Cultural and Digital Media Studies (MA)

About the Course

While knowledge can be a blessing, can it also be a curse? In the age of AI and digital media, we witness developments that will shape the way we think and work forever. Ut do these developments mean that human intelligence and labour will become unnecessary in the digital futures, or is there still space for human consciousness.

This new, ground breaking course on Ai and digital technologies asks all the right questions necessary to visualise a new world, where humans can thrive and where ethical thinking is just as relevant as it was before the emergence of techno-capitalism. We will cover intriguing and controversial topics, such as transhumanism, digital knowledge production, power and social alienation, while analysing memes and videos from social media platforms.

You will work in smaller groups, in an intimate and nurturing environment, and write your dissertation in partnership with creative industries, facilitating those crucial contacts and employability prospects. If you are looking for a career in the culture, media or creative industries, with an education that keeps giving, then there is no need to look further!

Curriculum Overview

The programme consists of four modules and a dissertation (final research project) totalling 180 credits. Assessment methods will vary and may include essays, reports, presentations, research proposals and a research dissertation. 

Modules

• Advanced Research for Social Change (30 credits) – This module trains the students to use research methods in order to create socially relevant and socially transformative research. Here, the students will learn about a diverse range of innovative research techniques and become equipped with the skills to design a high-quality research dissertation.
• Advanced Social Theory (30 credits) – Students will acquire knowledge and the ability to critically evaluate a variety of contemporary political economies and think about the ways these can be changed. Whether it is capitalism or socialism, we teach our students to understand the roots of contemporary social issues, such as poverty, marginalization and women’s rights.
• Contemporary Inequalities (30 credits) This module focuses on the concepts of otherness alienation and representation in culture, while analysing visual images, media texts and ads. It also aims to provide key insights into the relationship between technology and identity formation, one-dimensionality, digitalisation and curation of online identities and ethics of AI.
• Disability and the Disciplines (30 credits) This module analyses the development of the concept of disability, both through academic disciplines and mainstream and social media. How does the disabled ‘other’ function in a digitalised world and is this participation freeing or restrictive?
• Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits) – The focus of the research project will be on an issue of relevance to the study of global social issues. We are offering the 60-credit dissertation as a piece of research conducted in cooperation with employers (diplomatic and political international organisations such as the UN, international and local NGOs, charities, etc.), thus significantly improving employability prospects.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

A degree from an overseas institution that is judged to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.0 overall. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

*Part time study is not available for Non-EU International applicants

Teaching and Research

Our commitment to research is evident in that all our teaching is research informed, and you will become a part of a vibrant and supportive team of researchers and colleagues. The MA Social Sciences team has designed this course in response to the growing demand for globalisation and development courses, which are amongst the most popular in Europe, but we differ from the competition thanks to our de-colonized perspective, and our anti-racist and anti-imperialist theory. We also prefer to teach in smaller groups, so that our students can always feel heard, supported and at home at Liverpool Hope. If you possess a first class or upper second class honors degree from a UK University or equivalent from an oversees institution, then you will be able to apply to study with us.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you

Careers

This course will enhance students’ opportunities to gain employment in multiple fields where intercultural competence is valued: multinational companies and organisations, UN, NGOs, charities, online and digital communities.

Students will acquire a critical social science approach which prepares them to make valuable contributions as competent researchers, analysts and project leaders. Facilitating inter-cultural understanding and cooperation between groups in a globalised world is of key importance for global citizens looking to build their careers in the context of business, media, culture or the creative industries.