Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our BA Digital Media and Culture is focused on studying and researching the relationships between digital media and culture. Not only will you learn about the latest technological trends but the wider historical context of how the digital media we use and depend on today have been made possible. Our world today is increasingly digital. We can know our city’s iconic places through location-aware apps. We shape our identity alongside social media influencers. We fuel the growth of platform monopolies through small, daily gestures like posting videos or ‘liking’ friends’ jokes. We are learning that biases around race, class, gender and sexuality are embedded into algorithms that need to be challenged. If you are interested in exploring digital media theories and research with leading academic scholars, this course is for you. The course gives you an extensive understanding of:
- online identity
- social media influencers and algorithmic bias
- location-based media
- meme cultures
- the power of platform companies
- how to develop your own research.
- Birkbeck was ranked as one of the top four universities in the UK for its Art and Design research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- In film, media and cultural studies, Birkbeck fosters an especially research-intensive environment. We offer an extensive portfolio of internationally respected courses that span a variety of academic disciplines and engage with the latest ideas and techniques in journalism, media and cultural theory, arts policy and management, film and television studies, creative marketing, digital culture and East Asian cultural studies.
- Attend our dynamic programme of seminars, events and guest lectures organised by affiliated research centres and networks such as Birkbeck Interdisciplinary Research in Media and Culture, the Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image and the Vasari Research Centre for Art and Technology.
- Make yourself at home in our Bloomsbury campus, which includes facilities such as the award-winning Birkbeck Cinema, the Peltz Gallery, and computer labs equipped with video editing, print layout and web design software packages.
- Learn from leading academic researchers in the field such as Scott Rodgers, Joel McKim, Rebekah Cupitt, Silke Arnold-de Simine, Lina Džuverović, Robert Topinka, Sophie Hope and Professor Tim Markham. Acquire up-to-date skills and knowledge from experienced industry practitioners at the heart of London's global media industry.
- digital design and management
- film and television
- curatorial practice
- news media and PR
- cultural and educational institutions
- public policy or professional communications.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Essays and a range of alternative and creative methods of assessment, including writing exercises, audiovisual presentations, digital media designs and applications, conceptual representations and online or mobile diaries.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details of how we can help.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 120 points
A level - CCC - BBB
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £17620 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700