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Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi launches three postgraduate programmes that are the first of their kind in the region

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Published: Thu 17 Jun 2021, 9:46 AM

Last updated: Wed 8 Feb 2023, 3:35 PM

Founded in 2006, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers world-class French education that enables students to benefit from the 760 years of knowledge and academic excellence of Sorbonne University in Paris. The university follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which allows students to pursue their studies in universities across Europe, in addition to that, students graduate with internationally recognised degrees that are awarded by the Paris-based Sorbonne University.

The university boasts a 93,000 sqm purpose-built state-of-the-art campus located in Al Reem island in Abu Dhabi, featuring onsite sports facilities and student accommodation where students enjoy a vibrant multicultural student life.


Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is known for the unique portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes it offers in humanities and sciences. All programmes are globally recognised and are delivered by world renowned faculty.

In keeping with its philosophy of providing a world-class education, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi launched three new Master degree programmes, that are unique in nature and the first of their kind in the region. The programmes are; Master in History of Art and Archaeology, Speciality Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Master in Physics - Specialisation in Non-Destructive Characterisation with Applications for Cultural Heritage, and Master in Records Management and Archival Studies. The programmes are recognised globally and are subject to approval by the Commission for Academic Accreditation in the UAE.


Prof Silvia Serrano

Vice-Chancellor

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Professor Silvia Serrano, Vice-chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi commented, "As Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its portfolio of programme offering to meet the growing market needs, the university also thrives to bring together science and humanities to create innovative programmes. With such unique programmes in place, graduates will stand out in the market and will  be equipped with the skillset and training that will enable them to make a significant impact in advancing the fields of archival studies, physics, history, archaeology and cultural heritage, as well as drive economic development."

The multidisciplinary Master in History of Art and Archaeology, Speciality Archaeology and Cultural Heritage was developed to cater to the need of addressing current challenges in the field of Archaeology and to provide students with a 360-degree overview on different areas such as Archaeology, Heritage, and other related disciplines with particular focus on the challenges faced in Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general.

While the unique cross-disciplinary Master in Physics - Specialisation in Non-Destructive Characterisation with Applications for Cultural Heritage, addresses the scientific research subjects relating to cultural heritage. Graduates of this programme will have the ability to contribute to research and development projects, and to perform cross-disciplinary and innovative analysis, which opens the doors to them for employment opportunities in cultural heritage, archaeology and the art domain, as well as in all the fields requiring thorough and innovative analysis, like material science, oil and gas, aerospace, environment, forensic sciences or architecture engineering.

In the wake of digital revolution and transition towards paperless administration and smart cities, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi developed The Master in Records Management and Archival studies in cooperation with the National Archives. This programme  prepares students to become knowledgeable professionals who can embrace both traditional and new methods of handling records and archives as societies continue to advance into the big data era. The strength of this programme lies not only in being able to meet the job market requirements, but also in covering specific professional courses related to business management in different sectors such as health records management, financial records management and management of legal and defense records. While artificial intelligence is a core concept of this programme, it also focuses on disruptive technologies, such as Blockchain.

Admission is now open for all three programmes and a variety of merit-based scholarships are also available for qualified students.

Dr Valérie Le Guyon

Head of Science and Engineering Department

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

"The Master in Physics - Specialisation in Non-Destructive Characterisation with Applications for Cultural Heritage offered by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is unique in the way it has been designed, where it combines three major focal areas: advanced physics, non-destructive characterisation and cultural heritage. This programme not only provides students with multi-disciplinary knowledge and training that enables them to work and communicate seamlessly with specialists from other fields but is also well-balanced, with an equal mixture of theoretical courses and practical activities utilising state-of-the-art technologies and portable equipment. The Master's degree is awarded by Sorbonne Université in Paris, and upon completing the programme, students will become highly competent graduates with versatile scientific capabilities. They will have the opportunity to pursue their studies in a PhD programme or take on a variety of roles in the job market, such as cultural heritage scientists, non-destructive analysis specialists, applications or instrumentation engineers, product managers, quality engineers in addition to being able to work in various fields like material sciences, luxury goods industry, forensics, insurance, audit, oil and gas, aerospace, semiconductors industry, environment as well as in the archaeology, cultural heritage and art domains."

Dr Yann Rodier

Head of History Department

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

"The Master in Records Management and Archival Studies was designed in collaboration with the National Archives due to high demand in this field. The strength of this programme lies in its contribution to a sustainable knowledge-based economy by providing students with the core knowledge and needed skills in records management that enable them to evaluate international norms and practices and manage projects and information governance."

Dr Caroline Autret

Head of Archaeology and History of Art Department

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

"The Master in History of Art and Archaeology, Speciality Archaeology and Cultural Heritage was designed to address current challenges in the field of archaeology through new technologies and experimental learning. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an academic Archaeological Project in Dubai and conduct their mandatory internship in partner institutions in the UAE or abroad, which will open a wide door of collaborations and opportunities for them."

For more information, visit www.sorbonne.ae


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