Online, part-time
Digital Futures MAProfessionals who can spot and capitalise on current and future digital trends in culture and society are in high demand globally. Our fully online MA nurtures the creativity and critical thinking needed to do just that.
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: |
£17,223 * 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) |
Course overview
Digital solutions increasingly impact our daily activities, driving not just the economy, but also society more generally. This means digital knowledge and understanding is ever more important. Businesses and organisations need individuals who can imagine and deliver impactful digital solutions that meet user needs, add value, and enhance our lives.
This Digital Futures MA teaches you about digital trends within different industries and sectors, including cultural, creative and media, and gaming. You’ll also focus on today’s most pressing topics, including health and wellbeing, activism, politics and ecology. Covering the latest digital developments, from AI to smart cities, you’ll be challenged to analyse important issues that arise around profitability, sustainability, and ethics.
Ready to join us in September 2024?
Apply nowWhy choose this online MA?
Specialist modules
Focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, or delve into digital marketing practices around the world.
Cutting-edge insight
Explore ways in which technology can improve our lives, addressing real human and social challenges, limitations and risks.
See technology through a human lens
Harnessing the power of digital is more than understanding big data. This MA considers the impact from various cultural, economic and social perspectives.
Networking opportunities
Our departments engage widely with other universities, libraries and industries. Partners include the BBC, Royal Opera House and Tate Modern.
What you'll study
Forward-thinking, this MA aims to equip you with skills that will enhance your digital and professional knowledge. It will prepare you to lead digital developments with an understanding of key drivers, changes, and opportunities across the digital landscape.
Course content covers digital innovation, technologies like AI, digital media, creativity, sustainability, ethics, communication, and social media across different industries.
Module overview
This online Digital Futures MA course is comprised of required and specialist modules amounting to a total of 180 credits.
All required modules on the course are compulsory and you must pass all your chosen modules to complete the award.
Required modules include:
You’ll be challenged to delve into the symbiotic relationship between social and technical transformations, and how they continue to shape one another. Through a theoretical and historical lens, you’ll reflect on how innovation impacts society and culture, and consider alternative digital futures with a critical mindset.
Together, we’ll explore how contemporary digital technology can both positively and negatively impact the world around us. You’ll identify how it can be harnessed to tackle today’s most pressing issues, from socioeconomic inequality to climate change.
Drawing on all the knowledge you’ve gained from your subsequent modules, you’ll formulate and delve into a specific line of enquiry. This will mostly involve independent study, but your tutors will guide you on establishing a research topic of your choice.
Specialist modules include:
This module will encourage you to develop a deep understanding of the concept of artificial intelligence (AI). Together, we’ll also explore key developments and major debates in contemporary AI and applications in everyday life.
Study the global development of the games industries and gaming cultures. You’ll explore how different organisations – manufacturers, developers, publishers – intersect.
Looking at how media moves around the globe, you’ll learn about the key role that marketing, publishing and distribution play in the culture and creative industries.
This module will challenge you to develop a profound understanding of contemporary social media platforms, and how they affect digital marketing approaches. You’ll also hone a critical perspective on how social media activity and engagement is used to drive business.
Meet the joint Programme Directors
Dr Giota Alevizou
Lecturer in Digital Humanities and Cultures
Giota has 15+ years of experience investigating the impact of technology on paradigms and methodologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and collective action. Her research spans global informational assemblages to digital activism, focusing on civic cultures and 'smart' cities.
View profile
Dr Rob Gallagher
Lecturer in Games and Immersive Media
Rob has had past roles at Concordia University, Royal Holloway, the University of East Anglia, and Manchester Metropolitan University, bringing extensive experience in research and teaching. He investigates how various digital mediums, such as videogames, memes, and ASMR videos, facilitate artistic, personal, and political expression.
View profileHow you’re assessed
Assessments are designed to test your knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the topics discussed during the course. They also assess your ability to analyse and apply specialist knowledge to practice. The assessment methods may vary between modules. They’re likely to include one or more of the following:
Group projects
Group projects
Written coursework
(essays and reports)
Written coursework
(essays and reports)
Dissertation
Dissertation
Entry requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree in a social science, computer science/ informatics or humanities subject.
Please note that 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), as well as a CV 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’re 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 Futures
The course is designed for professionals who recognise the importance of, and wish to develop, digital knowledge and skills to support future business strategies – for the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors.
You may be seeking senior management or strategic roles or looking to pursue specialist digital roles, such as digital strategy, communications, policy and advocacy. It could lead to careers in research, consultancy, policymaking, civil society, the cultural heritage industries or within the media and creative industries, in publishing houses or digital media/marketing companies.
Ready to join us in September 2024?
Discover more
You have the potential. We’ll help you unleash it. Take charge of your future today.
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