Program Overview

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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

• Attendance: Full-time - September 2025, Part-time day - September 2025, Full-time - September 2026, Part-time day - September 2026
• UK Fees: £9,700 *
• International Fees: £17,500 *
• Alumni Discount: See details
• Duration: 1 year
• Campus: Harrow, North-West London

Course Summary

The course examines social media as industries and as central sites for understanding the cultural politics of everyday life. It explores the meanings of sharing and privacy, of remix cultures and new forms of journalism, of new forms of communication and new forms of citizenship. It connects social media to other digital phenomena such as Artificial Intelligence.

Core Modules

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.

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

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.

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.

Programme Specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching, and assessment, download the programme specification (PDF).

Careers

Graduates of the Social Media and Digital Communication MA are able to work in a wide range of sectors and professions. This Master's will be of particular interest to students who plan to work or are already working in the creative industries.

Course Leader

Professor Graham Meikle

Professor of Communication and Digital Media, and Director of CAMRI. He is a National Teaching Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and teaches core modules on this degree every year.

Entry Requirements

• UK: 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.
• EU and International: 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.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.

Fees and Funding

• UK Tuition Fee: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
• International Tuition Fee: £17,500 (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).

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment: Practical and coursework, including presentations, podcasts, blogs, essays, in-class tests, portfolios, and dissertation.

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.

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.

Course Location

Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media, and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.

Related Courses

• Media Management MA
• Global Media MA
• Media and Development MA