Digital Media, Data and Society
University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom
Course overview
The MA in Media, Data and Society is designed for you if you have an interest in the opportunities, yet risks, that emerge from the increasing use of digital data in our society. Study in a department currently ranked within the world top 75 and 5thin the UK for Communication (Shanghai Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2025). The programme aims to provide you with an introduction in the approaches that are used for the collection, the analysis, and the storage of digital data, such as data mining and machine learning; as well as with a critical skillset about the political, economic, moral and societal implications of the use of digital data in contemporary society.
The programme has a strong interdisciplinary focus, with elements from communication studies, computer science, and sociology. It aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of the dimensions that permeate the use of digital data. We will focus on topics such as big data capitalism and surveillance, the changing digital audience practices, and digital media infrastructures, as well as methods that allow students to use tools for digital data collection, digital media analytics, and data visualisations.
The MA provides a critical and technical overview on digital data but it is also intended to answer the needs of students who wish to master skills and expertise as a means to building a career in the field of digital media and data analysis, and improve employability skills for a career in the broader digital sector or for further academic research on the topic. In particular, the programme will develop students’ skills using the R programming language: a prominent modern toolkit for data analysis which is freely available and in demand for data jobs both within and outside academia. The programme also provides a strong platform from which to progress to further research at PhD level that is supported and supervised by colleagues at the Department of Communication and Medi
Key highlights
- Interdisciplinary blend of communication studies, computer science and sociology
- Training in data mining, machine learning and digital data storage
- Develops in-demand data analysis skills using the R programming language
- Topics include big data capitalism, surveillance and digital media infrastructures
- Hands-on methods for digital media analytics and data visualisation
- Department ranked 5th in the UK for Communication (Shanghai Rankings 2025)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — Postgraduate entry requirements: We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution.
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies
The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.
Up to £5,000Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary
The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Hodgson Law Scholarship
Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates
If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.
Up to £7,000Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships
Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.
Up to £1,000Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries
Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.
MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships
Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship
50% tuition fee discounts are available.
Up to 50% of feesManuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies
The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.
MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM
Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.
Up to £12,500Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies
Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.
Up to £4,000Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations
The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship
£5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.
Up to £5,000
Careers this course leads to
- Data analyst
- Digital media analyst
- Social media analyst
- Digital marketing analyst
- Research analyst
- PhD researcher
Cost of study
UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £12,500; Part-time: £6,250 | International: Full-time place, per year - £28,000; Part-time: £14,000
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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