Digital Futures MA

Program Overview

The Digital Futures MA program from King's equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape. Through online, part-time study, students explore digital trends, develop expertise in digital tools, and analyze the ethical and sustainable implications of digitalization. Graduates are prepared for careers in various sectors, including digital strategy, communications, and the cultural and creative industries.

Program Outline

Digital Futures MA (online, part-time) - King's

Degree Overview

This online MA program aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. It fosters creativity and critical thinking to understand and leverage digital trends across various industries and sectors, including cultural, creative, media, and gaming. The program focuses on today's most pressing issues, such as health and wellbeing, activism, politics, and ecology, through the lens of digital technologies like AI and smart cities.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and capitalize on digital trends
• Foster critical thinking and analysis of the impact of digital technologies on society and culture
• Develop expertise in various digital tools and technologies, including AI, digital media, and social media
• Enhance students' understanding of the ethical and sustainable implications of digitalization

Outline

The program comprises required modules and specialist modules amounting to a total of 180 credits.

Completion of all required modules is compulsory for successful program completion.

Required Modules:

• Mapping New Trends in the Digital Landscape: This module explores the symbiotic relationship between social and technological transformations, focusing on their impact on society and culture.
It encourages students to critically reflect on innovation and its potential futures.
• Designing Sustainable Digital Futures: This module examines the positive and negative impacts of contemporary digital technology on various aspects of the world.
It focuses on harnessing technology to address pressing issues such as climate change and socioeconomic inequality.
• Research Dissertation: This module allows students to conduct independent research on a chosen topic related to digital culture and society.
It builds upon the knowledge gained from previous modules and involves guidance from tutors.

Specialist Modules:

• AI and Society: This module delves into the concept of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring key developments, debates, and its applications in everyday life.
• Gaming Industries and Cultures: This module examines the global development of the games industry and its diverse cultures.
It explores the interactions between manufacturers, developers, and publishers.
• Media on the Move: This module focuses on the global movement of media, analyzing the roles of marketing, publishing, and distribution in the cultural and creative industries.
• Social Media, Marketing, and Platforms: This module investigates contemporary social media platforms and their influence on digital marketing strategies.
It encourages a critical perspective on how social media engagement drives business outcomes.

Assessment

Assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and critical awareness of the topics covered in the program. They also assess the ability to apply specialist knowledge to practical situations.

Assessment methods may include:

• Group projects: Applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges through collaborative projects.
• Written coursework: Essays and reports demonstrating in-depth understanding of key concepts and critical analysis.
• Dissertation: Conducting independent research and presenting findings in a comprehensive and well-structured dissertation.

Teaching

The program is delivered through an online platform, providing flexibility and accessibility for students.

Teaching methods:

• Interactive online lectures: Engaging lectures delivered by experienced faculty members, fostering student participation and discussion.
• Virtual seminars and workshops: Interactive sessions for deeper exploration of specific topics and practical application of knowledge.
• Online discussion forums: Platforms for ongoing communication and collaboration between students and faculty.
• Independent study: Opportunities for self-directed learning and exploration of specific interests within the program.

Faculty:

The program is led by experienced and renowned faculty members with expertise in digital cultures, media studies, and technology.

• Dr. Giota Alevizou: Lecturer in Digital Humanities and Cultures, specializing in the impact of technology on society, AI, and collective action.
• Dr.
• Rob Gallagher: Lecturer in Games and Immersive Media, focusing on the use of digital mediums for artistic, personal, and political expression.

Careers

This program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors, including:

• Public, private, and non-profit organizations
• Senior management and strategic roles
• Digital strategy, communications, policy, and advocacy
• Research, consultancy, policymaking, civil society
• Cultural heritage industries
• Media and creative industries
• Publishing houses
• Digital media/marketing companies
Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving digital landscape and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

Other

• The program welcomes applications from professionals with diverse backgrounds, including social sciences, computer science/informatics, and humanities.
• Non-standard applicants may be considered with relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification.
• The application deadline for the September 2024 intake is August 23rd, 2024.
• The program fee is £17,223, with potential increases in subsequent study years.
• Funding options and installment plans are available for eligible students.

£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)