Bachelor in Humanities Applied to Public and Cultural Affairs (HAPAC)

To be eligible for this Bachelor’s degree, students must meet the following criteria: 

• Minimum average of 12 out of 20 for French general baccalaureate or equivalent for the francophone curriculum.

• UAE Ministry of Education curriculum:

‑ General stream : Minimum average of 80%

‑ Advanced stream : Minimum average of 75%

• Other high school systems: High school certificate equivalent to the UAE Ministry of Education high school, with a minimum average of 80% or equivalent.

French language proficiency

• French Aptitude Certificate at B2 level: DELF, DALF, SELFEE, TCF (valid 2 years)

• TEF (valid 2 years)

• SUAD University Diploma (DU) French Language for non-French speakers

• French Baccalaureate graduates are exempt

Foundation year pathway

Applicants not meeting the required French language level or students coming from ministry of education curriculum (technical stream) with a minimum average of 80% or for students with French professional or technical Baccalaureate with a minimum average of 12 out of 20 may be admitted conditionally and enrolled in the intensive French foundation year, provided they meet the academic requirements above.

Other Countries’ Education Systems

Conditions apply for other foreign curricula in line with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s admissions policy. For further informa on, please contact the Student Recruitment Office at admissions@sorbonne.ae

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi welcomes applications from students of all nationalities and backgrounds, regardless of country of origin, income, gender, religion, or physical condition.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Preferential Rates page here.

Where graduates in HAPAC can work?

Graduates from the Bachelor in HAPAC programme qualify for a wide range of professional opportunities in prestigious sectors, combining cultural expertise, communication, and leadership across the public and private spheres.

Diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy & Public Administration

• Diplomatic / Cultural Affairs Officer
• Policy and Public Affairs Adviser
• International Relations Consultant
• Cultural Attaché or Embassy Liaison
• Public Sector Project Coordinator
• International Cooperation Officer

Cultural Management, Heritage & Museums

• Cultural Project Manager
• Museum Education and Mediation Officer
• Curator Assistant / Exhibition Coordinator
• Heritage Programme Specialist
• Events and Festivals Coordinator
• Cultural Foundation Programme Officer (e.g. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Sharjah Museums Authority, DCT Abu Dhabi) 

Communication, Media & New Digital Industries

• Public Relations and Communications Specialist
• Journalist / Content Producer / Radio or TV Assistant
• Digital Content Strategist / Social Media Analyst
• Cultural Communication Manager 
• Podcast and Storytelling Producer
• New Media Writer / Web Content Creator

International Organisations & NGOs

• Cultural Cooperation Officer
• Programme Associate (UNESCO, British Council, Institut Français)
• NGO Project Officer in Education or Culture
• Community and Events Fundraiser
• Policy Analyst / Advocacy Researcher

Performing Arts & Creative Industries

• Theatre or Performing Arts Manager
• Cultural Events Producer
• Artistic Programme Coordinator
• Stage Communication and Media Consultant

Education, Training & Research

• Research Assistant in Humanities and Social Sciences
• Academic Project Coordinator
• Language and Intercultural Communication Trainer
• Documentation and Records Specialist

Further Study Options

Graduates from the HAPAC programme can pursue advanced degrees at both  Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and internationally. 

At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi:

• Master in Communication
• Master in Records and Archives Management

At International Institutions:

• Sciences Po Paris (France)
• London School of Economics (UK)
• Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (UAE)
• Master’s in Global Affairs, International Development, Public Policy, or Diplomacy

The HAPAC degree provides an ideal foundation for postgraduate studies in:

• International Relations & Diplomacy
• Cultural and Heritage Management
• Media, Communication & Digital Humanities
• Political Science and Public Administration
• Sustainable Development & International Cooperation

Career Outlook in the UAE and Gulf Region

The UAE and wider Gulf region are investing heavily in culture, heritage, and public affairs — fields that align directly with the HAPAC programme’s interdisciplinary focus. Graduates will find growing opportunities in:

1. Cultural Mediation & Heritage

Cultural mediators, educators, and interpreters are in high demand in major cultural institutions such as:

• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
• Qasr Al Hosn and House of Artisans
• Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi)
• Sharjah Museums Authority

Roles include:

• Cultural Mediator
• Museum Education Officer
• Heritage Programme Coordinator

2. Cultural Administration & Government Affairs

Graduates can work with ministries and public agencies to design, manage, and evaluate cultural policies and public programmes:

• Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi)
• Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
• Abu Dhabi Media Office
• Embassies and Cultural Attaché Offices
• National Archives and Library of the UAE

Possible positions:

• Cultural Affairs Officer
• Project and Policy Coordinator
• Public Administration Associate

3. Cultural Production, Communication & Events

With Abu Dhabi and Dubai emerging as global cultural hubs, there is increasing need for professionals managing international events such as:

• Abu Dhabi Festival, Art Dubai, Sharjah Biennial
• Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
• Expo City Dubai cultural programming

Sample roles:

• Cultural Producer / Programmer
• Communication & PR Specialist
• Exhibition Coordinator

4. International Cooperation and Cultural Diplomacy

Students trained in multilingual and cross-cultural negotiation can pursue careers in:

• Foreign cultural institutes (Institut Français, Goethe-Institut, British Council)
• UNESCO and international NGOs
• Gulf-based think tanks and development programmes

Key roles:

• Cultural Cooperation Officer
• International Programme Analyst
• Public Diplomacy Consultant

5. Emerging Sectors: Media, AI, and Digital Humanities

The inclusion of modules such as Digital Communication and AI Writing and Digital Humanities reflects a growing demand for:

• Content Strategists
• Digital Project Managers
• AI Ethics Analysts
• Digital Archivists