Course details
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
Return to top
The MA in Media, Data and Society is designed for you if you have an interest in the opportunities, yet risks, that emerge from the increasing use of digital data in our society.
With its critical and technical overview, the programme will provide you with an introduction to the approaches that are used for the collection, analysis, and storage of digital data, such as data mining and machine learning. It will also develop your critical skillset for understanding and questioning the political, economic, moral and implications of the use of digital data in contemporary society.
This programme is suitable for students with an interest in this field including those who wish to master the skills and expertise needed for a career in digital media and data analysis, the broader digital sector or further academic research on the topic.
The programme has a strong interdisciplinary focus, with elements from communication studies, computer science, and sociology, meaning you’ll study and develop:
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will study four compulsory modules, including a dissertation; and 3 optional modules (one in Semester 1, and two in Semester 2).
This module will be of particular interest to students interested in big data and how it is collected and used in modern society; in the politics and policy questions around social media; and in the interactions between media, platforms, and citizens. It will introduce students to the study of online media and platforms, with a particular focus on ‘big’ social trace data. As well as developing their understanding of how Internet-based media systems work, students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of using big data for social science research, and engage with key online political communication policy questions.
This module will provide students with skills to understand and apply the building blocks of computational social science. Students will be introduced to cutting edge methods to design, develop and interpret quantitative surveys, as well as to cutting edge methods for collecting and analysing large datasets from digital sources at different levels of granularity.
At the end of the module, students will be able to match techniques to answer research questions such as "What are peoples’ attitudes towards news media and what social factors significantly influence those attitudes?"- , – "How does disinformation spread?" , " What hot topics were debated on social media in the last month?". The module will be taught following "active learning" methodologies where empirical activities as well as group discussions will play a key role.
This module introduces students to the study strategic communication by discussing its fundamental theories and concepts. Case studies will be presented and discussed which refer to strategic communication practices with a particular focus on crisis communication, issue and reputation management.
Since strategic communication is a multidisciplinary area of study, the module will deal with theories and models originating from different academic traditions such as (strategic) management, discourse studies (including semiotics, pragmatics and rhetoric), public relations, corporate communication, marketing and advertising.
This module introduces major data science techniques and their role in communication. The full data lifecycle is considered, with a focus on data collection, processing, analysis and visualisation. The emphasis of the module is to develop technical skills in coding and its application within data science, but the wider context of how data are generated and used in communication and media is also considered. The main assessment is a piece of coursework, where students describe and apply the methods covered in the module. There is also an in-class test. By the end of the module, students will have a level of knowledge in coding appropriate to select and use data science methods to investigate and solve problems in communication
The module examines a range of interconnected issues concerning the politics/media relationship. It offers a critical overview of the ways in which the media have been studied and discussed in relation to political processes and explores the key aspects of contemporary theory and research in politics and media. Part one is devoted to theories and debates about the politics and media relationship. It examines different ways of making sense of the relationship between the state, the public, and the media and questions surrounding media power and media audiences. Part two focuses on specific cases and controversies in the media-politics relations. It explores the changing relationships, representational forms, power dynamics, and impacts of media performance in selected forms of contemporary ‘conflict’.
Screen Cultures B introduces students to the diversity of cultural contexts and histories that have shaped the formal, industrial, institutional, and political meanings of cinema. The module examines both dominant/institutional and marginal/alternative screen cultures in relation to the formation of screen industries, histories, movements, and cultural identities.
Screen cultures are both an effect of production and reception. The module explores how screen cultures emerge and function, the formal and stylistic aspects that shape screen cultures, and the overlap between industries and audiences in the production of specific institutional, historical, critical, and audience-defined screen cultures. Screen Cultures A will introduce students to advanced film theory, industry and production studies, and film history alongside advanced formal analysis.
The Screen Cultures B syllabus is organized in two distinct blocks.
Block one: dominant and institutional screen cultures
The first block reflects the institutional or dominant screen cultures that are likely familiar to most audiences. These cultures are often understood through lay terms such as mainstream, popular, Hollywood, or art cinema. Their production and reception are defined by an understanding of screen cultures as an effect of industrial organizations and institutional practices.
Block two: marginal and alternative screen cultures
The second block of Screen Cultures A attends to the alternative and marginal screen cultures that have emerged beyond and outside of those dominant cinemas explored in block one. These screen cultures may be less familiar but have been central to particular audiences, political contexts, and sites of exhibition. Many of the screen cultures in this block seek to challenge the hegemony of those case studies from the first block.
In structuring the module in such a way, Screen Cultures B delivers a comprehensive overview of key debates surrounding screen cultures, especially cinema cultures, while also ensuring that it is inclusive given also its strong focus on diversity and alternative and marginal cultures.
To understand contemporary media and its place in social and cultural life we need to understand past media, not only as historical origins or predecessors of the new, but in order to understand how change is produced, experienced and negotiated. This module will consider processes of ‘remediation’, ‘transmediality’ ‘intermediality’ , as well as the recurrence of past ideas, forms and sensibilities in the present; arguments about planned obsolescence, newness and innovation; critiques of progress and theories of technological and media change; ideas of maintenance, residual and emergent media. The module will introduce you to key theoretical and historiographic approaches, from German media theory and ‘media archaeology,’ to Benjaminian, phenomenological and everyday life approaches. ‘Media’ includes both communication and storage media and as extending beyond the practices and technologies we might normally consider (computer based media, film, television, radio, photography, video games and so on) to include neglected and ‘grey’ media associated with everyday experience (databases, telephony, fax, photocopying, photobooths, etc). The module is both concept and topic-driven with lectures and seminars focussing on key theoretical texts, and testing out concepts on a range of different media examples.
In addition to learning about the algorithms that influence the development of online social systems, students will critically address key questions around the political and economic consequences of online platforms. The course emphasises a hands-on approach to studying algorithms in practice, developing students’ programming skills to implement and explore their effects.
Strategic communication involves the use of arguments aimed at influencing opinions and decisions of relevant audiences (citizens, investors, customers and other stakeholders). The goal of this module is to introduce students to the analysis and evaluation of persuasive argumentation in strategic communication contexts (such as business, politics, and journalism), with a particular attention given to the role of digital media in shaping influencing strategies. The module provides students with analytic and methodological instruments from argumentation theory and rhetoric that will enhance their ability to critically examine business, public and media discourses and to understand issues of persuasion and trust in digital strategic communication.
Argumentation is a communicative activity in which reasons are given to justify an opinion and persuade an audience to accept it. As such, argumentation plays a decisive role in media discourse, corporate and political discourse and all other forms of strategic communication. Good argumentation promotes strategic decision-making processes, help building sustainable and ethical persuasion, enhance public trust in organisations, political institutions and news media.
While argumentation is naturally oriented at reasonable and ethical persuasion, public influence is often pursued via fallacious and unsound arguments or even non-argumentative tactics of manipulation (e.g. fake news, power, ideology, violence) creating serious threats to democracy, economic stability and prosperity, social justice and citizens’ trust.
This module aims at providing students with conceptual and analytical instruments from argumentation theory and rhetoric which will enhance their ability to critically examine business, public and media discourses and to understand issues of persuasion and trust in strategic communication and media discourse.
This module will provide students with skills to understand, analyse and master the role played by Artificial Intelligence in Communication. It will introduce students to core notions to identify what components of our daily communication practices are affected by AI, how the reshaping of the communication processes happens through different technologies and how we can check their evolutions being aware of their potential risks and opportunities. At the end of the module students will be able to answer questions such as: who are we communicating with when we write online? How are (chat)bots and conversational agents changing our interactions? Why social and new digital media are affecting news consumption habits? The module will be taught following "active learning" methodologies.
This module builds on the skills developed in the Introduction to Data Science module to explore more advanced data visualisation techniques. Methods covered include multidimensional plots, geospatial maps, animations and interactivity. The focus of the module will be on using data relevant to communication and media, but consideration will also be given to critiquing and applying visualisation methods more generally. The module is assessed by coursework, where students will demonstrate the skills developed on the module by collecting and visualising data in an area of their choosing. By the end of the module, students will be able to select and apply visualisation techniques suitable for a range of data.
This module will examine digital media from the audience’s perspective. It will consider contemporary debates on the changing audience’s practices and the attention economy. Students will be introduced to the notions of the audience as a user and as a producer of media in the digital age. The module will focus on digital news audiences as well as the audience of entertainment platforms (like Netflix and Spotify). Different audience research methods like tracking data, surveys and focus groups will also be discussed.
This module will offer a cross-national comparative perspective on the state of journalism around the world, journalists’ perceptions of their role in society and the contextual factors that influence journalistic roles and performance. Only 14% of people in the world live in counties with free media so it is important to appreciate that the news media might play different roles based on the nature of the political system, the respective media systems and the relevant cultural and societal differences. The extent to which the news media can act as the fourth estate is to a large extent determined by these contextual factors but also by audiences’ expectations about the role of journalists in their society. A range of case studies will be used throughout the module.
This module explores the relationships between politics, economics, and mainstream media. The traditional, 20th century business models of news media have collapsed, prompting news organisations to make redundancies and to consider new ways of financing their activities. As a result, significant concerns have been raised about their sustainability as well as the wider role that news media (should) play in democratic societies. Furthermore, social media platforms and search engines have become the new gatekeepers, directing attention to news (and the knowledge, understandings, and attitudes shaped by news consumption) based on algorithms and audience members’ self-selection into disparate groups. In this module we will be looking at the ways in which media content across a variety of platforms and channels is being shaped by economic considerations and neoliberal ideology and how this creates tension, and sometimes outright contradiction, with the public and democratic role of mass media (including social media platforms) in open societies.
This module takes as its central starting point the idea of media as forms of social and cultural practice. That is, it is concerned with the way media forms and digital (and non-digital) media technologies shape our everyday experiences of the world, whether in terms of our sense of self and identity, the everyday rhythms that structure our lives, the way we move through or apprehend the everyday spaces we variously inhabit, or the sensory, affective and material impacts of media on our embodied sense of being-in-the-world. By placing its focus on media practices and the everyday, the module draws from recent debates in so-called ‘non-media-centric media studies’ and related perspectives from anthropology, cultural studies and cultural geography which examine not so much the meaning invested in the content of media texts as the performative question of what it is we do with media, and what it, correspondingly, does with us. In a contemporary world where the mediatisation of everyday life seemingly extends to every sphere of routine activity (such that at times we hardly recognise its presence at all), the project of scrutinising and critically reflecting on the relationship between media practices and everyday life has never been more urgent.
This module will focus on the immense changes that have occurred in the field of television with a view to understand the nature, role and function of the medium in the 21st century. Focusing on industrial, institutional, representational and textual issues it will engage with questions such as: the changing nature of television studies as a discipline; its changing role from home to mobile entertainment; the impact of VOD and on-demand services; the ways form and consumption of tv are changing; formats and transnational production; reboot, remake and cult television; and issues of representation as part of changes in TV formats, production and consumption.
Screen Industries B examines the industrial logic of particular media industries that produce entertainment reaching audiences through the mediation of screens. The module focuses primarily on the film and television industries with references to the video game industry. Organised around 4 blocks – Key concepts, People, Structures and Power – the module investigates the relationships between technologies, economics, policies, politics and the social and cultural contexts that shape these media industries and their products. Using examples from various geographical contexts and drawing on a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives, Screen Industries B provides a pathway through which students can understand and appreciate the complex and multi-faceted nature of some of the key contemporary media industries.
The first block will introduce some of the key debates in the field of screen industries, commencing from the way in which digital technology has impacted film and television and the extent which they are now referred to as ‘legacy’ media before focusing on the ways in which they developed industrially. The emphasis will be primarily on cinema as the first medium to be organized on an industrial scale but in looking at the contemporary converged landscape it will be clear that television is also an important medium to understand its organization and operations.
The second block will take media convergence as a given and will investigate the deep structures that underpin media industries today. Starting from the migration of filmmakers to tv, it will explore the emergence of an indie television as it’s being practiced primarily by people who started their careers in film, before moving to immersive media systems and exploring questions around networking and streaming as these pertain to film, television as well as games. It will end with an examination of franchise entertainment, arguably the most obvious of example of converged media.
The third block will look primarily at issues related to people working in the screen industries, looking at three case studies that explore alternative and often competing systems of people-management in media industries: established structures that make up international star systems, the role of unofficial channels of reputation-making and gossip in determining value and control of individuals, and labour management such as issues relating to the unionisation of media sectors.
The module will end with a block on screen industries and power with a focus on contrasting approaches derived from policy management. It will start by examining the impact of regulation, intellectual property and media law on media production and then move onto examining how media and cultural policy work together with an emphasis on improving structural diversity in screen industries, a key issue in recent years.
The dissertation is a self-contained piece of individual and original research, offering the student the chance to study in depth a topic that interests them guided by a member of the Department’s academic staff as their supervisor. Teaching and learning takes place through one-to-one tutorials. The key aims of the module are: to enable the student to construct an extended and original research project on an appropriate topic which is clear and realistic in scope and seeks to make a distinct contribution to the student’s chosen field; to develop independent research skills; and to develop professional standards for the presentation of research material. It will usually be related to a topic covered in the student’s Masters programme and can be tailored so that the research is relevant to a future career. Research for the dissertation will usually be standard academic qualitative or quantitative research, but depending on your programme (and with permission of your programme leader,) you may also be able to produce a more practical investigation in collaboration with an organisation, involving a consultancy project or a placement experience, or engage with more experimental methodologies. Meetings with supervisors are organized by the student and fortnightly meetings are recommended, although the number of meetings will vary, depending on your individual requirements and dissertation topic.
Teaching on the MA Media, Data and Society is delivered in a variety of different ways that suit the particular material being covered. The Semester 1 core module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminar groups, with one hour of each per week. The research methods and Semester 2 core modules are taught through workshops which combine presentation of new material, hands-on practice, and class discussion. These are three hours (research methods) and two hours (Semester 2 core) per week. Options modules vary but typically follow one of these two patterns. For every course there is also extensive out of class work including preparation for seminars, reading key literature and preparing for assessment.
All classes will take place on campus in person. Class sizes for masters programmes in the Department of Communication and Media tend to be small, typically between 10-20 students, but can vary depending on what option modules are selected.
Students will be assessed mostly by coursework. This will take a number of different forms, including essays, reports, a research proposal, and a masters dissertation. In addition, there is one in-class written test scheduled. Other assessment formats may apply depending on the options modules taken.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The MA Media, Data and Society programme aims to train students to have a critical skillset to understand and question the uses of digital data, together with an introduction to the technical underpinnings of data-heavy approaches such as machine learning. This combination of critical and technical skills and experiences should leave students well-placed for a wide range of roles in commercial, media, policy, and academic environments.
Graduates wishing to continue academic studies will find a supportive and nurturing research environment that prepares them well for doctoral-level research activities.
Opportunities for data analysis, digital journalism, and data visualisation exist in sectors such as:
The programme also provides a strong platform from which to progress to further research at PhD level that is supported and supervised by colleagues at the Department of Communication and Media.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
---|---|
Full-time place, per year | £10,800 |
Part-time place, per year | £5,400 |
International fees | |
---|---|
Full-time place, per year | £22,400 |
Part-time place, per year | £11,200 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
---|---|
Postgraduate entry requirements |
You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in communication studies, social sciences or humanities subjects, or a technical discipline such as computer science or information technology. Applicants with a degree in another subject, who also have appropriate professional experience, will be considered on an individual basis. We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis. On receipt of your application, we’ll discuss a possible research topic with you, either in person or via email. This will help us to match you to a suitable dissertation supervisor and aid your choice of optional modules. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 overall, with writing at 6.5 and no other component below 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 20 |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with literacy and production not less than 120, and comprehension and conversation not below 105 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with writing at 61, and no other component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with writing at 70, and no other skill below 65 |
PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 30 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions