Course summary
The MA in Digital Media is unique in its combination of practical and theoretical approaches to contemporary media and technology. This established and exciting degree is designed to help you understand digital transformations in media, culture and society and apply this understanding in practice, in the media and creative industries and in further research. You will be equipped with skills that can be applied to current and future developments in digital media, social media, computing and other aspects of technology. The MA in Digital Media educates aspiring media practitioners and academics as well as early and mid-career professionals who seek to reflect on their roles in a structured and stimulating learning environment designed to give all students up-to-the-minute knowledge of digital media and the skills to apply that knowledge to future developments. This programme offers three pathways:
- Pathway 1 is a theory programme where you learn about developments in digital media and technology. This pathway draws on media theory, critical theory, continental philosophy, science and technology studies, gender studies, critical race studies, the posthumanities, software studies and cultural studies to diagnose our present digital condition.
- Pathway 2 (Image Making) is a theory and practice programme. Alongside engaging with digital media theory you will work with one or more of the following – animation, photography, video and other forms of moving image – to create installations, apps and single/multi-screen work that is responsive to a continually changing, and conceptually understood, digital landscape.
- Pathway 3 (Data Visualisation) is a theory/practice programme. You'll learn how information is structured, gathered, sorted and figured into new knowledge. During the course, you'll develop investigative methods to explore data, using art, installations, workshops, graphic design, scripting, critical making and critical technical practice. The pathway also draws on theory from the posthumanities, software studies, machine learning and data analysis and the history of data modelling. The pathway is aimed at helping you to create innovative methods that reveal new knowledge inherent in a data-rich society.
- the history, sociology and philosophy of digital media
- the application of critical conceptual skills to specialist areas and future forms of media
- creative skills in image making and data visualisation (photography, video, animation, graphic art, scripting, critical making, installations)
Modules
Programme overview This is an exciting programme which offers a critical, contextual and practical approach to digital media and technology. It problematises approaches to the 'new' media in academic and professional debate, especially those that overemphasise the potential for radical social change led by a homogenised technology itself. The programme is defined by its resistance to technological determinism and its insistence on the importance of addressing the social and historical contexts within which a range of media technologies are employed. In order to provide a contextual framework and facilitate the conceptualisation of digital media and technologies as fully cultural forms and processes, the programme will draw on a range of disciplines including: media and cultural studies, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. However, the programme will remain focused on key contemporary concerns about the potential role of digital media in society and on refiguring the contours of the 'new' media debate. The programme offers three pathways: Pathway 1 addresses central theoretical and conceptual concerns relating to digital media. Pathway 2 combines theoretical analysis and practical work, offering students the opportunity to explore new media theories and concepts in image making. This pathway is primarily aimed at students who already have some practical experience. It is meant to appeal to media industry professionals who are keen to reflect critically on their practice within a structured learning environment and graduates of practice-based courses. Pathway 3 also combines theoretical analysis and practical work, offering students the opportunity to explore new media theories and concepts in Data Visualisation. No advanced prior knowledge of computation is required, but a willingness to learn about technology and media on a theoretical and practical level is. Pathway 1 (Theory) modules For the Theory pathway, you'll take the following compulsory module: Digital Media: Critical Perspectives 30 credits You'll also choose one option module from the following: Digital Culture: Critical Theory Software Studies Photography and After You'll also choose 60 credits of option modules from a list provided annually by the Department. Pathway 2 (Theory and Practice: Image Making) modules For the Image making pathway, you'll take the following compulsory modules: Digital Media: Critical Perspectives 30 credits Photography and After 30 Credits Digital Media Practice: Image Making 30 credits You'll also choose 30 credits of option modules from a list provided annually by the Department. Pathway 3 (Theory and Practice: Data Visualisation) modules For the Data Visualisation pathway, you'll take the following compulsory modules: Digital Media: Critical Perspectives 30 credits Software Studies 30 credits or 15 credits Digital Media Data Visualisation 30 credits You'll also choose 30 credits of option modules from a list provided annually by the Department. Dissertation Students across all pathways are required to produce either a 12,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed by the student and supervisor, or a practice/theory project. The length of the practical element is dependent on the media and form used, and will be agreed on in advance with the supervisor. Students undertaking the practice/theory project will also be expected to submit a 3-4,000 word analysis of their practice which locates it within the theoretical debates explored in the MA as a whole. This essay may be presented as a separate document or as an integral part of the project depending on the nature of the project, and subject to agreement with both theory and practice supervisors. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
Seen take-home paper; essays; dissertation or practice/theory project and other production work for Image Making and Data Visualisation.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject. If you're applying to the practice pathway you'll also need to submit a portfolio of work. Further details are in the 'How to apply' section of our website. You might also be considered if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Unless otherwise stated the annual fee for part-time programmes is half the full-time fee quoted.
Sponsorship information
There is a £6,000 bursary available for UK students studying this course. Find out more about the Stationers' Postgraduate Bursary Scheme on our departmental awards page.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW