Social Media and Digital Communication MA

Program Overview

Social Media and Digital Communication MA

Overview

The Social Media and Digital Communication MA will give you the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary digital communication and its seismic impact on politics, culture, and society.

Course Structure

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core Modules (Semester One)

• Social Media: This module provides students with a theoretical understanding of the development, significance, and contemporary uses of social media. It fosters both critical analysis and reflective practice in the networked digital media environment.
• Media and Communication Theory: This module covers a range of theoretical approaches to studying media and communication in a loosely historical order. You will acquire an understanding of the historical contexts in which these ways of thinking emerged, be introduced to the leading thinkers driving these approaches, and explore key concepts associated with them.

Core Module (Year-Long)

• Social Media Research Project: This module enables learners to develop and carry out an independent research project. It provides them with a theoretical and practical understanding of key methodological approaches to social and digital media and communication research.

Option Modules (Semester One)

• Global Media: This module will provide an overview of contemporary developments in the global media and communication industries and their impact on cultures worldwide.
• Political Economy of Communication: This module provides a broad introduction to the political economy approach to the media, communication, culture, and digital media.
• Data in Communication and Society: This module is intended to lay the theoretical foundations when it comes to investigating and understanding how digital data and society intersect.

Option Modules (Semester Two)

• Digital Media and Critical Theory: This module introduces students to the main critical theories of digital media, and provides specific focus on the implications of race and culture on the development, infrastructures, and ownership of digital media.
• Researching Media and Communication: This module is designed to introduce learners to some important methods in social and media research.
• Data and Digital Research Methods: Building on Data in Communication and Society, this module places an emphasis on methods for researching datafication.
• Media, Activism, and Politics: This module critically investigates the relationship between media, activism, and politics.
• Sociology of News: A critical study of the news media in the context of current society.
• Media Audiences in the Digital Age: The first part of the module reviews a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, focusing on and critiquing key debates on media audiences.
• Podcast Production: In this module, students learn about the different facets of podcast making, exploring genres and the production techniques required for specific formats.
• Artificial Intelligence and Society: We are surrounded by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, whether we are aware of this or not.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2).
• The Personal Statement must reflect your understanding of the course and how you will contribute to the group.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £1,211 (Price per 20-credit module)
• International tuition fee: £2,000 (Price per 20-credit module)
• Alumni discount available.
• Funding available for postgraduate students, including Student Finance England (SFE) and scholarships.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment types include practical and coursework, with a focus on presentations, podcasts, blogs, essays, in-class tests, portfolios, and dissertation.

Research Groups

• Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI)

Supporting You

• Study support, including workshops, 1-2-1 support, and online resources.
• Personal tutors to support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student advice team to provide specialist advice on a range of issues.
• Extra-curricular activities, including volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, and student events.

Course Location

• Harrow Campus, located in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.