MA Digital Media Design

Program Overview

The MA Digital Media Design program at Birkbeck, University of London combines technical, management, and conceptual skills in digital media and web design. It emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and industry-standard techniques, preparing students for careers in web development, design, project management, and more. The program offers flexible study options, including evening classes and part-time enrollment, and provides support through personal tutors and a comprehensive careers service.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Focus: Combining technical, management, and conceptual skills in digital media and web design.
• Philosophy: Balancing innovation in design and management with critical thinking about digital media.
• Target Audience: Professionals, scholars, and anyone seeking to understand the future of digital media.
• Key Strengths:
• Industry-standard techniques
• Development tools and applications
• Coding, visual design, and image manipulation skills
• Understanding user experience through research
• Project-based portfolios for job market entry
• Connections with companies and industry networks

Outline:

• Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
• Structure:
• Three compulsory modules (30 credits each)
• One option module (30 credits)
• Dissertation/project (60 credits)
• Compulsory Modules:
• Digital Design Thinking
• Visual Design and Web Project
• Web Development and User Experience
• Indicative Option Modules:
• Creative Digital Branding
• Designing Interactions
• Digital Culture
• Digital Journalism
• Digital Marketing Initiative
• Inside Out of Culture
• Investigating the Social World
• Managing Digital Media
• Media, Digitalisation and the City
• Theoretical Perspectives on Media
• MA Digital Media Design Final Project
• Course Schedule:
• Evening classes (6pm to 9pm), typically
• Some daytime offerings available
• Scheduled teaching sessions and study periods
• Varied teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials
• Independent Learning:
• Significant self-directed learning outside of class
• Includes preparation for classes, coursework, research, and presentations

Assessment:

• Coursework only
• Includes:
• Production of digital items
• Critical evaluations
• Essays

Teaching:

• Led by:
• Leading research academics
• Industry practitioners
• Methods:
• Academic seminars
• Practical workshops
• Technical sessions in labs
• Unique Features:
• Evening classes for working professionals
• Innovative and engaging teaching methods
• Personal tutors for pastoral support

Careers:

• Potential Paths:
• Web development
• Multimedia programming
• Design
• Project management
• Education and training
• Possible Professions:
• Web developer
• Project manager
• Digital designer
• Multimedia specialist
• Teacher
• Market researcher
• Career Support:
• Comprehensive careers service ("Careers and Enterprise")
• Assistance with career planning, job search, and professional development

Other:

• Location: Central London
• Awarding Body: University of London
• Fees:
• Part-time Home Students: £5,400 per year
• Full-time Home Students: £10,800 per year
• Part-time International Students: £9,915 per year
• Full-time International Students: £19,830 per year
• Application Process:
• Provide proof of identity
• Apply early for better chances and time to complete admissions
• School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication offers the program.
• Related courses include Digital Media Culture and Web Design and Development.

Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year