pursue international careers from Dubai.
Zubin Aroz, Head of Department Music at SAE University College Dubai, said the modern music industry is increasingly driven by both technology and entrepreneurship. He added that the programme aims to give students technical expertise, creative confidence and industry experience.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates will be prepared for a range of careers across the music and wider creative industries, including:
- Music production
- Songwriting and composition
- Artist development
- Audio engineering
- Live performance
- Music supervision
- Entertainment
- Content creation
- Music business
The programme is designed to combine creative development with commercial and entrepreneurial skills, reflecting the changing requirements of the global music industry.
Scholarships Available
To support aspiring music students, SAE University College is offering scholarships of up to AED 50,000, along with additional benefits.
Applications are currently open for the September 2026 intake. Prospective students must meet the university's admission requirements, while further opportunities to enrol will be available in February and May 2027.
The launch marks a significant development for music education in Dubai and supports the UAE's wider ambition to develop a skilled talent base capable of contributing to its growing creative economy.
