Overview
Graduates skilled in digital media and communication are in high demand by employers across all sectors. The global digital media market alone is predicted to grow by 12.8% every year to 2030 (Source Grand View Research, 2023).
Our MSc Digital Media and Communications equips you with up-to-date analytical, creative, and production skills. These are underpinned by key theoretical learning. A distinctive feature of the course is its focus on human information behaviour, giving valuable insights into how individuals interact with digital media in contemporary contexts.
On the course you’ll:
- Gain in-depth understanding of human communication and information-seeking behaviours in a digital context.
- Explore the complex and variable sociocultural factors influencing peoples’ interactions and engagement with digital media and information.
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of research methods for audience and media research, including options to develop data analytics and digital marketing skills.
- Develop practical skills in persuasive communication design, and digital content development including options in graphic design and video production.
- Have the option to produce a digital media product as a specialist, practice-based alternative to undertaking a dissertation.
- Use industry standard software and equipment, including audio and video recording studios.
- Plan and develop multi-channel digital marketing strategies and campaigns.
- Learn through business case studies and simulation exercises.
Your pathway into the digital world
Our Digital Media and Communication Masters degree is open to students from all academic and professional backgrounds. Whether you’re looking to build new expertise or advance existing digital knowledge, we offer a flexible route to developing your skills and shaping your career.
You'll gain interdisciplinary training that prepares you for a wide range of roles across the digital industries, in both public and private sectors.
Get closer to the media world
Our strong connections in the media and communications industry brings your learning to life. Discover Scotland’s creative industry through field trips to varied local and national organisations. Digital Media and Communications Masters students have gone on recent field trips to:
- BBC Scotland - a modern digital broadcasting centre;
- V&A Dundee - one of the UK’s newest international design museums shortlisted for European Museum of the Year 2020;
- Codebase Stirling - a creative space and tech cluster that is part of one the largest and fastest-growing technology incubator networks in Europe.
You'll meet with media professionals, hearing first-hand about their experience and innovations.
Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Faculty facilities
Take a tour of our Film and Media facilities
Research overview
Stirling has played an important role in the development of communications and media research both in the UK and internationally from the foundation of the original department in 1978.
As one of the UKs oldest and leading schools, the division of Communications, Media and Culture (CMC) maintains its commitment to wide-ranging research which crosses boundaries between arts and humanities, social sciences and management. CMC’s work encompasses research into screen and print media, digital media and social media, public communication and promotional culture, heritage and archives. CMC has research specialists in social media analysis, human information behaviour, digital journalism, and public relations; in addition to researchers working on many aspects of media representation, media institutions, media and communications policy, and relationships between media, culture and society.
CMC staff are frequent speakers on public platforms nationally and internationally, through the media in many countries, online, and in major conferences and symposia. They have contributed to policy discussion and formation through parliamentary commissions and inquiries, and public debate, and produce research with international impact.
Reflective of CMC strengths, our MSc Digital Media and Communication has a strong team of senior teaching and research staff to provide you with flexibility in choosing your own digital media learning pathway and learning goals, delivered by leading international researchers in communications and media research.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Minimum second-class Honours degree or international equivalent. Applicants without these qualifications but possessing other qualifications including significant relevant work experience may also be considered.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
You can study full–time for one year or part-time over two years.
In the Autumn semester, you take three compulsory modules: Advanced Topics in Communication, Human Information Behaviour and Media Research Methods.
In the Spring semester, you pick three optional modules (see below) allowing you to prepare for careers in either digital analytics and marketing, or digital content production. You can also mix optional modules if desired (i.e. a mix of analytics, marketing, and production options).
In the Summer semester, you undertake a supervised research dissertation or supervised digital project aligning with your academic and/or professional interests.
Modules
Teaching
The taught course takes place within the University’s two 15-week semesters and involves lectures, seminars, tutorials and case-study work.
There is an emphasis on varied assessment, problem-finding, and critical practice modes of delivery.
Students benefit from a programme of guest speakers, including UK national press editors, directors of digital media production companies and regulatory policy-makers and advisors in the digital media space.
Fieldwork
Recent field trips include BBC Scotland, one of the newest and most modern digital broadcasting centres in the world, the V&A Dundee, the UK’s newest international design museum shortlisted for European Museum of the Year 2020, and Codebase Stirling, a creative space and tech cluster, and part of one the largest and fastest-growing technology incubator networks in Europe.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a variety of assessment strategies, including written assignments, exams, practical teams and individual projects.
Course director
Key staff
Professor Steven Buchanan - Course Director, Tutor for Human Information Behaviour
Professor Dario Sinforiani - Tutor for Digital Video Production
Dr William Dinan - Tutor for Research Methods
Dr Victoria Esteves - Tutor for Research Methods
Dr Bernadine Jones - Tutor for Advanced Topics in Communication
Ms Staci Rowlison - Tutor for Visual Communication Design
Dr Conor McKeown - Tutor for Interactive Media Design
Dr Sandy Brownlee - Tutor for Data Analytics
Dr Lisa Siebers - Tutor for Digital Marketing and Data Technologies
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
A Masters in Digital Media and Communications gives you the skills and knowledge for a career in media and creative industries. You can apply these across many sectors. Typical roles include:
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Content Strategist
- Digital Copywriter
- Media Manager
- Web Content Designer
- Social Media Manager
- Marketing Communications Manager
A Digital Marketing Manager earns an average of £45,000 per year in the UK. Salaries increase with experience and expertise (Glassdoor, 2024).
Our Digital Media and Communications graduates have gone onto varied roles including;
- Brand Manager
- Freelance Filmmaker
- Web Content Editor
- Digital Marketing Executive
- Associate Account Director
- Founder of a Creative Studio
- Head of Product – Digital Marketing
- Team Lead (SEO)
- Content Creator
- PhD Researcher