Digital Media and Society - MA
Prepare to hit the ground running in an ever-evolving field with Keele's Digital Media and Society MA. Examine the social, cultural and economic impact of digital technologies and develop practical expertise in digital storytelling, digital communications design, social media content creation and digital research methodologies. You will acquire a unique mix of critical research and creative practice skills applicable to digital media industries across the sector. Actively engage with building a range of personal attributes throughout the degree to enhance your career prospects with valuable digital skills in analytics, research and content creation, taking your career to the next level.
Month of entry
- September, January
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK - Full time £9,100 per year. Part time £5,000 per year.
International - £16,600 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years
Why study Digital Media and Society at Keele University?
Course summary
Keele's dynamic Digital Media and Society degree covers essential research, creative practice, and professional skills to prepare you as a critically informed and ethically responsive professional. Empowering you to evaluate and transform practices within this vitally important sector of work, you will cover various topics to support your career in digital media and beyond. This includes using appropriate research methodologies, developing and managing creative projects and understanding ethical professional practices.
Engage with diverse perspectives and communities, enabling you to reflect on your personal learning and professional growth in this developing field. With an emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and creating social value through digital media, our programme encourages you to reflect on the industry within regional, national and international contexts. You will gain a thorough understanding of key theories, concepts and creative practice related to digital communications and the transformation of social, cultural and political processes by digital technologies.
Our MA allows you to undertake a year-long independent 'Extended Project in Digital Media and Society', under expert supervision, demonstrating your strong understanding of how digital technologies are transforming the creative and cultural landscape, the impact of business, technology, and policy on the digital media industry, and the importance of ethical and responsible practices. You can choose between conducting in-depth research on a digital media topic through a dissertation, producing a portfolio of creative work (e.g. short films, interactive projects, digital art), or collaborating with an industry partner on a digital media project, gaining valuable real-world experience.
At Keele, you'll learn from industry professionals and can enhance your professional experience through an optional 'Work Placement in Creative and Cultural Industries' module, building your portfolio and professional network further. This will enable you to reflect on your own creative practice, and apply your expertise to your preferred role or career. You will be able to employ new skills and communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences which will support you in your professional career to adapt to situations, places and people.
Other courses you may be interested in:
Next steps
Course structure
Our MA programme can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September or January start date. It is also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of maximum of five years.
You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master’s qualification, completing five compulsory modules (including the 'Extended Project in Digital Media & Society') and one optional module.
The information below outlines a one-year full-time study schedule with a September start date. Please note, the study schedule will vary based on start dates and full-time/part-time study.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Digital Communications: Theory and Practice
This module provides you with a rigorous examination of digital communications within contemporary society. You will critically engage with key theoretical frameworks, explore the social and cultural impact of digital technologies, and develop a sophisticated understanding of the ethical and political challenges presented by the digital landscape. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, this module equips you with the analytical and critical skills necessary to navigate and understand the evolving dynamics of digital communications.
Research Methods in the Humanities, Media, and Creative Arts
This module helps you to develop advanced research skills in your discipline. Taught by Humanities staff, it covers research ethics, methods, bibliographic skills, writing for different audiences, managing projects, and applying for funding. You'll join seminars with other postgraduate students, learning from diverse research backgrounds. Preparing you for advanced research, it also offers transferable skills for planning and completing projects.
Professional Practice in Digital Media
Boost your career in digital media with this professional practice module. Gain insights into social media content creation, digital advertising, data analytics, e-commerce, AI, and VR/AR. Develop skills in digital storytelling, strategic communications design, project management, networking, and building an online presence. Learn through workshops, industry talks, and case studies to navigate the digital media job market and turn your passion into a successful career.
Reflective Practice in the Humanities, Media, and Creative Arts
Digital media research requires interdisciplinary thinking. Exploring other approaches and theories within and beyond the Humanities can be beneficial. This research training module exposes you to various Humanities research methods and encourages you to reflect on how they can enhance your work.
Extended Project in Digital Media & Society
The Extended Project is the culmination of the MA programme. You'll choose a pathway: research, collaboration/consultancy, or creative practice. This project allows for research, consultancy, or creative work on a topic of your choice within digital media and society. You'll attend workshops for planning and reflection, supported by your supervisor. Supervisors guide you on reading, research methods, creative approaches, project design, and provide feedback on work-in-progress.
Optional modules
You will select one of the following options:
The Creative and Cultural Industries in Local, National, and Global Context
The value of the creative and cultural industries is paramount: they contribute to peoples’ quality of life, are among the fastest growing employment sectors in the UK, and fuel prosperity regionally and nationally. This module equips you with a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of the global creative economy: its structures, the policies that shape it, and its significance to people who produce and participate in it. You’ll gain theoretical and real-world approaches to analysing this dynamic sector and your place in it.
Work Placement in Creative and Cultural Industries
This module allows you to complete a work placement in the Creative and Cultural Industries. You'll collaborate with industry professionals, enhancing your creative skills and building key communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Gain cutting-edge experience in a sector you're interested in and valuable employer contacts for a strong career start after graduation.
Advanced Studies in Environmental Communication
This module equips you with advanced skills to communicate environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and human-nature disconnection. You'll critique existing communication models and create new, more effective strategies. Produce context-specific, dialogic environmental communication and engage strategic audiences and the public. Gain vital skills for careers in communications, environment, and sustainability, and prepare for independent research in environmental communication.
Next steps
Entry requirements
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
Launch a successful career in a diverse range of roles in digital media through the knowledge, skills and expertise gained on this programme. Explore a wide variety of careers from content creation, marketing, research and policy that will empower you to demonstrate your professional skills in the workplace.
Our MA in Digital Media and Society will help to prepare you for digital innovation in a fast-evolving digital world, enabling you to apply your expertise to private and public sectors as a creative practitioner/professional
With this degree, you may wish to explore the following roles/careers:
- Filmmaking
- Social Media
- Content Creation
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Community Arts
- Photography
- Music
- Business
- Research
Keele’s Careers and Employability team are available to help you think about your future options and how to enhance your employability prospects.
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Our MA in Digital Media and Society incorporates a range of teaching styles to support your learning and master's experience. This includes interactive lectures to reflect and debate key course concepts, practical workshops to gain key skills and collaborate with peers, as well as seminars and tutorials to analyse media texts and readings.
You will engage with thorough self-direct study throughout the programme to refine your expertise. This will enable you to design your own study schedule to complete readings, enhance creative and technical skills, explore course materials and prepare for taught sessions. Keele also provides individual supervision for the 'Professional Practice' module and 'Extended Project' to monitor your progress, offer feedback and plan your next steps with a relevant academic supervisor.
Our programme also offers a placement opportunity so that you can gain experience at a partner organisation, working under the supervision of working professionals in industry. Occasional 'Industry voices masterclasses' and site visits also offer the chance to meet professionals in creative and cultural industries to hear first-hand experiences.
How you'll be assessed
With a wide variety of assessment methods, you will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise you have gained throughout the programme.
From essays, reports, creative projects, reflective diaries and presentations, you will have the opportunity to apply your subject knowledge, conduct research and communicate your ideas verbally, in writing, and different media forms. You will develop your understanding through the critical engagement of your own study and evidence your skills and creativity through professional portfolios, pitches and project outlines that will involve concise planning, preparation and structuring of research and creative projects.
The 'Extended Project in Digital Media & Society' will exemplify your research skills, creative practice, and independent ability to deliver, monitor and evaluate your own learning to industry standards as well as working with academic staff.
Next steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
Teaching staff on this programme include academics in the School of Humanities with a broad range of research, teaching, and professional practice specialisms across digital media.
Teaching team includes:
Next steps
Facilities
Keele hosts a range of facilities that will support your learning and assessments during your studies.
Teaching Spaces
Our dedicated teaching spaces on campus combine teaching and independent learning with specialised editing suites, a photographic studio and equipment. These facilities are open for you to implement and challenge your practical skills alongside your theoretical learning.
Our Apple Macintosh labs allow you to develop your editing skills and design skills using Adobe Creative Suite and enhance your employability prospects having used specialist equipment, as well as Nikon and Canon cameras.
Keele University library
Our on-campus library holds a wide range of written and visual material that you will have access to for your course. There are also designated study spaces for individual and group work which will be useful when completing theoretical work and having the space to share ideas with peers. This can be a useful time to brainstorm ideas, work on storyboarding and editing content.
Digital Society Institute
Keele’s Digital Society Institute is a collaborative research centre focused on data and digital technology that will allow companies in the business, health, and cultural sectors to innovate and expand in a competitive and dynamic business environment. Launched in October 2023, the Institute is based inside the Innovation Centre 7 building on Keele campus and hosts a Data Visualisation Suite, a Virtual Reality (VR) room, a conference area, a digital training space, and hi-tech meeting and collaboration space. Students on this programme may have the opportunity to get involved in activities and events hosted at the institute.