Program Overview

Introduction to the MA Digital Media and Communication Program

The MA Digital Media and Communication program at Loughborough University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the major traditions, theories, and frameworks of inquiry relevant to the analysis of digital media and communication. This program allows students to examine real-world case studies from legacy to social media, classical propaganda to contemporary disinformation, and gain insights and produce reports that are valuable for a career in communications.

Qualification(s) Available

• MA

Fees

• Dependent on start date. See below.
• Scholarships available

Entry Requirements

• 2:2 (55%)
• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: Not available
• Location: Loughborough
• Start date: October 2025 or October 2026
• Department: Communication and Media

Program Description

The MA Digital Media and Communication program explores the communication strategies of corporate, government, and third sector organizations, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in these areas. The program focuses on how different organizations develop and realize key strategies in the communication of not only products and ideas but also places and experiences. Students will engage with theoretical approaches, as well as practical examples and case studies from around the world.

Modules

Semester 1

Compulsory Modules

• Understanding Contemporary Media
• Promotional Industries (15 credits)
• Researching Communications 1: Media Users and Cultural Industries (15 credits)

Optional Modules (Choose One)

• Media Industries and Professions
• Digital Economies (15 credits)

Semester 2

Compulsory Modules

• Political Communication in the Digital Age
• Effective Communication (15 credits)
• Researching Communications 2: Texts and Digital Platforms (15 credits)

Optional Modules (Choose Two)

• Media Representations, Identity and Digital Culture
• Data, Power and Democracy (15 credits)

Summer

Compulsory Modules - Choose 1

• Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits)
• Workplace Focused Dissertation (60 credits)

Assessment

• Essays
• Company reports
• Group presentations
• An end of year research project

Study Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Group work
• Workshops

Entry Requirements for International Students

The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark. The entry requirements vary depending on the country of origin. Please refer to the University's website for the most up-to-date information.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and Funding

Fees for the Academic Year

• UK fee: £12,500 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee: £25,500 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the Academic Year

• UK fee: £12,900 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee: £26,300 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the academic year apply to courses starting in October 2025 or January 2026. Fees for the academic year apply to courses starting in October 2026.

Scholarships and Bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

10% off Tuition Fees

• Loughborough University Alumni Bursary

Up to 20% off Tuition Fees

• Excellence Scholarship

Your Development

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career. On successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major traditions, theories, and frameworks of inquiry relevant to the analysis of digital media and communication and associated disciplines.
• Use advanced concepts and theories drawn from the field of digital media and communication and related disciplines to analyze relevant empirical evidence.
• Generate research data according to set procedures and methods within the discipline of media, communication, and cultural studies.
• Critically evaluate a range of academic and industry sources.
• Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences, both working independently and as part of a group.
• Plan, organize, and manage, with appropriate supervision, a significant self-directed project.

Our Academics

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics with expertise in digital media and communication. Some of the key academics involved in the program include:

• Dr. Brendan Lawson, Lecturer in Media and Communication
• Professor Arianna Maiorani, Professor in Linguistics, Multimodality, and Kinesemiotics
• Professor Andrew Chadwick, Professor of Political Communication
• Professor Lise Jaillant, Professor of Digital Cultural Heritage

Your Future Career

Our MA Digital Media and Communication provides an excellent platform for those looking to build a career in advertising, marketing, public relations, advocacy, campaign management, place branding, and market research. Our postgraduate communication and media alumni have gone on to enjoy careers within a diverse range of organizations, including:

• Altius Insurance
• OMD
• One Entertainment Group
• Target Global
• BBC Thai
• National Defence University

They are employed in a wide variety of roles, including:

• Marketing Executive
• Digital Media Planner
• Business Communications
• Communications and Marketing
• Corporate and Business Communication
• Senior Instructor
• News Editor

Related Master's Degrees

• Social Science Research MSc
• Media and Communication MA