MA in Social Media and Social Research

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of York

Program Overview

If you’re interested in how social media shapes organizations and society, the MSc Social Media and Management is a one-year program designed for you. It combines insights from sociology and business management to help you understand digital trends, lead teams, and make data-driven decisions in a social media-driven world.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1: Foundations
You’ll start by exploring core concepts, such as Understanding Social Media, which looks at how platforms evolve and influence society, and Managing People in a Global Context, which focuses on leadership and organizational behaviour. Business Information Systems introduces you to the tools and systems that drive business operations.

Semester 2: Applied Learning
Next, you’ll tackle modules like Social Media, Data, and Society, learning to analyze the societal impact of social platforms, and Continuity and Change, which examines how organizations adapt to technological shifts. Researching Digital Life equips you with practical research skills, culminating in a dissertation where you can explore a topic that truly excites you.

Focus Areas

Social Media Strategy, Digital Management, Organizational Leadership, Data Analysis, Research Methods

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

Understand and critically assess social media’s role in organizations
Lead teams and manage change in a digital environment
Analyze social media data to inform strategy and decision-making
Apply research methods to real-world problems in business and society

Career Opportunities

Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, Content Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Brand Manager, Digital Transformation Consultant

Reputation

The University of York is renowned for research excellence. Its Department of Sociology ranks 1st in the UK for research impact, and the program’s interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates for international careers in both management and digital industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA Social Media and Social Research at York is ideal if you’re curious about how social media shapes everyday life and want to turn that curiosity into real skills. This program is hands-on: you’ll explore online communities, analyze data, and learn the tools professionals use to understand social behaviour online. By the end, you’ll not only know the theory — you’ll be ready to put it into practice in the real world.

Here’s what your learning experience will look like:

Practical, hands-on learning – You’ll engage with real social media data and research projects, so you’re learning by doing, not just listening.
Build professional research skills – Collect, analyze, and interpret data, manage projects, and present findings in ways that employers and researchers value.
Learn from multiple perspectives – The program mixes media studies, sociology, and digital tech to give you a well-rounded understanding of social media in society.
Your own research project – You’ll design and complete a dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about, creating a piece of work you can showcase to future employers.
Digital tools and collaboration – Work with the latest platforms, analytics tools, and collaborative projects to simulate real-world research environments.

By the end of the program, you’ll have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to pursue careers in social research, policy, social media strategy, or consultancy — equipped with both practical skills and critical insight.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Social Media and Social Research at the University of York are well-equipped to pursue careers where digital strategy and social research intersect. While specific employment statistics for this program are not readily available, the university's strong reputation and comprehensive career support services enhance graduates' employability prospects.

University Services & Support: York's Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support to postgraduate students, including career coaching, CV reviews, networking opportunities, and employer events designed to help you transition into your desired career.
Industry Partnerships: The program boasts strong links with cultural industries and venues in the city, providing students with opportunities to work with renowned organizations in the cultural sector.
Accreditation: While specific accreditation details for the MA Social Media and Social Research program are not provided, the university's overall commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance ensures that the program meets high educational standards.
Graduate Success: Alumni often move into roles that are both creatively fulfilling and professionally rewarding, leveraging York’s reputation in media and cultural studies.

Further Academic Progression:

Upon completing the MA Social Media and Social Research, graduates have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, such as a PhD in Media and Communications, to deepen their expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities in academia or specialized media sectors.