Digital Society MSc

Manchester Metropolitan University

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.

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 your choice of option units, allowing you to cater to your own individual interests and academic development.

MSc Digital Society (Digital Politics) will cover theories and practices of digital politics and media as well as an in-depth exploration of digital politics around the world.

MSc Digital Society (Digital Sociology) will cover theories and practices of digital sociology as well as an in-depth exploration of the global digital challenges and crises.

As the role of digital technologies, from social media through to algorithms and artificial intelligence, continue to play a prominent role in every aspect of social life, research into our digital society is becoming more and more significant. Many societies have seen a dramatic change in the way transport, consumption and other services are managed and delivered through apps, platforms, and other digital services. However, with the positives come many challenges, such as the inequalities digital technology generates in society and the rise of fake news, misinformation and cyberwarfare.

MSc Digital Society allows you to study this relationship between digital technologies and society in an interdisciplinary and research-informed environment. We aim to equip you with the tools needed to become an expert in understanding how digital technologies shape societies, nationally and internationally, through a range of units that take a global view; alongside research that draws on empirical examples from around the world. You will be taught by leading experts in the field who are engaged in research at the cutting edge of current developments, relevant to the lives of people across the globe. You will also become part of a community of staff and PhD students in the digital society research cluster, who can offer mentorship and knowledge exchange.

Graduates of this course will be suited for future careers in any industry that relies heavily on digital technologies, or a career in public research institutions, as well as being equipped to go on to further study.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• A versatile degree - explore a range of interdisciplinary topics including digital politics and digital sociology, internet cultures, digital governance, and digital economy, as well as international relations, communication and professional digital practice.

• Specialisation - there is the opportunity to specialise with bespoke pathways for digital politics and digital sociology.

• Teaching Excellence - our staff are internationally renowned for their research in social media politics, internet governance, gaming and digital consumption with many based in research centres at Manchester Met such as the Digital Society cluster within the Research Centre for Applied Social Science.

• Join a growing academic community - students will benefit from a close relationship to a cohort of PhD students fostering an atmosphere of mentorship and knowledge exchange.

• Employability focussed - students will have the opportunity to work on a project in partnership with an outside organisation such as a non-governmental organisation or a political group, or in collaboration with an organisation or a business.

• A global view - this course has an international view on digital politics and digital sociology supported by staff expertise.