PMDIGMED - MA Digital Media

A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students.
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used as a platform to support online activities, for example: on-line discussion, role-play, blog writing, evaluation of online resources, access to electronic reading packs, viewing and reviewing of online video/film, access to online media databases etc.) and to facilitate formative assessment and related feedback as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by research institutions, academic publications, professional organisations and other relevant sources.

• To develop expertise, competencies and awareness in the area of digital media technologies and applications appropriate to leadership in digital media

• To equip students with the capacity to draw upon a range of skills in digital media design, production and management

• To further develop skills in research, evaluation and critical analysis through study of the role of new media within social, economic and cultural contexts

Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this programme students should be able to:

1. critically evaluate the uses and applications of new media and interactive communications
2. contextualize issues in digital media and identify solutions for the new media culture and industry
3. research and analyse good practice in interactive media design and production

Cognitive/intellectual skills
By the end of this programme students should be able to:

1. identify, critically analyse and apply appropriate research methods in the field of digital media studies
2. critically analyse the current issues and future developments in multimedia and electronic publishing
3. research, analyse and critically evaluate digital media production processes

Subject-specific Practical skills
By the end of this programme students should be able to:

1. apply design, development and management skills to the production of new media projects
2. assess and select the appropriate tools to produce a multimedia project
3. produce multimedia projects using the appropriate software applications

Key/transferable skills including employability and professional practice
By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:

1. communicate effectively in a media professional environment
2. appreciate the complexity of the international media and creative industries
3. evaluate, select and use appropriate communication technologies

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this programme students should be able to:

critically evaluate the uses and applications of new media and interactive communications
contextualize issues in digital media and identify solutions for the new media culture and industry
research and analyse good practice in interactive media design and production

Cognitive/intellectual skills

By the end of this programme students should be able to:

identify, critically analyse and apply appropriate research methods in the field of digital media studies
critically analyse the current issues and future developments in multimedia and electronic publishing
research, analyse and critically evaluate digital media production processes

Subject-specific Practical skills

By the end of this programme students should be able to:

apply design, development and management skills to the production of new media projects
assess and select the appropriate tools to produce a multimedia project
produce multimedia projects using the appropriate software applications

Key/transferable skills including employability and professional practice

By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:

communicate effectively in a media professional environment
appreciate the complexity of the international media and creative industries
evaluate, select and use appropriate communication technologies

N/A

Assessment methods include case study analysis, reports, presentations, production plans, interactive projects, essays, dissertation and digital project.

The course offers a designate option work placement module: SM7W62 Digital Media Work Placement.

Core modules:
SM7007 Principles of Digital Media
SM7102 Digital Media Project Management
SM7P08 Digital Media Dissertation or SM7P04 Digital Project

The MA in Digital Media follows a set pattern of 2 Cores, 4 Options and a Dissertation or Digital Project (60 credits). Students will be required to choose four optional modules of which at least three must be designated options while one may be a ‘free’ option taken from any MA course in the University.
PG in Diploma Digital Media:
Any combination of from the Course Structure Diagram - one of which must be from the core modules - to the value of 120 points.

PG Certificate in Digital Media:
Any combination of modules from the Course Structure Diagram - one of which must be from the core modules - to the value of 60 points

The course is particularly suited to students looking to work in: web design; interactive media production; digital video production; new media project management and account handling; consultancy and policy advice in the area of digital media and communication technology; social media management; training and research in related fields; electronic publishing; on-line journalism and broadcasting; administration, management and research in the new media, digital advertising and marketing and digital information industries.

A good honours degree or equivalent. Students with lower qualifications but substantial relevant experience in a related area of employment, such as the design, media and communications industry, are also encouraged to apply. These applicants will be asked to provide a written summary of their work history demonstrating its relationship to the aims of the course.