Social Media and Web Science - Professional course

Program Overview

This professional course in Social Media and Web Science provides participants with the skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate social media and web campaigns effectively. It also explores how social media and web data can offer valuable insights into various societal and social phenomena. By completing this course, participants gain competencies in utilizing social media tools and data strategically and technically.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

This professional course in Social Media and Web Science provides participants with the skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate social media and web campaigns effectively. It also explores how social media and web data can offer valuable insights into various societal and social phenomena. By completing this course, participants gain competencies in utilizing social media tools and data strategically and technically.

Outline

Content:

• History, trends, and global patterns in the realm of social media and the web
• Understanding and exploring various social media tools, their potential, and associated best practices
• Cultural and ethical considerations in utilizing social media, including responsible research methods
• Theoretical frameworks for online social behaviors, engagement, and persuasive strategies
• Social media data analysis, identifying metrics and impacts, utilizing social media within organizations, evaluating strategies through case studies
• Web science fundamentals, encompassing relevant social, technological, and philosophical models/theories
• Investigating the interplay of social media, the internet, and society: diverse topics including politics, disaster management, governance, bias, information diffusion, security, privacy, trust
• Discovering collective intelligence, online communities, crowd sourcing, and the concept of social machines
• Familiarizing yourself with methods and tools used in research involving social media and the web: data analysis, data mining, archiving, algorithms and inference, social network analysis, and data visualization.

Structure:

This module comprises weekly lectures and workshops delivered across a semester. Each session takes up two hours of contact time.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

Performance in this module is measured through: A group-based project involving a social media campaign. An individual research project focusing on a self-selected theme of interest.

Teaching

This module utilizes weekly lectures and interactive workshops, taking place consecutively. The instructional focus prioritizes the completion of assignment tasks, equipping learners with essential tools and resources needed for successful group and individual project work. In addition to practical exercises and demonstrations of techniques, dedicated class time is allocated for idea development, feedback, and project iteration, fostering an engaging environment for collaborative and independent exploration.

Independent Learning:

This course also emphasizes independent research and study, requiring learners to dedicate hours to essential reading materials, data collection and analysis, meticulous project preparation and completion, among other activities, allowing for in-depth understanding and application of concepts explored throughout the module.

Estimated Study Time:

Completing this module typically involves approximately:

• 24 hours of direct contact time through lectures and face-to-face discussions within the academic year
• 30 hours for preparation of coursework, including research, drafting assignments, etc.
• 86 hours allotted for independent assimilation, further exploration, and knowledge development
Completion may enhance career prospects within the social media and related sectors.

Admissions Entry Requirements

Essential Requirements:

Completion of a first degree with minimum grade classification of 2.2, or equivalent professional qualifications/work experience. Supporting Information Required (Once you submit the booking form):

• Updated curriculum vitae, which must also provide contact details of at least one professional or academic reference
• A personal statement in support of your application
• Your highest academic qualification certificate along with a full transcript detailing modules undertaken
• Photographic identification (driver's license or passport, for instance).
I hope you are satisfied!

Cohort February 2025 UK students£792.00

International students£1,333.00

• Fees displayed are based on 2023/24 entry and are an indication only.