Program Overview

---

Introduction to the MA Digital Media and Creative Industries Program

The University of Birmingham offers a Master of Arts in Digital Media and Creative Industries, a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a thriving career in the arts and cultural industries. This MA program enhances professional skills, providing students with the expertise to progress in their careers, whether they are graduates looking to pursue a creative career or industry professionals seeking to lead and inspire.

Course Overview

The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries is a 12-month full-time program that runs over three terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Full-time students typically take three modules per term in the Spring and Autumn terms. The program includes a dissertation or a creative project, which accounts for one-third of the degree. Students begin planning and submit a proposal for their dissertation during the Spring term.

Course Structure

• The program is divided into three terms, each with specific modules and requirements.
• Full-time students take three modules per term in the Spring and Autumn terms.
• The dissertation or creative project is a significant component, accounting for one-third of the degree.

Course Highlights

The program's interdisciplinary teaching approach draws on expertise from across the arts and humanities departments, providing key insights into the sector. Students develop industry-specific skills, including digital advertising, marketing, media production, project design, and delivery. The program also offers the opportunity to collaborate with cultural partners on live briefs, considering key issues in the creative sector.

Key Features

• Interdisciplinary teaching approach
• Development of industry-specific skills
• Collaboration with cultural partners on live briefs
• Practice-based projects for hands-on experience
• Preparation for the next step in a creative career
• Learning from industry experts and collaborating with organizations

Course Delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching are closely linked. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Digital Media and Creative Industries across film, marketing, law, and more. The program includes:

• Taught modules, each representing 200 hours of study time
• Seminars, mainly taught in small groups
• Dissertation or practice-based project for MA students

Facilities

The University of Birmingham provides a range of facilities for students, including:

• Film Editing Suites with hardware and software for film and TV media
• Bramall Concert Hall and University Music rehearsal spaces for music and performance

Module Information

The MA program comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, with a two-hour weekly seminar. The modules listed are subject to change, but the following must be taken:

• Creative Industries and the Law
• Digital Storytelling
• Global Creative Industries
• Leadership in the Creative Industries
• Marketing in the Creative and Cultural Sector
• Multimedia Adaptation Students must also choose one of the following:
• Creative Media Project
• Dissertation

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students must meet the general entry requirements and those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor. Additional requirements include:

• A 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject
• English language requirements for international students, including IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band

English Language Requirements

International students must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through IELTS or an equivalent qualification. The required scores are:

• IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking, and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students. Fees for 2026 entry are £11,250 for full-time students. The University offers various scholarships, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarships, which award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Scholarships

• Birmingham Masters Scholarships: £3,000 awarded to over 300 students
• Postgraduate Masters loan: available to all UK students
• Other scholarships and funding opportunities

Application Process

To apply for the program, students must submit their application and supporting documents online. The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is December 17, 2025. Early applications are encouraged, as the program may close once full.

Career Opportunities

By studying the MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Birmingham, students develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths, including:

• Publicity
• Video Editor
• Editorial
• Creative Director/Producer
• Cultural Co-ordination
• Digital Journalism Employers of School of English, Drama and Creative Studies graduates include:
• Birmingham Museums Trust
• Hachette UK
• BBC
• Fremantle Media

Careers Network

The University's Careers Network provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals, including one-to-one careers advice, networking opportunities, and career coaching.

Related Courses

• Digital Media and Creative Industries MA / PGDip

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The University offers a range of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice needed.

Accommodation

The University provides a variety of accommodation options, allowing students to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Birmingham

Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry, making it an exciting place to live and study.

Student Support

The University is committed to providing the best possible support to all students, ensuring they get the most out of their university experience.

Campus Life

The green and spacious campus is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialize, with a range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.