point a.cademy Opens in Knowledge Park to Deliver Fast, Industry-Led Media Upskilling
point a.cademy, a new independent initiative created to deliver short, non-academic courses that help learners build practical, industry-ready skills across today’s media and creative landscape, was officially inaugurated within Middlesex University Dubai on Saturday 7 February 2026 at the Dubai Knowledge Park campus.
The space, located within Block 19, marks the beginning of a dedicated hub designed to help individuals “learn at the pace of the market”, with short courses built around learner and market demand as the industry transforms in real time. The inauguration brought together senior Middlesex University leadership, faculty and alumni, including Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, and Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University. Also in attendance was Afroz Nawaf, Head of MDX Studios at Middlesex University Dubai and Head and Founder of point a.cademy, alongside MDX Dubai alumni and the point a. leadership team Desiree Barreto, Vignesh Nair, and Jatin Kalwani.
A Stand-alone Academy, Built to Keep Pace with Industry
point a.cademy has been designed as a hybrid academy-studio-community that complements the university’s degree programmes by offering a faster, more flexible skills route into their relevant industry, irrespective of sector. The academy’s purpose is to bridge the journey “from your schooling or degree, straight to the industry” through short, focused learning that responds to what the market needs now. The academy also allows you to customise both your learning style, and your project outcomes by assessing your learning persona, and your career objectives on a one-on-one basis.
Afroz said: “point a. was built to bridge the space between ambition and skill. In a rapidly evolving world, where AI is reshaping work, learners need pathways that are human, focused, and intentional, while building the skillsets required to keep pace with change.
“Shaped by years in academia, point a. turns learning into capability through intentional skill building, combining studio practice, industry validation, and academic integrity. Whether someone is starting out, pivoting, or sharpening their edge, point a. exists to help learners move forward with clarity, confidence, and real-world progress.”
The launch reflects a wider shift in how professionals stay relevant: through practical, targeted training that builds confidence with current tools, workflows and professional expectations.
What Courses Are Available?
point a.cademy’s current course offering spans four core learning tracks: content creation, filmmaking, design and AI, with multiple short-course options listed under each. Specialisms such as podcasting, colour grading, sound design, user experience design, and AI workflow optimisation are all available, with each course customisable to the outcomes you are looking to achieve.
point a.cademy is designed to keep the outcome tangible. The model includes a professional certificate powered by Middlesex University Dubai and co-branded by industry partners, learning that prioritises industry-standard software, tools and workflows, an individualised teaching approach, and a capstone project intended to result in work learners can add to a portfolio.
With the official opening now complete, the new academy space at MDX Dubai is set to become a practical learning destination for aspiring creators, working professionals and career-switchers looking to build media skills that align with today’s market.
To learn more about point a.cademy and register your interest, visit the point a.cademy page on the MDX Dubai website.
Why Choose point a.cademy for Your Upskilling Journey?
In today’s fast-paced media and creative industries, traditional degree programmes, while valuable, often cannot keep up with the rapid evolution of tools, technologies, and market demands. This is where point a.cademy fills a crucial gap. By offering short, focused, and industry-aligned courses, point a.cademy empowers learners to acquire relevant skills quickly and efficiently.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to enhance your employability, a working professional aiming to upskill or pivot your career, or an aspiring creator seeking to break into the industry, point a.cademy provides a tailored learning experience. The academy’s emphasis on practical, hands-on training, combined with industry-standard tools and workflows, ensures that learners are not just gaining theoretical knowledge but are also developing the capabilities needed to succeed in real-world scenarios.
Moreover, the flexibility of point a.cademy’s courses allows learners to customise their learning journey according to their specific goals and learning styles. This personalised approach, coupled with the academy’s strong industry connections and academic backing from Middlesex University Dubai, makes point a.cademy a compelling choice for anyone looking to stay ahead in the competitive media and creative landscape.
Key Benefits of point a.cademy
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Courses are designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure they meet current market demands.
- Flexible Learning: Short courses allow learners to upskill without committing to long-term programmes.
- Practical Training: Emphasis on hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and workflows.
- Personalised Approach: Courses are tailored to individual learning styles and career objectives.
- Industry Recognition: Professional certificates co-branded by industry partners enhance credibility.
- Portfolio Development: Capstone projects result in tangible work that can be showcased to potential employers.
Who Should Consider point a.cademy?
point a.cademy is ideal for a wide range of individuals, including:
- Aspiring Media Professionals: Those looking to break into the media and creative industries.
- Working Professionals: Individuals seeking to upskill or pivot their careers within the media sector.
- Recent Graduates: Those who want to enhance their employability with industry-relevant skills.
- Career Switchers: Individuals looking to transition into media and creative roles from other fields.
- Entrepreneurs: Those who want to develop media skills to promote their businesses or projects.
How to Get Started with point a.cademy
Getting started with point a.cademy is simple. Visit the point a.cademy page on the MDX Dubai website to explore the available courses, learn more about the academy’s offerings, and register your interest. The website provides detailed information about each course, including learning outcomes, duration, and pricing, making it easy for you to choose the programme that best aligns with your goals.
Additionally, the website offers resources such as testimonials from past learners, insights into the academy’s teaching approach, and information about upcoming events and workshops. By taking the first step and exploring point a.cademy’s offerings, you can embark on a journey to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic media and creative industries.
Conclusion
point a.cademy represents a significant advancement in media and creative education, offering a fast, flexible, and industry-aligned pathway for learners to acquire relevant skills. With its focus on practical training, personalised learning, and industry recognition, point a.cademy is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of today’s media professionals and aspiring creators. Whether you are looking to start your career, upskill, or pivot into a new role, point a.cademy provides the tools and support you need to succeed.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn at the pace of the market. Visit the point a.cademy page on the MDX Dubai website today and take the first step towards building a successful career in the media and creative industries.
