Course information
Department
Length
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Scholarship information
Course overview
The MA Digital Media is unique in its combination of practical and theoretical approaches to contemporary media and technology.
This established and exciting degree is designed to help you understand digital transformations in media, culture, and society and apply this understanding in practice, in the media and creative industries and in further research. The programme will equip you with skills that can be applied to current and future developments in digital media, social media, computing, and other aspects of technology.
The MA Digital Media educates aspiring media practitioners and academics as well as early and mid-career professionals who seek to reflect on their roles in a structured and stimulating learning environment designed to give all students up-to-the-minute knowledge of digital media and the skills to apply that knowledge to future developments.
This programme offers three pathways:
- Pathway 1 is a Theory programme where you learn about developments in digital media and technology. This pathway draws on media theory, critical theory, continental philosophy, science and technology studies, gender studies, critical race studies, the posthumanities, software studies and cultural studies to diagnose our present digital condition.
- Pathway 2 (Image Making) is a theory and practice programme. Alongside engaging with digital media theory you will work with one or more of the following – animation, photography, video and other forms of moving image – to create installations, apps and single/multi-screen work that is responsive to a continually changing, and conceptually understood, digital landscape.
- Pathway 3 (Data Visualisation) is a theory/practice programme. You'll learn how information is structured, gathered, sorted and figured into new knowledge. During the course, you'll develop investigative methods to explore data, using art, installations, workshops, graphic design, scripting, critical making and critical technical practice. The pathway also draws on theory from the posthumanities, software studies, machine learning and data analysis and the history of data modelling. The pathway is aimed at helping you to create innovative methods that reveal new knowledge inherent in a data-rich society.
Acclaimed academics and practitioners
Benefit from the experience and expertise of one of the world’s leading media and communications departments. The programme is convened by Prof. Matthew Fuller, and key modules are delivered by Ms. Alice Dunseath, Dr. John Hampson, Dr Graham Harwood, Dr. Daniel Rourke. In your options modules you will be taught by theorists and practitioners of international standing.
Funding your studies
There is a £6,000 bursary available for UK students studying this course. Find out more about the Stationers' Postgraduate Bursary Scheme on our departmental awards page.
An established record
The MA Digital Media has been redefining media theory and practice since 2004. Our students become proficient in:
- the history, sociology and philosophy of digital media
- the application of critical conceptual skills to specialist areas and future forms of media
- creative skills in image making, data visualisation, (photography, video, animation, graphic art, scripting, critical making, installations )
Graduates have gone on to work in the digital media industry in start-ups and established global firms. They have pursued careers in academic research, art and design, and in the public and NGO sector.
The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (3rd in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.
Banner image: 'Moon Mama Wants You to Dance' (2022), Zinha
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Daniel Rourke .