Course information

Length

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Course overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Media – Theory is unique in its combination of theoretical approaches to contemporary media and technology.

The PGDip in Digital Media – Theory is designed to help you understand digital transformations in media, culture, and society in the media and creative industries, and in further research. You will be equipped with skills that can be applied to current and future developments in digital media, social media, computing, and other aspects of technology.

This programme offers a critical and contextual approach to digital media and technology. It explicitly discusses approaches to 'new' media in academic and professional debates, especially those that overemphasise the potential for radical social change led by a technology itself. The programme emphasises the importance of addressing the social and historical contexts within which a range of media technologies are employed.

Learn valuable skills

You will be equipped with skills in critical evaluation and contextualisation which can be applied to future developments in digital media and technology. The programme is therefore appropriate for further research and for careers in the media and cultural industries.

You will draw on a range of disciplines during the programme to develop a contextual framework for thinking about digital media and technologies as fully cultural forms and processes, including media and cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy.

Learn from experts

The core teaching team from within the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies provides expertise in critical, practical, technical, and contextual approaches to digital media and technology. You will learn from tutors from a range of professional and academic backgrounds, as well as, a schedule of guest seminars in digital media and technology provided by the department and Goldsmiths.

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 12th in the world (2nd in the UK) in the 2022 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Daniel Rourke.

What you'll study

Compulsory Modules

You will study the following compulsory module.

Module title Credits
Digital Media: Critical Perspectives 30 credits

You will also study one of the following modules, as well as 60 credits of option modules chosen from a list provided by the department.

Module title Credits
Digital Culture Critical Theory 30 credits.
or
Software Studies 30 credits or 15 credits
or
Photography and After 30 Credits

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have or expect to gain a first degree of at least upper second class standard (or equivalent).

The programme is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds within the humanities and no prior knowledge of new or digital media studies is required.

Consideration may also be given to students without an academic background in a relevant subject area if they have significant professional experience in the field of digital media and are able to demonstrate their ability and commitment to the pursuit of a programme of rigorous academic study.

All applicants need to demonstrate an awareness of the historical and contemporary significance of digital media and technology and a willingness to accept the challenge of interdisciplinary study.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

  • Home - full-time: £6910
  • Home - part-time: £3455
  • International - full-time: £13640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

How to apply

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