Program Overview

Digital Culture & Society MA

Key Information

• Delivery mode: In person
• Study mode: Full time, Part time
• Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

• You’ll begin this master’s in Digital Culture and Society with an introduction to how developments in digital technologies influence contemporary culture and society.
• You will discover how different digital technologies are being used to acquire and share both information and power, conduct your own research projects to consider the implications of this, and review current critical and theoretical debates on this topic.
• Your second core module will build upon your foundational understanding of digital culture and society by reviewing a new case study each week.
• We use digital services and apps from across the globe to explore real-world examples of digital culture in relation to areas such as mobility, consumption, finance, health, sexuality, humanitarianism, cities, games, and art.
• You’ll gain an insight into a range of applications, from social media, dating, and health apps to shopping ecosystems like Amazon, and platforms that help users understand travel and locations, like Google Maps.
• Through the group practical research project, you’ll get to apply the theories you’ve learned and tackle real-world design challenges to develop and market your own digital product.
• You’ll then get to choose from a broad range of optional modules to further tailor your digital culture and society studies.

Base Campus

• Strand Campus
• Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
• Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours in English, or a related discipline. For those returning to study, evidence of appropriate experience will be required.
• In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view the equivalent international qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band B
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Selection Process

• Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
• Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements.

Personal Statement and Supporting Information

• Personal Statement: Yes, please provide a writing of around 500 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words)
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required.
• References: Yes, one academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: Optional, applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.

Teaching Methods

• We aim to develop and enhance your awareness and understanding of a range of subjects relevant to digital culture and technology, including:
  • The key information and communication technologies that shape contemporary society.
  • How digital technologies are shaping today’s society, including social intercourse, social structures, government, international politics, education and law.
  • The current critical and theoretical debates around digital culture and the role of technology in cultural life.
  • The ethical, moral and philosophical issues that arise from the role and impact of technology in cultural and social life.

Assessment

• Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays, reports and projects. Coursework contributes approximately 100% to your final mark.

Structure

Required Modules

• Introduction to Digital Culture & Society (30 credits)
• Contemporary Digital Practice (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• In addition, you are required to take 60 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
  • Artificial Intelligence & Society (15 credits)
  • Bodies, Identities and Digital Media (15 credits)
  • Critical Digital Arts (15 credits)
  • Curating & Preserving Digital Culture (15 credits)
  • Data Journalism (15 credits)
  • Digital Asset & Media Management in the Broadcast Media (15 credits)
  • Digital Entrepreneurship (15 credits)
  • Digital Health (15 credits)
  • Digital Innovation (15 credits)
  • Digital Media, Digital Marketing (15 credits)
  • Digital Methods for Internet Studies: Concepts, Devices and Data (15 credits)
  • Digital Publishing (15 credits)
  • Digital Asset and Media Management Technologies In Practice (15 credits)
  • Gendering Technology (15 credits)
  • Global Digital Audiences (15 credits)
  • iData: Understanding Personal Data Ecosystems (15 credits)
  • Management for Digital Content Industries (15 credits)
  • Maps, Apps & the GeoWeb: Introduction to the Spatial Humanities (15 credits)
  • Social Media, Marketing and Platforms (15 credits)
  • The Sharing Economy and Its Discontents (15 credits)
  • Virtual Realities (15 credits)
  • Web Technologies (15 credits)
  • Up to 30 credits from other master’s modules that the Faculty of Arts & Humanities offers, subject to approval.

Employability

• Graduates of this Digital Culture & Society MA will be well-placed to pursue careers in social and technology research, think tanks, the arts and the cultural sectors, government and public administration, international development, NGOs, education, media, and communications globally, as well as into marketing and public relations or journalism.
• It also provides a good foundation for anyone who wants to pursue a PhD.

Tuition Fees

UK

• Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)

International

• Full time: £33,600 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £16,800 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • books if you choose to buy your own copies
  • clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • library fees and fines
  • personal photocopies
  • printing course handouts
  • society membership fees
  • stationery
  • travel costs around London and between campuses
  • graduation costs

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.