Develop the skills to succeed in the dynamic world of digital media.
In our digital age, communication is more crucial than ever. This programme will prepare you to engage critically with various theories, methods and media practices, paving the way for your next career step or further academic research in the fields of digital media and communication.
This course is available as a full- or part-time MA if you start in September, and as a full-time MA if you start in January.
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You'll gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the digital media industry. Discover the latest trends in digital communication, including social media and AI.
You'll explore how digital media trends relate to existing concepts in the social sciences, media studies, and the humanities through theory-grounded learning.
You'll also gain transferrable communication and research skills that you can apply in a variety of industries and academia.
Become industry ready -– develop sought-after analytical, critical thinking, and media literacy skills.
1st in the UK for Communication and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2026).
Benefit from our interdisciplinary teaching approach.
You'll explore digital cultures from local communities of practice to vast social media networks using a range of research tools. You'll also consider the legal and ethical implications of research, gaining skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, research design, data manipulation, and data visualisation.
From podcasting to brain monitoring, our state-of-the-art facilities empower our students to create, perform, collaborate and explore in new and exciting ways.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Digital Media and Communications.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
September - December (11 weeks)
January - April (12 weeks)
May – August
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Business Discourse and Communication | 20 |
| Data Skills | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Global Communications | 20 |
| Language and New Media | 20 |
| Media, Culture and Identity | 20 |
| Research Methods in Digital Media and Communications | 20 |
January - April (12 weeks)
May – August
September - December (11 weeks)
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Business Discourse and Communication | 20 |
| Data Skills | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Global Communications | 20 |
| Language and New Media | 20 |
| Media, Culture and Identity | 20 |
| Research Methods in Digital Media and Communications | 20 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
or equivalent, in a relevant subject.
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject such as English language or literature, Media, Journalism, Communication, Broadcasting/Hosting, Advertising, Digital Humanities, Drama, Film, Law, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Translation, Library Studies (or another Humanities or Social Science degree).
If your degree subject does not match these entry criteria, we will consider applications that provide adequate evidence of sustained media-related work experience (a minimum of 2 years).
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
Full-time January 2027
£11,790 (full-time) / £5,895 (part-time) September 2027
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for September 2027 and January 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants to apply to start in January 2027.
We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
By studying a postgraduate degree in Digital Media and Communications at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include statistical analysis, data manipulation and visualisation and business communications.
This programme will prepare you for a range of roles in the digital, creative and media industries. The skills you’ll learn, and the topics you’ll cover, will provide you with a rounded understanding of digital communication, giving you the tools to be an architect of the future in this fast-moving area. Graduates of our programme might go into roles such as:
The University has connections and partnerships with a range of regional, national and international organisations, and there may be opportunities to connect with those organisations throughout the programme.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
