Digital Economies MSc

Program Overview

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Key information

Study mode: | 100% online
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Duration: | 2 years, part timeNext start date: | 29 September 2025Application deadline: | 1 September 2025Intakes: | September 2025 and January 2026Tuition fees: | £16,416 * (funding options and instalments are available)

These tuition fees may be subject to increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

• Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. You can find further information on the King's Goods and Services tax page.

Course overview

Unlock the future of work and business with the Digital Economies MSc. This multidisciplinary programme will empower you to understand and leverage digital technology's impact on work, production, exchange, and collaboration.

You'll critically explore these areas and tackle the big questions facing society today. Gain insights into how digital tech transforms labour, markets, platforms, and institutions, equipping you with the skills to meet emerging challenges head-on.

Boost your career by mastering how digital innovation can increase revenue, cut costs, and enhance knowledge sharing in organisations. Discover how digital technologies can be used to solve major societal issues, such as:

• Reducing energy consumption
• Cutting pollution and waste in industrial production
• Providing affordable transport and healthcare
• Increasing access to essential services and information

The Digital Futures Institute

This course is part of the Digital Futures Institute. Its curriculum is enhanced by the Institute’s focus on interdisciplinary research and industry insights. With a diverse range of expert knowledge across various fields, you'll be positioned to tackle complex societal issues in digital economies. You'll also benefit from the Institute's partnerships with leading industry figures and academic departments.

Why choose this online MSc?

World-leading research

93% of our research was deemed ‘world-leading’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Study from a unique perspective

Learn from one of the only programmes that focuses on a critical perspective on the digital economy.

Learn from an interdisciplinary curriculum

Our curriculum combines insights from economics, sociology, anthropology, and much more.

Join one of the largest departments of its kind

Our broad-ranging expertise is applied and critical, spanning political, entrepreneurial, and creative.

Module overview

This online Digital Economies MSc comprises seven modules; two 30-credit core modules, one 60-credit Research Dissertation, and four 15-credit specialist modules (180 credits in total).

All modules on the course are compulsory and you must pass all the modules to complete the award.

Core modules:

Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (30 credits)

In this module, you’ll critically examine the impact of the digital economy on contemporary society. You’ll focus on the dominance of tech companies and the pervasive influence of digital technologies. You’ll develop the acumen to analyse pressing issues such as the concentration of power among major platforms and debates about breaking up tech giants.

You’ll also explore the widespread adoption of the winner-takes-all model, the valuation of data, and the emergence of new power inequalities. Through this multi-faceted perspective, you’ll be equipped with the conceptual tools to understand and articulate the systematic connections within the digital economy.

Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (30 credits)

This module introduces the concept of the digital economy, exploring the impact of digital products, processes, and services on companies, communities, and society. You'll develop a fundamental understanding of digital concepts, theories such as Commons-Based Peer Production and Transaction Cost Theory, and ethical considerations in digital creation.

We’ll equip you with the knowledge to develop and implement digital initiatives, critically analyse existing innovation strategies, and address the ethical concerns surrounding digital transformation.

Research Dissertation (60 credits)

Taking inspiration from our active, world-leading researchers, the Research Dissertation offers an exciting opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation into a topic that interests you within the field of digital economies. You’ll then write up a 12,000-word dissertation outlining your findings.

Examples of recent dissertations by our on-campus students include the impact of big tech in industry and the impact digital technology can have on identity.

Specialist modules:

AI and Society (15 credits)

Chatbots, virtual and voice assistants, face recognition, online advertising, product recommendations, and smartphone apps. These are just some of the everyday examples of Artificial intelligence (AI) now commonplace in society.

This module considers the possibilities, pros, cons, and concerns of AI for individuals, society, and its regulators. Developing in-depth knowledge of AI and the latest developments in the field, you’ll evaluate a broad range of applications, issues, and current debates.

Digital Entrepreneurship (15 credits)

Digital networks have enormous potential to foster powerful relationships as part of entrepreneurial activity. Through the lens of digitally mediated social interaction, social capital, mutual trust and affordance theory, we’ll deep-dive into the intricacies of these relationships. You’ll develop a profound understanding of how digital networks connect an ecosystem of like- minded individuals and target audiences, fostering meaningful interactions.

Digital Marketing (15 credits)

Digital technologies have transformed marketing practices in recent years. This has facilitated search engine optimisation, social media marketing, marketing automation, targeted advertising, and more. This module covers the broad range of digital marketing tools available to marketers. It demonstrates through established case studies and current campaigns how these can be used to the greatest effect.

You’ll explore the theoretical and practical aspects of digital media and digital data in marketing practice. This will give you a firm understanding of the computational processes behind digital marketing techniques. You’ll also learn about related economic, social, political, and ethical issues.

Digital Industries and Internet Culture (15 credits)

Digitalisation is shaping the way we share information, express ourselves creatively, and do business. Together, we’ll explore how creativity, culture and digital industries intersect through several of its key areas: visual and performing arts, computer games, and digital journalism.

You’ll be challenged to analyse the role of digital audiences, the nature of ‘free labour’, and the redefinition of heritage, memory and identity.

Meet the academic team

Dr Nick Srnicek

Programme Director

Dr Karishma Banga

Lecturer in Digital Economy | Module Leader for Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy and Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy

How you’re assessed

Assessments are crafted to evaluate your knowledge, understanding, and critical awareness of course topics. They also assess your ability to analyse and apply specialist knowledge to practical situations. These assessment methods may vary between modules. They’re likely to include one or more of the following:

• Group presentations
• Written coursework (essays and reports)
• Online exams

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree (or above) or international equivalent in a social science, computer science/informatics or humanities subject.

If you have a lower degree classification , or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a master's or PGDip).

Non-standard entry requirements

You’ll need to meet ONE of the following criteria:

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject. Your application will need to be supported by a CV highlighting relevant experience (or a related graduate qualification, e.g. PGDip) and a 500-word written statement (see details under ‘Written statement and supporting information’ below).
• A 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a non-related subject. Your application will need to be supported by a CV highlighting relevant experience (or a related graduate qualification, e.g. PGDip) and a 500-word written statement (see details under ‘Written statement and supporting information’ below).
• A master's degree at merit (or above) or international equivalent in a social science, computer science/informatics or humanities subject.

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.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed:

• An undergraduate degree (at least three years duration) within five years of the course start date.
• A postgraduate taught degree (at least one year) within five years of the course start date.
• A PhD in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

Career options in Digital Economies

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 6-12% of all online job vacancies in Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the United States over the past decade required digital skills. This trend highlights the rapid digital transformation shaping all industries.

With the Digital Economies MSc, you'll future-proof your career by developing the entrepreneurial vision, creativity, and innovative approaches to digital business that are sought by organisations worldwide. A deep understanding of digital trends and awareness of emerging economic opportunities will make you stand out.

After graduating, you could work in a variety of sectors, including health, transportation, services, retail, digital businesses, start-ups, public policy institutions, and creative companies. Specialisations might include digital marketing, analytics, or project management. You'll be prepared for roles such as:

• Digital Strategist
• Digital Product Manager
• Digital Transformation Consultant
• Entrepreneur / Startup Founder
• Digital Strategy Consultant

Fees

Discover full tuition fees for our online courses.

Funding options

Find out more about our range of funding options and payment plans.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Digital Economies MSc is a multidisciplinary online program that examines how digital technology shapes contemporary work, production, exchange, and collaboration. It provides students with a critical perspective on the digital economy and equips them with the tools to analyze its impact on society.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of digital technology on the economy and society.
• To provide students with a critical perspective on the key issues, trends, and debates surrounding the digital economy.
• To develop students' analytical and research skills to critically assess complex issues related to the digital economy.
It features a blend of theoretical and empirical approaches, allowing students to gain a well-rounded understanding of the digital economy and its impact on society.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program delves into the history, theoretical frameworks, and current state of the digital economy.
• Students explore topics such as the role of technology in economic development, the impact of digital platforms and data on the economy, and the social and ethical implications of digital innovation.
• The program explores specific areas such as platform business models, data analytics and data governance, innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy, and digital inequalities.

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Structure:

• The 180-credit online program consists of seven modules:
• Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (required)
• Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (required)
• Four optional 15-credit modules
• A 60-credit Research Dissertation
• Each module focuses on specific aspects of the digital economy.
• Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor the program to their interests and career aspirations.

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Course Schedule:

• The exact course schedule varies depending on the semester and year of enrollment.
• The program offers both January and September intakes.
• Students can expect to dedicate around 20-25 hours per week to their studies.

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Module Descriptions:

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Required Modules

• Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy: This module examines the impact of the digital economy on contemporary society, focusing on issues such as the dominance of tech companies and the concentration of power among major platforms.
• Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy: Explores the impact of digital products, processes, and services on companies, communities, and society.
• Research Dissertation: This module allows students to delve deeper into a specific area of interest within the field of digital economies, culminating in the completion of a 12,000-word dissertation.

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Optional Modules:

• AI and Society: Investigates the possibilities, pros, cons, and concerns of artificial intelligence (AI).
• Digital Entrepreneurship: Explores the role of digital networks in fostering entrepreneurial activity.
• Digital Innovation: Examines how digital technology is advancing and its impact on various industries.
• Digital Marketing: Covers the broad range of digital marketing tools available to practitioners.
• Digital Industries and Internet Culture: Explores how digitalization is shaping the way we share information, express ourselves creatively, and do business.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
• Group presentations
• Written coursework (essays and reports)
• Online exams
• Research dissertation
• Each module may utilize different assessment methods.

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Assessment criteria:

• Assessments are designed to evaluate students’:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Critical awareness
• Ability to analyze and apply knowledge to practical situations

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Online lectures
• Interactive seminars
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Guest lectures
• The program leverages the King’s online learning environment, providing students with access to course materials, interactive tools, and communication platforms.

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Faculty:

• The program is led by a team of world-leading researchers and experienced practitioners in digital economies.
• Faculty members bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and relevant education.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

• The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in various sectors, including:
• Digital and tech companies
• Start-ups
• Consulting firms
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Research institutions

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Specific career examples:

• Digital consultant
• Data analyst
• Policy analyst
• Entrepreneur
• Researcher

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Other:

• The program draws on the latest research and cutting-edge thinking in digital economies.
• The program emphasizes active learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.