Digital Media (MA)

On this MA Digital Media course, you’ll explore a variety of core, compulsory and optional modules to enhance your understanding and refine your interests.

We'll deliver taught modules in semesters 1 and 2, before you independently complete you final project during the summer, which is sometimes referred to as semester 3.

The core modules provide in-depth knowledge relevant to the specialist concepts and methods of digital media practices, while the compulsory modules consider a broad range of subject-specific topics.

Semester 1 overview

In your first semester, you'll sharpen your knowledge of specialist concepts, methods and practices in digital media through the following compulsory modules:

• Digital Media I: Critical Theory


• Media Research and Methodologies I


• Critical Media Practice

Semester 2 overview

In your second semester, you'll engage in collaborative work with other students and select one of the chosen media specialisms, with options including screen practices, media arts and media ecologies.

Semester 2 includes 2 core and compulsory modules:

• Digital Media II: Collaborative Critical Practice


• Media Research and Methodologies II: Research Proposal Development

Semester 2 also includes an optional module of your choosing. This module gives you an opportunity to further enhance the career orientation of your studies and tailor your programme towards your professional aspirations.

In the rare case that not enough students sign up for an optional module, we may not run it. We'll let you know early and help you choose another module that suits you.

Final project overview

Your final project, sometimes known as semester 3, can either be a written research project or an integrated theory and practice project that includes written work and practice-based research.

You'll apply the knowledge and skills you develop throughout this programme to your final project. Your project will also give you the opportunity to develop an area of personal expertise.

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

Critical Media PracticeThis module will introduce you to resonant examples of critical media practices, enabling you to combine in critical ways the theory and practice of digital media. Through practice workshops with staff and invited practitioners, exploring key examples fro...Digital Media I: Critical TheoryThis module will introduce you to some of the core concepts and ideas in the broad theoretical context of Digital Media. We will explore contemporary global challenges in the media landscape and encourage you to develop critical thinking and identify pote...Digital Media II: Collaborative Critical PracticeIn this practice and research led module you will explore collaborative critical practice, and design and develop your own project. The module is team-taught, and thus informed by diverse voices with expertise in curated strands. Your project will be prod...Final Project (Digital Media Practices)The aim of this module is to develop your individually chosen and researched project, promoting a concentrated period of independent study alongside tutor and peer discussion and feedback. The module brings together and utilises your learning and skills d...Media Research and Methodologies IThis module introduces a range of research techniques used in different traditions of digital media studies. In this module, you will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of methods in media research; demonstrate awareness of disciplinary boundarie...Media Research and Methodologies II: Research Proposal DevelopmentThis module provides a deeper engagement with the academic and research skills to support the preparation of your Final Project work. The module encourages you to engage directly with the range of physical and online library resources necessary to achieve...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Creative Thinking and Problem SolvingThe module been designed for the purpose of promoting and developing creative thinking and problem solving (CTPS) skills and addresses the need for individuals and teams who can ‘think outside the box’, and apply fresh thinking to practical, ‘real world’ ...Digital CulturesDigital Cultures is an elective module covering a broad range of topics relating to the encounter with digital environments, audiovisual content and the aesthetics and politics of media technologies in historical and contemporary contexts. This module int...EntrepreneurshipThe module enables you to recognise entrepreneurial traits and behaviours and apply elements of these to the real world. With a strong orientation towards the future, realised through forecasting in both finance and marketing, the module will provide ...Experimental PublishingThe consideration of what publishing actual means today remains a relevant question for any creative practitioner. Over the past few years we have seen a huge rise in self-publishing, print on-demand services, tweeting and social media, from post-digital ...Exploring the Visual Language of DisplayThe module provides thematic examples of the theories and practices of visual presentation and display explored through interdisciplinary and critical contexts appropriate to the MA pathways. It offers a number of critical “tools”, enhanced through refere...Global MarketingThe module seeks to advance your knowledge on key issues of globalization and changes to marketing approaches that have taken place due to internationalisation.. The module situates the concepts and terminology of global marketing in a range of different ...Sustainability in Business and DesignThis module addresses critical perspectives in relation to sustainability and its impact in art, design and the creative industries. The module seeks to inform your thinking in relation to sustainability issues, be they environmental, social or economic, ...Visual CultureWe live in a world that is saturated by images, from the far reaches of space to the sub-atomic level and just about everything in between. Images seem to have a special power in our lives, playing a part in the constructions of who and what we are and t...