MA in Digital Media and Society, The University of Sheffield

Sheffield,

12 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The Digital Media and Society MA offers a unique opportunity to understand how digital media intertwines with societal issues through a sociological perspective. The course investigates recent developments in digital media, data, and algorithms in relation to social topics such as gender, race, health, surveillance, and activism. Students will develop skills across qualitative, quantitative, and digital research methods, enabling them to analyse the social impacts of digital technologies. Drawing on staff expertise, students gain a broad understanding of researching digital society, digital practices, and methods, supported by active research networks like the Digital Society Network and the Sheffield Methods Institute. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to examining digital media’s role in shaping contemporary social life and offers pathways to specialise in areas of particular interest.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is highly recommended for students passionate about understanding the societal implications of digital media. It offers a thorough grounding in both theoretical and practical aspects of digital society research, taught by experienced staff engaged in cutting-edge research. The program’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with access to research activities and networks like the Digital Society Network, ensures students stay updated with the latest developments. Graduates benefit from strong employability prospects, having developed valuable skills in digital research methods, analysis, and societal issues, preparing them for diverse roles in academia, policy, media, and technology sectors.

Specialisation

Students can tailor their learning experience by choosing from a variety of modules, such as The Digital Self, Hate, Hope and Digital Misinformation, Digital Practices, Digital Health, and Mobile Media and Digital Futures. These modules explore themes like identity in the social media age, misinformation, digital health technologies, and the future of mobile media, allowing students to focus on areas aligned with their interests. The course combines core studies with optional modules, enabling a nuanced understanding of digital media's societal effects and fostering expertise in specific digital sociological fields.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

27.77L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need a minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in relevant subjects such as Sociology, Media, Communications, Data Science, or related social sciences. The course welcomes students from various disciplines, including Anthropology, Politics, Human Geography, and Information Studies. For international students, English language proficiency is required, specifically an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each component. The program offers a pathway pre-master’s course for international applicants who do not meet the direct entry requirements.

English language test

PTE

TOEFL

IELTS

6.5

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme are well positioned for careers across sectors such as government, media, research, digital consultancy, and NGOs. Alumni have gone on to roles like government workers, designers, journalists, corporate culture specialists, apps and games marketers, and research assistants. The course’s focus on research and digital skills enhances employability, with the university’s strong industry links and the faculty’s employability support ensuring students are prepared to enter competitive job markets. The high employment rate of alumni reflects the course's relevance and value for career development.

FAQs

What are the core modules of this course?

Core modules include Perspectives on Digital Society, Digital Methods, Researching Society, and Digital Media in a Datafied Society, among others.

Can I specialise in certain areas during the course?

Yes, students can choose modules like The Digital Self, Digital Health, and Hate, Hope and Digital Misinformation to focus on specific interests.