Applications for the Master of Science in Economics and the Master of Fine Arts in Art and Media programs are now open for students interested in obtaining a graduate degree in industries that require a focused academic background. 

The MSc in Economics will offer students a blend of theoretical and quantitative analytical modules, enabling them to learn how to analyze complex data and solve economic problems, as well as apply economic theory and quantitative techniques to understand key economic issues like market failures, behavior, or effects of economic policy. The MFA in Art and Media, a first in the region, aims to attract promising, creative talent looking to thrive in a studio-based learning environment.

The full-time, one-year MSc in Economics offers a unique two-path degree for both policy makers and prospective PhD students. Students will learn to assess regional socio-economic challenges and opportunities in the current climate. By studying the core elements of economic theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics, students enrolled in the curriculum will pursue specializations both in theory and policy, offered in one of the most dynamic and fastest growing economies in the world.

The program builds on the University’s strong Economics program, which was recently ranked the sixth most-cited economics faculty in the Asian region, by Research Papers in Economics (RePEc).

"Students in the Master of Science in Economics program get the opportunity to work with some of the best faculty in the field. They are leading significant research in multidisciplinary centers and labs. Students enrolled in the rigorous program will undergo a curriculum that prepares them for careers in both academia and policy making," said Christian Haefke, program head of economics, Graduate Studies and professor of economics.

The full-time, two-year MFA will allow students to develop their individual creative research based practice in  the rich interdisciplinary context of the Division of Arts and Humanities at NYUAD.

Students can choose to focus in a particular area or across multiple arts disciplines, including sculpture, photography, video, performance, installation,  printmaking, fiber art, painting and drawing., all taught by internationally-renowned artists and scholars.

NYU Abu Dhabi’s rich arts and culture ecosystem, including The Arts Center and The Art Gallery, will offer students immediate, real-time opportunities to learn, volunteer, and take part in behind-the-scenes functions of multi-disciplinary cultural institutions.

With world-class arts faculty and state-of-the-art studio facilities, this graduate program will provide students with the intellectual and creative tools required to achieve their individual potential and contribute to and shape our collective future.

“The MFA  is a studio-focused multidisciplinary program that immerses students in artistic experimentation and  bridges diverse bodies of knowledge. In the program students will develop  research based art practices while training  to become deep thinkers and artistic innovators,” said Tina Sherwell, director of Masters in Fine Arts; visiting associate  professor of art and art history.

Within both programs, there is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity — skills that are crucial to fostering creative solutions in today’s interconnected world.

MSc in Economics graduates will be able to enroll in a PhD or pursue opportunities within policy making institutions, research institutes, international organizations. The MFA will help produce local artists and arts professionals who will be well-positioned to contribute to the arts industries and take on leadership roles within the UAE’s burgeoning cultural sector.

NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU Shanghai, and NYU in New York form the backbone of NYU’s global network of degree-granting campuses and academic centers across six continents. The first of its kind, this global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective.

NYU ranks 26th globally in the Times Higher Education World University rankings for 2021, and 16th globally in the QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2023. All rankings are based on enrollment and programs throughout all campuses of New York University, including NYU Abu Dhabi.

Those interested in applying to the programs can begin here.