module specification

SM7007 - Principles of Digital Media (2026/27)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2026/27
Module title Principles of Digital Media
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 200
 
70 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
94 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Create a WordPress website using WordPress.com and a freely available WordPress theme on one topic given by the module l
Coursework 50%   Create a presentation critically addressing the development of new media in relation to society and culture on one topic
Running in 2026/27

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)		 No instances running in the year

Module summary

This module will provide students with a detailed understanding of the essential changes new media bring about to society and culture; it will introduce them to the principles constituting new media functionality and will raise awareness of the operative structures new media enact and work through. This module will also help students develop a concept for and produce a new media project.
 

Syllabus

History and Development of Digital Media
Digital Culture, Politics and Identity
Self-organisation and participation
Social Media and Digital Networks
Participatory Culture and the Digital Divide
Intellectual Property, free software and the open-source movement
The e-economy, precarious and free labour
Virtuality – cryptocurrency, blockchain, public ledger
The Internet of Things
Cybernetics, Robotics, AI
Information society
Consent, surveillance and behavioural data use
Privacy and GDPR

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Teaching methods include lectures and on-line interactive learning material, tutorials, seminar discussions and computer lab sessions. Students will be expected to attend lectures and take part in on-line activities as well as comment on their readings. A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience. The VLE will be used as a platform to support online discussions and situated learning experiences and to facilitate formative assessment and related feedback as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by professional organisations and other relevant source

Learning outcomes

This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the essential qualities of new media. It introduces students to the processes implicit in the development and production of a new media project. Furthermore, this module helps students to develop their awareness of the structures and working principles of new media.

LO1 Develop a concept and select a tool to produce a new media project
LO2 Create a small new media project
LO3 Critically analyse the developments of new media in relation to society and culture

Bibliography