Introduction to the MA in Digital Cultures

The MA in Digital Cultures at University College Cork is a one-year, full-time course that explores the digital moment, developing knowledge, skills, and critical awareness through theoretical engagement and critical practice. This multidisciplinary program is designed to introduce graduates to the use of digital tools to address research questions in their undergraduate disciplines or areas of expertise.

Course Outline

The course is divided into two parts:

• Part I: Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits, incorporating 3 two-day on-campus workshops and 8-10 hours a week of structured online activity during the term, supplemented by reading and other study.
• Part II: Students complete a Digital Cultures Dissertation worth 30 credits.

Modules

• Part I (60 credits):
  • DH6013 Getting Started with Graduate Research and Generic Skills (5 credits)
  • DH6016 Digital Humanities Institute (5 credits)
  • DH6022 Communities of Practice in Digital Scholarship (10 credits)
  • DH6023 Conceptual Introduction to Digital Arts and Humanities (10 credits)
  • DH6024 Humanities and New Technologies: Tools and Methodologies (10 credits)
• Elective Modules (choose 20 credits):
  • DH6006 Teaching and Learning in Digital Humanities (5 credits)
  • DH6007 Models, Simulations, and Games (5 credits)
  • DH6012 Contemporary Practices in Publishing and Editing (5 credits)
  • DH6018 History and Theory of Digital Arts (5 credits)
  • DH6026 Principles of Game Design (5 credits)
• Part II:
  • DH6029 Digital Cultures Dissertation (30 credits)

Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma Options

• Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Cultures (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award): Students who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules (to include DH6023) may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Cultures.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Cultures (NFQ Level 9, Major Award): Students who successfully complete Part I may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Cultures.

Course Practicalities

Modules in the course require students to work hands-on with current and emerging tools and interact with standards-based ICT. This will include assessments requiring engagement with both theory and practice of inquiry in the digital age. It is expected that students will create digital research artefacts in the course of their research.

Why Choose This Course

This unique multidisciplinary programme introduces students to a new dimension of innovation and teaches them how to deploy ICT in humanities research and projects from idea to execution. The program covers a wide range of subjects and connects theory and practice perfectly, providing students with the digital element now essential for careers in education, heritage, and the 'cultural economy'.

Requirements

The entry requirement is a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in any discipline. Applicants who hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to the approval of the programme selection committee.

Fees and Costs

• The EU fee for this course is €8,100.
• The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.

How to Apply

1. Check dates: The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid-October.
2. Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal.
3. Apply online: Apply online by submitting the application form and required documents.

Additional Requirements

All applicants are required to comment on their interest in the MA in Digital Cultures, briefly outlining the narrative extent and analytic issues which they may be interested in as research topics for the MA Thesis, as well as indicating their experience and aptitude for working with digital tools.

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Degree Overview:

The MA in Digital Cultures is a full-time, 12-month online program delivered entirely through distance learning. It explores the digital moment, developing knowledge, skills, and critical awareness through theoretical engagement and critical practice. The program aims to equip participants with the practical skills needed to thrive in the digital age while examining the impact of digital technologies on culture, power, and identity in society. It fosters new literacies of consumption, production, and creativity essential in the contemporary world and invites students to consider the moral, ethical, social, cultural, political, and economic implications of digital technology on humanity. The MA in Digital Cultures prepares graduates to understand transformations in society, identity, and culture and to develop digital skills necessary to provide innovative and creative leadership in the digital age. It encourages transdisciplinary engagement that is creatively enriching for students within a scholarly atmosphere.

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Outline:

The MA in Digital Cultures is a full-time course running for 12 months. Students take modules to the value of 90 credits in two parts:

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Part I (60 credits):

• DH6022 Communities of Practice in Digital Scholarship (10 credits): This module examines the role of communities of practice in digital scholarship, focusing on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of digital research projects.
• DH6024 Humanities and New Technologies: Tools and Methodologies (10 credits): This module introduces students to a range of digital tools and methodologies used in humanities research, including data analysis, visualization, and digital storytelling.
• Elective Modules (choose 20 credits):
• DH6006 Teaching and Learning in Digital Humanities (5 credits):
This module explores the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning within the humanities.
• DH6007 Models, Simulations, and Games (5 credits): This module examines the use of models, simulations, and games in digital humanities research and practice.
• DH6012 Contemporary Practices in Publishing and Editing (5 credits): This module explores contemporary practices in digital publishing and editing, including online platforms, open access, and digital preservation.
• DH6026 Principles of Game Design (5 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of game design, exploring the use of games in digital humanities research and education.

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Part II:

• DH6029 Digital Cultures Dissertation (30 credits): Students undertake an independent research project culminating in a dissertation that explores a topic related to digital cultures.

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Exit Awards:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Cultures (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award): Students who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules (to include DH6023) may opt to exit the program and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Cultures.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Cultures (NFQ Level 9, Major Award): Students who successfully complete Part I may opt to exit the program and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Cultures.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays: Students will write essays to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Research Projects: Students will undertake research projects that involve the use of digital tools and methodologies.
• Presentations: Students will present their research findings to their peers and faculty.
• Digital Artefacts: Students will create digital artefacts, such as websites, videos, or interactive maps, to showcase their skills and knowledge.
• Dissertation: Students will write a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of digital cultures.

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Teaching:

The MA in Digital Cultures is delivered online using University College Cork's learning management system, as well as a range of other digital tools that reinforce and provide experience in online collaboration and team building. Online delivery of the course also offers online, synchronous, face-to-face tutorials to support the other online material accessed by students. The teaching team includes faculty from the Department of Digital Arts & Humanities:

• Dr Mike Cosgrave
• Dr Shawn Day
• Dr Máirín MacCarron
• Dr Orla Murphy
• Dr Pedro Nilsson-Fernández
• Dr James O'Sullivan
• Dr Stephen Roddy
• Ann Riordan – Senior Executive Assistant

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Careers:

The UCC MA in Digital Cultures will equip graduates with a range of tools and methods to provide the digital element now essential for careers in:

• Education: Teaching and curriculum development in digital environments.
• Heritage: Digital preservation, curation, and outreach for museums, archives, and cultural institutions.
• Cultural Economy: Digital content creation, management, and marketing for arts and cultural organizations.
• Digital Content Creation and Management: Developing and managing digital content for websites, social media, and other platforms.
• Web Content Creation, Editing, and Management: Creating, editing, and managing web content for various organizations and industries.
• Storytelling: Using digital tools to create engaging and impactful narratives across various domains.
Digital Cultures is a field that equips practitioners with the conceptual awareness to apply digital tools to research problems in the Arts, Humanities, and related fields. It produces digitally literate interdisciplinary graduates ready to fill a variety of roles in the knowledge economy.

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Other:

The program is provided by a diverse and internationally recognized team experienced in teaching, development, and research in the digital arts and humanities at every level from undergraduate to PhD. This experience has been demonstrated and delivered using blended and online learning tools to foster student-centered, research-based learning. The program encourages international engagement and participation.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.