Program Overview

Digital Media and Communications (Online) MA

Overview

Study 100% online and explore the changing nature of the communications landscape in the 21st century.

Course Details

Core Modules

• Digital Platforms and Production
  • Develop digital communication capabilities by developing a website around a subject of your choice.
  • Explore digital content and journalism using a range of technologies, social media production and optimisation, user experience and design, and creative innovation.
• Digital Platforms: Develop and Launch
  • Consider user experience, content design, development, and deployment of a digital product for an identified platform.
  • Develop an application to facilitate specific audiences' engagement with digital content.
  • Explore a range of open-source frameworks to develop a prototype product/service and devise a digital launch and enterprise strategy utilising digital communication channels.
• Global Communications
  • Explore digital media through three intertwining themes: representation, audiences, and communication and culture.
  • Delve into ideology, mediated personas, and bias as you examine intercommunication between mainstream and independent media, and the dynamics between content producers and consumers.
  • Investigate the socio-cultural, political, and economic impacts of digital communication.
• Launchpad: Exit to Industry
  • Produce a range of professional assets designed to support your career aspirations.
  • Projects and analysis of work-related practice will enhance your career vision in the media, events, and creative arts industries.
• Master's Project: Digital Media and Communications
  • Undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your course.
  • Normally, your project is drawn from commercial, industrial, or research-based problem areas.
  • Your project involves researching and investigating aspects of your area of study and then producing a major deliverable, which can be purely research-led dissertation or a project, which involves the development and production of a media campaign and associated report.
• Researching Communications
  • Explore contemporary developments and research methods within the media industries and the impact developments might be expected to have on institutions, artefacts, and audiences.
  • Research a specific area or development within digital communication or journalism - this may be technical, economic, cultural, sociological, or based on a combination of factors - and predict future trends and directions.
  • Develop research methods, skills, and knowledge and expertise together to formulate an independent research problematic.
• User Experience for Digital Communications
  • Build expertise in the design and development of user-centered digital environments.
  • Examine audiences and adaptability of digital media with a particular emphasis on mobile or web-based systems, applications, and services.
  • Examine current research initiatives; gain a thorough understanding of legislation, guidelines, standards, and programming techniques related to user-centered design.

How You Learn

• All learning is online.
• You learn through lectures, workshops, and seminars as well as through educationally purposeful packages of digital learning.
• You develop creative skills and commercial awareness by working to industry briefs.
• Learning focuses on reflecting the reality of working in the creative industries, and throughout the course, you are encouraged to work both individually and as part of a group.

How You Are Assessed

• Most of the modules include a progressive assessment strategy, with practical tasks set each week to support you in working towards in-course assessment (ICA).

Entry Requirements

• You will typically have a first degree (2.2 minimum).
• We also consider other relevant experience or qualifications.
• You are expected to be a confident and independent learner with a good understanding of idea development, critical thinking, and the digital communications environment.
• International students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Employability

• With a MA Digital Media & Communications, you could choose to work within a range of positions in the media and communications industries, such as:
  • Campaign manager
  • Communications manager
  • Digital content manager
  • Journalist
  • Marketing consultant
  • Marketing manager
  • Public relations manager

Learning Platform

• Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course.
• Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
• Here are some of the benefits:
  • You can use it on your smartphone, tablet, and computer.
  • And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
  • It's easy to use and navigate.
  • Modules are set out by topics and themes.
  • You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
  • We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
  • You get feedback, help, and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
  • Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
  • You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students, and take part in online discussion forums.

Fees

• £840 for each 20 credits
• £7,560 in total
• Not eligible for any fee discounts

Duration

• 2 years
• 100% online
• Start date: January, May, or September

University Information

• Teesside University ranked in the top 50 for online learning in the Uswitch Online Learning Index 2022.
• Teesside University was named University of the Year at the Edufuturists Awards 2022.
• Ranked in the top 350 list of global universities aged 50 years or under.
• Over 1,000 students enrolled on our open learning courses
• High-quality, stand-alone, open learning education for over 30 years.