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.
The programme aims to provide you with an introduction in the approaches that are used for the collection, the analysis, and the storage of digital data, such as data mining and machine learning; as well as with a critical skillset about the political, economic, moral and societal implications of the use of digital data in contemporary society.
The programme has a strong interdisciplinary focus, with elements from communication studies, computer science, and sociology. It aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of the dimensions that permeate the use of digital data. We will focus on topics such as big data capitalism and surveillance, the changing digital audience practices, and digital media infrastructures, as well as methods that allow students to use tools for digital data collection, digital media analytics, and data visualisations.
The MA provides a critical and technical overview on digital data but it is also intended to answer the needs of students who wish to master skills and expertise as a means to building a career in the field of digital media and data analysis, and improve employability skills for a career in the broader digital sector or for further academic research on the topic. In particular, the programme will develop students’ skills using the R programming language: a prominent modern toolkit for data analysis which is freely available and in demand for data jobs both within and outside academia.
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.
The programme has a strong interdisciplinary focus, with elements from communication studies, computer science, and sociology, meaning it will:
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will take three compulsory modules plus a dissertation, leaving you with a choice of three optional modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIG DATA AND SOCIETY: FOUNDATIONS, POLITICS, AND POLICY A (COMM751) | 30 |
| INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL SOCIAL SCIENCE METHODS (COMM742) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIG DATA AND SOCIETY: ALGORITHMS AND PLATFORMS A (COMM753) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (COMM716) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
The assessment strategy emphasises assessing skills and learning in settings as close as possible to those where they will be used, in keeping with the Curriculum 2021 drive for authentic assessment. Consequently, a variety of different approaches are used for different programme modules. Where possible, we try to set tasks which mirror those which students might undertake as professionals (especially in the technical and policy parts of the programme) or researchers (especially the dissertation). Feedback is given on all submitted work (formative and summative), with a view to students’ reflective engagement both with the material learned and with the process of assessment. This is intended to bring all students, with previous exposure to work in Communication or otherwise, to a place where they can confidently deliver an excellent dissertation. Assessment in the core modules is by a combination of written coursework (essay, dissertation proposal), technical report (programming, data analysis), examination (interpretation of statistics), and research-led activity (dissertation). The options modules each take approaches which best suit the skills developed and material learned.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Introducing MA Digital Media, Data and Society
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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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.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background. Complementary subject eligibility also applies.
Studying a masters in any subject and aspiring to a career using data and digital skills in the public sector or within public missions such as health, renewable energy or climate change ? If you live in the Liverpool City Region, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000. Two awards are available per academic year.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Communication Studies (or a closely related subject e.g. Social Sciences, 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. 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 |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no 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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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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 lead.
Last updated 14 November 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions