PGCert Digital Media Theory

Program Overview

The PGDip in Digital Media Theory offers a critical and contextual approach to understanding digital transformations in media, culture, and society. Through modules such as Digital Media: Critical Perspectives and Digital Culture Critical Theory, students gain insights into the social and historical contexts of digital media technologies. The program prepares graduates for careers in the media and cultural industries, as well as for further research.

Program Outline

PGDip in Digital Media Theory:

Degree Overview:

The PGDip in Digital Media Theory offers an introduction to critical and theoretical approaches to contemporary media and technology. It is designed to help you understand digital transformations in media, culture, and society in the media and creative industries, and in further research. You will be equipped with skills that can be applied to current and future developments in digital media, social media, computing, and other aspects of technology. This program takes a critical and contextual approach to digital media and technology. It explicitly discusses approaches to 'new' media in academic and professional debates, especially those that overemphasize the potential for radical social change driven by technology itself. The program emphasizes the importance of addressing the social and historical contexts within which various media technologies are employed.

Outline:

Course Structure:

The program is delivered over three academic terms (September-June) on a part-time basis. You will study a range of modules, including:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Digital Media: Critical Perspectives (30 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• You will choose 30 credits of optional modules from a list provided by the department.
These may include:
• Digital Culture Critical Theory (30 credits)
• Software Studies (30 or 15 credits)
• Photography and After (30 credits)

Modules:

• Digital Media: Critical Perspectives: This module provides an introduction to key concepts and theories in digital media studies.
It covers topics such as the history of digital media, the relationship between technology and culture, and the impact of digital media on society.
• Digital Culture Critical Theory: This module explores the critical analysis of digital culture, including issues such as surveillance, social media, and the digital divide.
• Photography and After: This module explores the history and theory of photography, as well as its relationship to digital media.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but may include essays, presentations, and group projects.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experts from the Department of Media, Communications, and Cultural Studies. They have expertise in critical, practical, technical, and contextual approaches to digital media and technology. You will also have the opportunity to attend guest seminars from leading figures in the field.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in the media and cultural industries, as well as for further research. They may find work in areas such as:

• Journalism
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Communications
• Education
• Research

Other:

• The program is ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (3rd in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.
• The program is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds within the humanities and no prior knowledge of new or digital media studies is required.
• International students are welcome to apply.
• The program is offered on a part-time basis, making it suitable for students who are working or have other commitments.