MA Digital Media and Society

This programme is uniquely designed to provide you with a critical and practical understanding of the digital landscape through a hands-on, research-led curriculum that blends theoretical analysis with real-world digital practice. You'll have access to our excellent facilities in the Jessop West building, home to the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, which houses our Digital Media Lab with specialist software for data analysis, digital storytelling, and social media analytics. Your learning is enhanced by industry-relevant tools and culminates in a substantial practical project where you will critically analyse and create digital media content, preparing you for a career at the intersection of media, technology, and society.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical, industry-relevant experience:

• Digital Analysis Software: You'll gain proficiency in a suite of professional tools, including NVivo for qualitative data analysis, Tableau for data visualization, Adobe Creative Cloud for digital content creation, and social media analytics platforms.

• The MA Practical Project: The cornerstone of your degree is a significant research or production project where you'll apply critical theory to practice, creating digital media content, conducting social media analysis, or developing a digital campaign that addresses a real-world societal issue.

• Digital Media Laboratory: You'll work in our dedicated media lab, equipped with industry-standard computers and software for digital content creation, data analysis, and multimedia storytelling.

• Social Media Analysis Suite: You'll use specialised digital tools and APIs to collect, analyse, and visualize social media data, examining patterns of communication, influence, and public discourse.

• Digital Storytelling Studio: You'll have access to equipment and software for creating podcasts, digital videos, and multimedia content, learning to communicate effectively across digital platforms.

• Data Visualization Workshop: You'll work with data sets and visualization tools to create compelling visual representations of complex social and digital phenomena.

• Industry and NGO Collaboration: Many projects involve analysing real-world digital campaigns or working with external organizations to address contemporary challenges in digital society.

• Research-Led Learning: Your practical work is directly informed by the cutting-edge research conducted within the Centre for the Study of Media and Society, giving you exposure to the latest advancements in digital media research, ethics, and policy.

Graduates of the MA Digital Media and Society move into meaningful roles like UX researcher, brand specialist, media researcher, editor, reporter, or email marketing executive—often employed by respected organisations such as L’Oréal, Deloitte, the Cabinet Office, and global media groups. Impressively, 90% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months, underlining the degree’s real-world impact and professional versatility.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Sheffield sets you up for success in this evolving digital landscape:

• University Services to Boost Employability
  You’ll complete a substantial 60-credit dissertation, fully supported by one-to-one supervision—allowing you to explore digital society topics deeply, build a compelling portfolio of research or media production, and set yourself apart to employers or PhD programmes.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures
  While digital-media-specific salaries aren’t published, broader Graduate Outcomes data shows Sheffield alumni in related sectors earn around £24,000 after 15 months, rising to £25,000 at three years and £30,700 by year five.

• University–Industry Partnerships
  You’ll benefit from association with the Sheffield Methods Institute and the interdisciplinary Digital Society Network, both of which offer access to cutting-edge digital research and cross-faculty collaboration—helping you build a broader professional and academic network.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value
  Though not tied to a specific professional body, this MA from Sheffield is academically robust and highly regarded in sectors like media, public policy, research, and communications—providing excellent transferable skills and analytical foundations.

• Graduation Outcomes
  By graduation, you'll have developed critical digital & research skills, real-world understanding, and a research or media project you can showcase—ready to step confidently into roles across communications, media research, marketing, public policy, or further study.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates choose to further strengthen their expertise by pursuing a PhD, often within Sheffield's professorial-led research groups in digital society, media studies, or data & culture—an excellent path if you're aiming to lead in academic or policy research.