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.

Optional 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 honors 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: £10,900 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £18,000 (Price per academic year)
• Alumni discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount.
• Funding: There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories: Practical and Coursework.

Research Groups

• Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
• Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI)

Supporting You

• Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support, and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills.
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits, and visas.
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events, and more.

Course Location

• Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media, and digital courses.
• Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city center by train.