MSc Social Media and Interactive Technologies

Program Overview

The Social Media and Interactive Technologies MSc at the University of York is a unique program that combines sociological and technical skills to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to design and understand interactive technologies effectively. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes user-centered design, social media analysis, and the impact of technology on society. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in technology design, social media management, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Equip students with a blend of sociological and technical skills to understand and design interactive technologies effectively.
• Cultivate a comprehension of the social, political, and economic influences on interactive technologies.
• Analyze how users experience and interact with technology.
• Train students to apply acquired knowledge to the practical design of interactive platforms, devices, and systems.

Description: The Social Media and Interactive Technologies MSc at the University of York offers a unique, future-oriented program that bridges the gap between social science and technology. This one-year, intensive program caters to the rising demand for graduates proficient in user-centered design and social media knowledge. This program boasts several distinct features:

• Interdisciplinary: Combines expertise from the Department of Sociology and the Department of Computer Science, providing a comprehensive understanding of social media and its impact.
• Innovation: Pioneering curriculum that examines interactive technologies through the lens of key societal roles they play.
• Practical Focus: Equips students with the tools and knowledge to design interactive systems in a user-centered manner.
This program is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their careers in technology design, social media management, and related fields.

Outline:

Modules:

• Core Modules:
• Understanding Social Media
• Qualitative Approaches to Investigating User Experience
• Interaction Design and Evaluation
• Social Media, Data and Society
• Researching Digital Life
• Human Factors: Technology in Context
• Dissertation: Students conduct independent research under expert supervision, culminating in a 10,000-word dissertation.

Course Structure:

• 1-year full-time program
• Semester based (start date: September 2024)

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Integration: Combine social science and computer science methodologies to tackle complex issues within the international social media landscape.
• Critical Analysis: Apply comprehensive research knowledge to understand the intricate relationship between social media and socio-cultural change.
• Design Expertise: Utilize research insights from Human-Computer Interaction and design practices to shape new technologies for diverse career paths.
• Social Awareness: Critically assess specific design contexts for interactive technologies, leveraging social science theory, methodology, and design techniques.
• Innovation: Identify and explore emerging research and commercial ideas to enhance social media and interactive technologies with a user-centered perspective.
• Prototyping: Develop prototypes for user-centered design evaluation in various stages of the design process.
• Collaboration: Lead and collaborate effectively within teams to achieve successful project management and teamwork.
• Communication: Analyze empirical data and communicate findings clearly to a diverse audience, including non-technical professionals and academics.

Assessment:

• Diverse assessment methods employed to evaluate student learning:
• Essays (3,000-5,500 words)
• Group presentations
• Research proposals
• Examinations
• Dissertation (10,000 words)

Teaching:

• Faculty: World-renowned academics and experts in the fields of sociology and computer science.
• Teaching Format: Lectures, seminars, practical exercises, and workshops.
• Independent Learning: Encourages students to engage in independent reading and research.
• Seminars: Guest lectures from prominent scholars in sociology and computer science.
• Supervision: Dedicated academic staff provides individual guidance and support throughout the program.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Social media consultant
• Software and hardware developer
• Web designer
• Information analyst
• Social media marketer
• Public relations officer
• Transferable Skills:
• User-centered design experience
• Website development and design
• Data analysis
• Research capabilities
• Critical thinking in social issues and design

Other:

• Research Excellence: The Department of Sociology is ranked 1st for research impact and 4th in the UK for overall research by the Times Higher Education.
• Computer Science Ranking: Computer Science at York ranks among the top 10 in the UK for departmental research by the Times Higher Education.
• Study Abroad: No specific study abroad program is associated with this course, but York offers various international partnering options.
• Cost: UK (home) students: £10,590 per year; International and EU students: £23,900 per year.
• Funding: Information on funding opportunities is available on the program page, including Masters loans, scholarships, and fee discounts.

Additional Notes:

• This answer was generated with the most comprehensive details and information available in the provided context.
• The program description and content are subject to change.
Always refer to the official University of York website for the most up-to-date information.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 Study modeUK (home)International and EU Full-time (1 year) £10,590£23,900