Digital Media, Technology and Society MA

Important application information

This new course has now received full University approval and will commence in September 2026.

Please fill in our online form. We'll use this to let you know when: 

• more in-depth course information becomes available
• we can start accepting applications 

Overview

Investigate how digital technology - from AI and data visualisation tools to social media - impacts culture, communication, global society, and our relationships with the world.

We've designed our Digital Media, Technology and Society Master's to combine academic depth with hands-on exploration of digital practices, such as:

• digital storytelling
• large language models
• data management
• applied digital ethics
• digital entrepreneurship in the context of media and communications

Learn from world-class academics and industry experts in an interdisciplinary Russell Group university, with links to outstanding creative, cultural and media partners.

Engage with real-world challenges and equip yourself with practical skills to stand out. 

Develop advanced digital fluency, critical insight, collaborative decision making and cross-cultural awareness.

Graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experience you'll need to develop successful careers at top global firms, media outlets, and NGOs, working in roles such as:

• digital communication executive
• media strategist
• policy maker
• digital creator

or research roles, including at PhD level.

You'll be based in Media, Culture, Heritage, in the internationally-recognised School of Arts and Cultures. You'll also have access to optional modules from a variety of disciplines, including the triple accredited Newcastle University Business School. 

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

Explore leading-edge research and practice in contemporary digital practices. We focus on urgent issues facing global society including the tensions and opportunities relating to: 

• artificial intelligence 
• digital sustainability 
• global justice 

You’ll engage with innovative scholars and explore practices to develop the confidence, critical thinking skills and analytical tools necessary to approach the complexities of the digital world. This programme will: 

• provide a broad knowledge and understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of digital technologies and their global contexts  
• equip you with the knowledge and skills for a range of digital media and technology roles. These include employment, self-employment, freelancing and consultancy
• enhance your understanding of the complex ethical, environmental and political contexts in which digital media operate 
• develop practical data gathering and analysis skills for work in the digital sector and academic scholarship 
• connect you with digital industries practitioners, gaining professional network building skills and intercultural learning opportunities

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

Semester 1 focuses on developing knowledge and skills in three key areas:  

• digital research methods 
• technical skills for working with data, analysis and interpretation 
• foundational concepts in digital media, communication and culture

  

Semester 2 advances your focused areas of expertise through modules on: 

• the newest developments in understanding and working with AIs in a creative and media research context 
• social media production and critique in a variety of communication contexts 
• developing your knowledge and skills in the sub-areas important to your trajectory 

 

Semester 3 will focus on you developing and completing an independent research project that culminates either in: 

• a publishable quality research paper or portfolio 

or 

• a report responding to a sector-set research problem 

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Portfolio
• Research proposal
• Research paper

Additional assessment information

You may also be assessed by: 

• poster & technical report
• professional report/case study  

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Your future

The programme offers leading-edge education for students preparing for futures as: 

• digital communicators 
• engagers 
• facilitators 
• cultural producers 
• policy makers 
• managers and leaders 
• You’ll graduate prepared to work across disciplines, such as: 
• media, communication, cultural and creative programming 
• community engagement and participation 
• research and policy 
• independent, governmental, and charities  
• where critical, imaginative and ethical approaches to digital technologies and digital content creation are essential

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

The programme takes advantage of the School’s industry-facing, multi-purpose and flexible facilities. They allow students maximum creative freedom and development in their studies.  

You’ll have access to: 

• high-spec computing facilities 
• latest creative software 
• professional audio 
• other media production equipment 

as well as a team of highly-skilled technicians with expertise in creative production to support all practical projects.   

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events