Online, part-time
Digital Economies MScPrepare for a digital future. Learn from world-leading academics at the forefront of research into digital innovation and the key drivers of change in today’s global economy.
Key information
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Study mode: |
100% online |
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Duration: |
2 years, part time |
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Applications open: |
14 March 2024 |
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Application deadline: |
23 August 2024 |
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Next start date: |
23 September 2024 |
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Intakes: |
January and September |
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Tuition fees: |
£23,160 * These tuition fees may be subject to increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions. (funding options and instalments are available) |
* Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. You can find further information on the King's Goods and Services tax page.
Course overview
This Digital Economies MSc is a multidisciplinary programme that examines how digital technology is shaping contemporary work, production, exchange, and collaboration.
You'll critically explore these aspects and address the big questions we face as a society. With your cohort, you’ll gain a holistic perspective of how digital technologies are transforming labour, markets, platforms, and institutions. You’ll also develop a comprehensive understanding of the tools we can harness to tackle the challenges presented by this transformation.
Ready to join us in September 2024?
Apply nowWhy choose this online MSc?
World-leading research
93% of our research was deemed ‘world-leading’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Study from a unique perspective
Learn from one of the only programmes that focuses on a critical perspective on the digital economy.
Learn from an interdisciplinary curriculum
Our curriculum combines insights from economics, sociology, anthropology, and much more.
Join one of the largest departments of its kind
Our broad-ranging expertise is applied and critical, spanning political, entrepreneurial, and creative.
What you'll study
This Digital Economies MSc is designed to give you a solid understanding of how digital technologies are economically unique, how they transform businesses and economies, and how they impact broader contemporary society. You’ll learn about a variety of critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of digital economies, and discover how this knowledge can help us understand the world around us. This transformation impacts the way we work, transact, and collaborate with each other.
The focus of the course is on how to apply complex, multi-faceted theory to contemporary policy debates. The teaching draws on trending news, established and emerging theory, the latest research and best practice case studies. You’ll consider how digital innovation can increase revenue, cut costs, or improve the sharing and use of knowledge in organisations. You’ll also consider how digital technologies can help solve some of society’s greatest challenges. This could include:
- reducing energy consumption
- pollution and waste in industrial production
- providing affordable transport and healthcare
- increasing access to essential services or information
Module overview
This online Digital Economies MSc course is comprised of seven modules, two 30-credit required modules, one 60-credit Research Dissertation, and four 15-credit optional modules (180 credits in total). The optional modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you’ll study the modules depending on when you begin the course.
All required modules on the course are compulsory and you must pass all your chosen modules to complete the award.
Required modules
You must take the following three required modules (120 credits):
In this module, you’ll critically examine the impact of the digital economy on contemporary society. You’ll focus on the dominance of tech companies and the pervasive influence of digital technologies. You’ll develop the acumen to analyse pressing issues such as the concentration of power among major platforms and debates about breaking up tech giants.
You’ll also explore the widespread adoption of the winner-takes-all model, the valuation of data, and the emergence of new power inequalities. Through this multi-faceted perspective, you’ll be equipped with the conceptual tools to understand and articulate the systematic connections within the digital economy.
This module introduces the concept of the digital economy, exploring the impact of digital products, processes, and services on companies, communities, and society. You'll develop a fundamental understanding of digital concepts, theories such as Commons-Based Peer Production and Transaction Cost Theory, and ethical considerations in digital creation.
We’ll equip you with the knowledge to develop and implement digital initiatives, critically analyse existing innovation strategies, and address the ethical concerns surrounding digital transformation.
Taking inspiration from our active, world-leading researchers, the Research Dissertation offers an exciting opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation into a topic that interests you within the field of digital economies. You’ll then write up a 12,000-word dissertation outlining your findings.
Examples of recent dissertations by our on-campus students include the impact of big tech in industry and the impact digital technology can have on identity.
Optional modules
You’re also required to choose four modules (60 credits) from the following optional modules:
Chatbots, virtual and voice assistants, face recognition, online advertising, product recommendations, and smartphone apps. These are just some of the everyday examples of Artificial intelligence (AI) now commonplace in society.
This module considers the possibilities, pros, cons, and concerns of AI for individuals, society, and its regulators. Developing in-depth knowledge of AI and the latest developments in the field, you’ll evaluate a broad range of applications, issues, and current debates.
Digital networks have enormous potential to foster powerful relationships as part of entrepreneurial activity. Through the lens of digitally mediated social interaction, social capital, mutual trust and affordance theory, we’ll deep-dive into the intricacies of these relationships. You’ll develop a profound understanding of how digital networks connect an ecosystem of like-minded individuals and target audiences, fostering meaningful interactions.
What is digital innovation? How can individuals, businesses and other organisations negotiate and succeed within a digital economy? In this module, you’ll look at how digital technology is advancing and its impact on various industries and organisational types.
This could include the third sector, government and the private sector. You’ll explore theories of innovation, including open innovation, closed innovation and disruption, as well as the ethics you must consider. You’ll then learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate digital innovation initiatives.
Digital technologies have transformed marketing practices in recent years. This has facilitated search engine optimisation, social media marketing, marketing automation, targeted advertising, and more. This module covers the broad range of digital marketing tools available to marketers. It demonstrates through established case studies and current campaigns how these can be used to the greatest effect.
You’ll explore the theoretical and practical aspects of digital media and digital data in marketing practice. This will give you a firm understanding of the computational processes behind digital marketing techniques. You’ll also learn about related economic, social, political, and ethical issues.
Digitalisation is shaping the way we share information, express ourselves creatively, and do business. Together, we’ll explore how creativity, culture and digital industries intersect through several of its key areas: visual and performing arts, computer games, and digital journalism.
You’ll be challenged to analyse the role of digital audiences, the nature of ‘free labour’, and the redefinition of heritage, memory and identity.
Meet the Programme Director
Dr Nick Srnicek
A Canadian writer and academic, Nick is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy and the author of Platform Capitalism (Polity, 2016). His research focuses on the digital economy, monopolisation, AI, and anti-work politics.
He’s a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is regularly invited to give public talks around the world. He’s spoken at Glastonbury, Tate Britain, and Centre Pompidou. He’s also been quoted in a variety of media including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and Libération.
How you’re assessed
Assessments are crafted to evaluate your knowledge, understanding, and critical awareness of course topics. They also assess your ability to analyse and apply specialist knowledge to practical situations. These assessment methods may vary between modules. They’re likely to include one or more of the following:
Group presentations
Group presentations
Written coursework
(essays and reports)
Written coursework
(essays and reports)
Online exams
Online exams
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree (or above) in a social science, computer science/informatics or humanities subject.
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may still be considered. You’ll need to demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a master’s or PgDip).
Non-standard applications will need to be supported by degree certificates or transcripts (where relevant). You’ll also need to provide a CV, reference letter and a 500-word written statement addressing the following questions: "In your view, what are the key issues in the domain of digital culture and society? How will your professional career or academic trajectory benefit from studying them?" .
English language band: B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed:
- An undergraduate degree (at least three years duration) within five years of the course start date.
- A postgraduate taught degree (at least one year) within five years of the course start date.
- A PhD in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Depending on your previous qualifications, you may need to submit a written statement and a reference letter as part of your application.
You’ll need to submit a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
You’ll need to submit your CV as part of your application to highlight your experience.
Not sure if you meet the requirements, or if the course is right for you? Speak to our team to get tailored support:
Discuss my optionsCareer options in Digital Economies
Between 6-12% of all vacancies posted online over the last 10 years in Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and United States required digital skills. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), digital skills connected to business and sales are among the greatest in demand. This is especially the case for social media skills and data analytics.
Our MSc in Digital Economies equips you with knowledge and skills in:
- digital business models
- ecosystem strategies
- social media management
- analytics
- CRM management
- digital advertising
- market research
- platform scaling and growth analysis
There is a growing demand for digital transformation managers who can lead and coordinate digital transformation initiatives within an organisation. As a result, our master’s course offers excellent preparation for such generalist, all-round roles.
This could include working for a wide range of private, public and third sector organisations. It could involve working in industries as diverse as health, transportation, services, or retail, and in digital businesses, start-ups, and creative companies. Alternatively, you may choose to specialise in areas such as digital marketing, analytics, or project management.
Ready to join us in September 2024?
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