Course overview
You have the opportunity to develop the latest storytelling techniques and expand your reflective awareness of contemporary issues in the communications field. Enjoy the freedom and safety to experiment with up-to-date skills and specialisations for the global digital communications industry.
Now more than ever a cutting-edge and eclectic understanding of digital media and communications is an asset in any sector. Our course offers you the ability to access some exciting, diverse and engaging modules such as a deep dive into digital platforms and production, developing and launching a digital product as a strategy across the digital landscape whilst incorporating user experience and persona analysis.
Throughout the course there is a focus upon global communications and the nuances and sensitivities surrounding a digital communication plan in that capacity.
Things you’ll gain from the course:
- Develop a deep understanding of user experience and persona analysis.
- Expand your knowledge and application of digital platforms and channels.
- Devise effective and successful digital communication strategies for a global market.
- Anticipate and research how altering perspectives and landscapes have affected opinion and individuals to build flexibility into your communication plan.
The course is delivered 100% online which means you are able to study around your personal and professional commitments.
However online does not mean alone, we ensure you are able to connect with other online students through our virtual learning environment. Throughout your studies you will also be supported by expert academic tutors with a deep understanding of the subject area, who can provide feedback and guidance, and help you to progress within the course.
On completion of the course, you could progress on to a career in one of the following areas: Campaign Manager, Communication Manager, Digital Content Manager and Marketing Consultant.
* Subject to University approval
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Digital Platforms and Production
This is a student-led exercise of digital creativity. You develop your digital communication capabilities by developing a website around a subject of your choice. You have the opportunity to develop digital content and journalism using a range of technologies, social media production and optimisation, user experience and design and creative innovation.
Digital Platforms: Develop and Launch
You consider user experience, content design, development and deployment of a digital product for an identified platform. You develop an application to facilitate specific audiences’ engagement with digital content. You explore a range of open source frameworks to develop a prototype product/service and devise a digital launch and enterprise strategy utilising digital communication channels.
You are assessed by 100% ICA, a development portfolio and a launch strategy presentation.
You explore digital media and communications through three central and intertwining themes: representation, audiences and, communication and culture.
Representation considers ideology, mediatised persona and bias.
Audiences considers intercommunication between mainstream and independent media; producers and consumers of content; free expression and civil rights and democracy.
Culture and Communication examines the socio-cultural, political and economic implications of digital communication.
Through a series of workshops, you produce a range of professional assets designed to support your career aspirations. Projects and analysis of work-related practice will enhance your career vision in the media, events and creative arts industries.
Master's Project: Digital Media and Communications
You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your course. Normally your project is drawn from commercial, industrial or research-based problem areas. Your project involves researching and investigating aspects of your area of study and then producing a major deliverable, which can be purely research-led dissertation or a project, which involves the development and production of a media campaign and associated report.
Your assessment is 100% ICA.
You explore contemporary developments and research methods within the media industries and the impact developments might be expected to have on institutions, artefacts and audiences. You research a specific area or development within digital communication or journalism - this may be technical, economic, cultural, sociological, or based on a combination of factors - and predict future trends and directions. You develop research methods, skills and knowledge and expertise together to formulate an independent research problematic.
You are assessed through 100% ICA consisting of either a 5,000 portfolio/presentation or an essay of negotiated equivalence.
User Experience for Digital Communications
You build expertise in the design and development of user centred digital environments. You examine audiences and adaptability of digital media with a particular emphasis on mobile or web-based systems, applications and services. You examine current research initiatives; gain a thorough understanding of legislation, guidelines, standards and programming techniques related to user centred design. Through analysis of current research and industry techniques, you explore design and development methods for the creation of adaptable environments for digital media. The module facilitates techniques for evaluating websites with audiences. You explore mobile applications for audience usability, adaptability and accessibility.
You are assessed by 100% ICA consisting of a portfolio
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
All learning is online. You learn through lectures, workshops and seminars as well as through educationally purposeful packages of digital learning.
You develop creative skills and commercial awareness by working to industry briefs. Learning focuses on reflecting the reality of working in the creative industries, and throughout the course you are encouraged to work both individually and as part of a group.
Each unit typically consists of:
- a short introductory video, where your tutor introduces the week’s key themes
- writing prompts and exercises
- supporting materials, reading questions and suggestions for further reading and research to discuss in the discussion forum
- a dedicated private space to workshop your ideas and work-in-progress with the tutor and fellow students.
How you are assessed
Most of the modules include a progressive assessment strategy, with practical tasks set each week to support you in working towards in course assessment (ICA).
Entry requirements
You will typically have a first degree (2.2 minimum). We also consider other relevant experience or qualifications.
You are expected to be a confident and independent learner with a good understanding of idea development, critical thinking and the digital communications environment.
International students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
With a MA Digital Media & Communications you could choose to work within a range of positions in the media and communications industries, such as:
- campaign manager
- communications manager
- digital content manager
- journalist
- marketing consultant
- marketing manager
- public relations manager.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
