BIRKBECK COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Digital Media Culture
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Combines academic rigor with hands-on digital media design and management training.Unique Skill Combination
- Located in Central London, close to major technology hubs like 'Silicon Roundabout'.Prime Location
- Access to Birkbeck's research centers: BIRMAC, Vasari Research Centre, and BIMI, which hosts film screenings and the annual Essay Film Festival.Research Opportunities
- State-of-the-art cinema and exhibition spaces within a historic building.Modern Facilities
- Birkbeck was ranked top four in the UK for Art and Design research in REF 2021.High Ranking Research
- Evening classes provide flexibility for working students.Flexible Schedule
The MA Digital Media Culture program at Birkbeck, University of London, provides international students with essential knowledge to analyze and understand today's rapidly changing digital environments. This program offers a unique blend of critical academic thinking about digital culture and practical, hands-on training in digital media software, technologies, and design practices. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills for a career in the digital media sector by exploring how new technologies are transforming social, cultural, and economic life. Throughout the course, you will develop research skills and methods to comprehend current digital culture forms and anticipate future media developments. The curriculum delves into the influence of digital media technologies on contemporary culture, examining how the proliferation of digital images and information has reshaped creation and communication. You will engage with critical technology issues such as the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), social media and the attention economy, digital animation and gaming cultures, and the politics of big data and digital algorithms. Classes are held in the evenings, typically two evenings a week, plus occasional Saturdays, making it suitable for students who may also be working or engaging in other activities during the day. This flexible timetable is complemented by smaller class sizes and highly interactive teaching, ensuring an engaging learning experience. You can also tailor your degree with optional modules in digital media management or design, aligning your studies with your specific career aspirations.
Curriculum
The MA Digital Media Culture program provides a comprehensive exploration of digital environments, combining theoretical understanding with practical application. Students will acquire research skills and delve into key issues shaping contemporary digital society.
- Year 1 (Full-time)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees for international students are £22,230 per year for full-time study and £11,115 per year for part-time study. These fees may increase in subsequent years.
- What are the entry requirements for the MA Digital Media Culture programme?
- You need a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in any related subject. Relevant professional qualifications and experience are also considered. For English language proficiency, an IELTS Academic Test with an overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test) is required, among other accepted tests.
- How long does the MA Digital Media Culture programme take to complete?
- The programme is typically studied full-time over one year. Part-time study options are also available, with fees listed separately.
- What is the language of instruction for this programme?
- The language of instruction is English. International students whose first language is not English must meet specific English language proficiency requirements.
- How are classes scheduled for the MA Digital Media Culture programme?
- Classes are held in the evenings, typically two evenings per week, plus occasional Saturdays. This flexible schedule is suitable for students who may also be working.
- What are the career prospects after completing this MA?
- This MA prepares you for careers in the digital media sector, with many job opportunities concentrated in London and the South-East of the UK. The program equips you with technical, management, and conceptual skills.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in any related subject. Relevant professional qualifications and/or work experience will be considered positively. Applications from mature learners are encouraged.
IELTS Academic TestOverall 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English176 with 169 in each sub-test
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English176 with 169 in each sub-test
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)62 with 60 in each sub-test
LanguageCert Academic70 overall with minimum 65 in sub-tests
PSI: Skills for EnglishB2 Pass with Merit
TOEFL IBT (new grading from Jan 2026)Total Score: 4.5 (reading: 4, listening 4, speaking 4, writing 4.5)
Degrees from Majority English-Speaking CountriesCompleted a degree (comparable to RQF 6) within the last three years (see notes for specific dates/countries).
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, you must meet the English language requirements. Pre-sessional English courses are available if you don't meet the minimum. For visa purposes, international students requiring a Student visa must apply for full-time courses. Degrees from Australia, UK, and USA are accepted regardless of study location. For other accepted countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Overseas Territories, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America), the qualification award date must be no older than three years on 1 June for October start courses, or 1 September for January start courses. Foundation degrees are generally not accepted unless part of a pre-agreed progression.
Fees
Tuition (international)£22,230 per year (full-time) / £11,115 per year (part-time)
Tuition (home)£11,340 per year (full-time) / £5,670 per year (part-time)
LivingEstimated living costs are additional to tuition fees. Birkbeck offers guidance on calculating these and flexible payment plans for tuition.
Tuition fees are charged annually and may be subject to inflationary increases in subsequent years. International students needing a Student visa typically apply for full-time courses. Specific groups of international students may be eligible for part-time overseas fee status.
How to apply
1. Find your courseIdentify the specific intake (October or January) and study mode (full-time or part-time) that suits you best on the program's page.
2. Prepare your applicationGather all relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve. Ensure you meet the academic and English language entry requirements. International students should also consider visa and funding requirements specific to their country.
3. Submit your online applicationComplete the application form available through the 'Apply now' link on the course page. Be sure to list all relevant qualifications and experience.
4. Receive an offerYour application will be reviewed on its individual merits. You will be notified of the outcome and, if successful, will receive an offer of admission.
5. Accept your offer and enrollFollow the instructions to accept your offer. Further guidance on enrollment and what comes next will be provided.
Accreditation
Awarding body: University of London
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees for international students are £22,230 per year for full-time study and £11,115 per year for part-time study. These fees may increase in subsequent years.
What are the entry requirements for the MA Digital Media Culture programme?
+
You need a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in any related subject. Relevant professional qualifications and experience are also considered. For English language proficiency, an IELTS Academic Test with an overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test) is required, among other accepted tests.
How long does the MA Digital Media Culture programme take to complete?
+
The programme is typically studied full-time over one year. Part-time study options are also available, with fees listed separately.
What is the language of instruction for this programme?
+
The language of instruction is English. International students whose first language is not English must meet specific English language proficiency requirements.
How are classes scheduled for the MA Digital Media Culture programme?
+
Classes are held in the evenings, typically two evenings per week, plus occasional Saturdays. This flexible schedule is suitable for students who may also be working.
What are the career prospects after completing this MA?
+
This MA prepares you for careers in the digital media sector, with many job opportunities concentrated in London and the South-East of the UK. The program equips you with technical, management, and conceptual skills.