MSc Digital Media and Communication

at University of Stirling

You can study full–time for one year or part-time over two years.
 

In the Autumn semester, you take three compulsory modules: Advanced Topics in Communication, Human Information Behaviour and Media Research Methods.
 

In the Spring semester, you pick three optional modules (see below) allowing you to prepare for careers in either digital analytics and marketing, or digital content production.  You can also mix optional modules if desired (i.e. a mix of analytics, marketing, and production options).
 

In the Summer semester, you undertake a supervised research dissertation or supervised digital project aligning with your academic and/or professional interests.
 

Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
 

Course Details

Teaching
The taught course takes place within the University’s two 15-week semesters and involves lectures, seminars, tutorials and case-study work.
 

There is an emphasis on varied assessment, problem-finding, and critical practice modes of delivery.
 

Students benefit from a programme of guest speakers, including UK national press Editors, Directors of digital media production companies and regulatory policy-makers and Advisors in the digital media space.
 

Fieldwork
Recent field trips include BBC Scotland, one of the newest and most modern digital broadcasting centres in the world, the V&A Dundee, the UK’s newest international design museum shortlisted for European Museum of the Year 2020, and Codebase Stirling, a creative space and tech cluster, and part of one the largest and fastest-growing technology incubator networks in Europe.
 

Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a variety of assessment strategies, including written assignments, exams, practical teams and individual projects.

Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
 

Other routes of entry
If you don’t currently meet the academic requirements for this course, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need for direct entry.
 

English language requirements
 

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill

Overseas (non-EU) students

2022/23 - £19,145
2023/24 - £19,645
 

Course fees

Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.

• If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
• If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
   

Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
 

European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

The University of Stirling is 1st in Scotland, Top 5 in the UK, and Top 15 in the World for careers services (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). 95% of our postgraduate leavers are in employment or further study within fifteen months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA)
 

A number of rewarding professional career pathways are possible as a graduate of the MSc Digital Media and Communication, with strong market demand reported globally across both private and public sectors for graduates who understand how to effectively utilise digital media to reach and communicate with target audiences and customers. Digital communication, marketing and production skills taught on this course are in particular demand, with strong future growth projected across all sectors (e.g. US Bureau of Labor Statistics; Digital Marketing Institute).
 

Example graduate roles include:
 

Digital Media Manager
Leading multi-channel digital campaigns encompassing social media, websites and other media, and including: strategic campaign planning; leading and coordinating digital content development teams (creative development teams and marketing professionals etc.); and evaluation of campaign effectiveness via analysis of consumer/audience behaviour data.
 

Social Media Specialist
Managing social media accounts to maintain and build client brand reputation, including: leading social media campaigns; writing blogs, articles and posts to support campaigns; following and responding to targeted posts and discussions; and developing strategies to increase client audience figures (social media and website).
 

Digital Marketer
Evaluation and creation of business-driven marketing strategies. Strategic decision making and digital multi-channel promotional strategies; analysis of consumer behaviour, experimental factorial design of data-driven strategies and campaigns. Account handling and multi-team coordination.
 

Web Content Editor
Developing and managing client online multimedia content, including: writing, creating and managing digital content encompassing text, images, video and other media; working with content development teams (writers, graphic artists, and web designers etc.) to co-design content for campaigns; and soliciting audience feedback to develop engaging content.