Digital Media and CommunicationsMA

In our digital age, communication is more crucial than ever. This programme will prepare you to engage critically with various media practices, paving the way for careers in related fields or further academic research.

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

You'll also develop your communication and research skills so you're ready to enter the world of business and media, and develop a deep understanding of content creation and data analysis.

• Learn from industry experts: Our academic staff have world-leading research and education experience, as well as close working relationships with film studios, media, and creative industries.
• Gain hands-on experience: You'll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and develop a portfolio of your work, to ensure you're industry-ready.
• Network with other professionals: Connect with like-minded students and industry professionals at networking events and employer talks.

Get the skills to thrive

You'll have numerous opportunities to explore digital cultures, from local communities of practice to vast social media networks, using a range of digital research tools. You'll also consider the legal and ethical implications of data research, gaining skills in statistical analysis, data manipulation, and data visualisation.

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

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.

The following must be taken:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject such as English language or literature, Media, Journalism, Communications (or another Humanities or Social Science degree).

English language requirements

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.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.

Paying your tuition fees

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.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

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.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

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 the sector, 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:

• Social media manager
• Content creator
• Digital marketing specialist
• Public relations specialist
• Digital strategist
• Social media analyst
• Content marketing manager
• E-commerce manager

The University has connections and partnerships with a range of regional, national and international organisations, and there will be opportunities to connect with those organisations throughout the programme.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

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.