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Request information to learn more about the online MA Digital Media & Global Communication. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
Course overview
Our online MA in Digital Media and Global Communication combines practice, theory, and career support to equip you with the skills, language, and reasoning needed for creation, communication, and leadership across global digital culture.
You'll be equipped with the practical skills, language, and tools needed to advance your career in a broad range of media, communications, and creative industries. Taught by industry practitioners, and informed by active research, this course provides you with an interdisciplinary skill set that’s in high demand in the rapidly evolving world of digital media.
Course highlights
Most postgraduate communication programmes fall into two broad categories: theoretical or practical. The former focuses more on theory and research while the latter focuses on applied skills relevant to your career. Our course combines both theory and practice to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advance in your career.
- The course is taught and facilitated by the same academics and active practitioners who also teach our in-person postgraduate programmes.
- You'll be equipped with the practical skills and support for career advancement, and develop the language and confidence to lead on a digital/globalised stage.
- The curriculum is informed by multiple departments for a unique multidisciplinary perspective.
- You'll explore different national and international cultures to develop a truly global skill set that leaves you well-prepared for a transnational career.
Top 100 in the world for Arts and Humanities (QS World Subject Rankings 2024).
Complete the course in 30 months, part-time.
Flexibility to choose from three start dates per year.
Get the skills to thrive
You'll develop a diverse set of transferable and industry specific skills, including research, content creation and storytelling, intercultural communication, project management, data analytics, and critical thinking.
Course delivery
The course content is expansive, informed by expertise across multiple subject areas, providing you with a unique perspective and enhanced understanding of digital media.
- The curriculum is taught through a combination of asynchronous teaching and learning activities and regular live sessions, culminating in a dissertation that showcases your in-depth knowledge and analytical skills.
- The course is designed to encourage participation and connectivity through the use of video lectures, case studies, interactive assignments, digital resources, and peer-to-peer social interaction.
- You'll engage with experienced academics and practitioners, and learn from world-leading research to transform classroom learning into real-world expertise.
Module information
This MA consists of 180 credits made up of 12 modules (10 credits each) and a 60-credit dissertation module.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Transformation: Multimedia Archives DL | 10 |
| Digital Citizens and Mental Health DL | 10 |
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Data Skills - Analysing Data and Communicating Insights DL | 10 |
| Mass Media: Past, Present, Future DL | 10 |
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Games, Gamification and the Player as Consumer DL | 10 |
| Global Digital Cultures: Comparative Perspectives DL | 10 |
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| AI in Society and Research: Theory, Ethics and Practice DL | 10 |
| Textual (r)Evolution: Implications of Shifting Cultural Production DL | 10 |
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Movies, Cognition and Storytelling DL | 10 |
| Narrative Enquiry Interviewing and Creative Nonfiction DL | 10 |
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Framing the News: Power, Propaganda and Positionality DL | 10 |
| Language as Data: A Primer to Text Mining for the Humanities DL | 10 |
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Media and Global Communication Dissertation DL | 60 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 UK undergraduate degree
or a recognised equivalent international qualification in a related subject such as journalism, digital media, or communications.
Entry requirements for international applicants:
Students at the University of Birmingham are from more than 150 countries. As such, we welcome postgraduate applications from candidates with a range of overseas qualifications. Search the entry requirements for your country to find the grade and qualifications we will consider.
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £16,290
total tuition fees for this 30 month part-time postgraduate programme
Please note that fees are the same for UK and non-UK residents alike. The University of Birmingham is committed to providing accessible education pathways, and this fee structure enables international students to more easily access our research-informed, employability-driven courses.
Funding options
- Employer support: Many employers offer partial or full financial support for employees pursuing a degree. Check with your manager or HR representative.
- Private education loans: If you need additional financial assistance, research other education loan lenders to determine if a private loan is best for your situation.
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.
Application process
To be considered for admission into the online MA Digital Media & Global Communication, you will need to submit the following materials:
- Online application (no fee)
- Transcripts or degree certificates (uploaded, scanned copies are acceptable to render a decision, but official transcripts may be required at the admissions committee’s discretion)
- Contact details for one referee who has knowledge of your professional or academic (if you are a recent graduate) ability
- Personal statement of 500 words that outlines why you are interested in applying for this programme
- Evidence of your English-language level no older than two years (if English is not your first language)
Career opportunities
With employability and career advancement informing every aspect of this course, you'll be prepared for a wide spectrum of opportunities in media and communications, and across creative industries.
You'll also be uniquely equipped to not only navigate but lead in an increasingly globalised digital landscape, and will be well-prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends. This will leave you positioned for leadership roles in the cultural and creative industries, including:
- Digital marketing and advertising
- Media production and broadcasting
- Content strategy and management
- Startups and entrepreneurship in the creative industries
- Further academic doctoral research in related fields
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits [The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report].
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Access career tools, such as CV templates, job boards, and workshops, all of which can help you explore career options.
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.
Student experience
As an online student, you will join a diverse global community that is an integral part of the University, while benefiting from the flexibility online education offers.
Your online student experience
As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.