Explore the role digital technologies play in our everyday lives, with specialism in digital politics or digital sociology available.
On this course you will study theoretical approaches to living in a digital society, coupled with an advanced understanding of social science research, and will have the option to specialise in either digital politics or digital society, or take a general route. This degree draws on academic expertise from both the Department of History, Politics and Philosophy, and the Department of Sociology.
You will be introduced to an overview of qualitative and quantitative digital methods, while becoming familiar with the field of digital social research in its ever-growing diversity. You will be taught a set of professional skills necessary to be a successful digital researcher, whether in academia, policy, or industry. There is the option to specialise and graduate with a bracketed award through ...
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Digital society is a field of study which has been propelled into significance in recent years. Societies have seen global politics transformed with the rise of fake news, misinformation and cyberwarfare; a dramatic change in the way transport and consumption are delivered through apps; and employment has substantially shifted toward platform-based work. In this course you’ll explore this relationship between society and digital technologies.
You can choose to specialise and graduate with a bracketed award, or you can choose freely from a range of units.
MSc Digital Society (Digital Politics) will introduce you to theoretical frameworks used to study digital society, and will look at topics such as digital warfare and digital diplomacy, internet governance, platform politics, online activism and more. You will be introduced to a range of methodological tools and will be supported in investigating how digital politics are developing around the world.
MSc Digital Society (Digital Sociology) will introduce you to core theoretical and methodological issues that emerge as sociologists investigate the dominance of digital technologies and data infrastructures in everyday life. You will study the very social conditions (cultural, economic, political) that create the conditions for surveillance and social power and control.
On the course you'll be supported by a team of research-active professionals with strong connections in the industry. The programme leaders for this course are Dr Adi Kuntsman and Dr Tom Brock. Kuntsman’s expertise is in digital politics, digital memory, digital wars and social media militarism, environmental and climate impacts of digital communication, and qualitative digital methods. Brock’s expertise is in digital sociology, digital play and labour, esports and competitive gaming, theoretical and philosophical perspectives on digital living and society, and digital methods. Senior lecturers on the course are Dr Dan Joseph and Dr Ting Luo. Joseph's expertise is in the political economy of digital media, game studies, the distribution of cultural commodities, digital methods, and state industrial and cultural policy. Luo's expertise is in comparative politics, political communication, Internet governance, quantitative digital research methods, and Asian politics.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
You will normally have at least an upper second class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international or professional equivalent) in any discipline. Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement.
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.
Full-time fee: £9,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £18,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Graduates of this programme can proceed to careers in social and technology research, think tanks, the health and education sector, government and public administration, international development, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), media and communications, public relations, or political communication. After graduating, you will be suitable for careers in digital business, policy and regulatory institutions, as well as in the not-for-profit, and arts and creative sectors. The combination of critical analytical skills, flexible yet highly specialised knowledge of digital technologies in various social contexts, and transferrable skills in research, project management, and public engagement, makes you particularly suitable for future careers in any society that relies heavily on digital technologies. Finally, the rigorous theoretical and methodological training will equip you to proceed to PhD research or a career in public research institutions.
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You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the
changes section of our Terms and Conditions .
Important Notice
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