Digital Media Practices (MA)

To apply for this course, you'll need a 2:1 degree in a subject relevant to digital media, such as:

• communication
• history, including art history
• journalism
• media or performance art
• music
• philosophy
• photography
• politics
• sociology
• theoretical media

As part of your application, you'll need to submit a written or visual portfolio that explains your interests and exploration of digital media practices. You can read more about the components your portfolio should include, as well as our guidance for preparing your portfolio, in the 'How to apply' section.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

On this MA Digital Media Practices course, you’ll explore a variety of core, compulsory and optional modules to enhance your understanding and refine your interests.

We'll deliver taught modules in semesters 1 and 2, before you independently complete you final project during the summer, which is sometimes referred to as semester 3.

The core modules provide in-depth knowledge relevant to the specialist concepts and methods of digital media practices, while the compulsory modules consider a broad range of subject-specific topics.

Semester 1 overview

In your first semester, you'll sharpen your knowledge of specialist concepts, methods and practices in digital media through the following compulsory modules:

• Digital Media I: Critical Theory
• Media Research and Methodologies I
• Critical Media Practice

Semester 2 overview

In your second semester, you'll engage in collaborative work with other students and select one of the chosen media specialisms, with options including screen practices, media arts and media ecologies.

Semester 2 includes 2 core and compulsory modules:

• Digital Media II: Collaborative Critical Practice
• Media Research and Methodologies II: Research Proposal Development

Semester 2 also includes an optional module of your choosing. This module gives you an opportunity to further enhance the career orientation of your studies and tailor your programme towards your professional aspirations.

In the rare case that not enough students sign up for an optional module, we may not run it. We'll let you know early and help you choose another module that suits you.

Final project overview

Your final project, sometimes known as semester 3, can either be a written research project or an integrated theory and practice project that includes written work and practice-based research.

You'll apply the knowledge and skills you develop throughout this programme to your final project. Your project will also give you the opportunity to develop an area of personal expertise.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

Your overall workload will comprise:

• in-person class hours
• independent learning
• assessments

Outside of lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions, you'll study by yourself. This usually involves:

• reading journal articles and books
• working on individual and group projects
• developing practical work
• researching in the library
• preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and for assessments and examinations

The latest research will guide your learning, and modules may change to reflect fresh developments in digital media practices.

You will be taught by an expert team whose diverse expertise matches the course content. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators, and technical officers. 

Postgraduate research students who have teacher training and specialise in a module topic may help teach seminars. They may also take part in practical classes, project work and field trips. The module leader will supervise all contributions.

Assessment

You'll complete practical and theoretical work throughout the course. In your final project, you will be able to present your work as either:

• theory: 10,000 words:
• integrated theory and practice: 7,000 words, and 3,000 words' equivalent of practice-based research

If you choose to do a theory project, you will take part in, organise and showcase your work in a digital publication.

If you choose an integrated theory and practice project, you’ll take part in our final degree show alongside other practical courses. 

When applying, you'll be asked to choose your preferred project format as part of your portfolio checklist. This helps us plan the programme ahead. This is just an option for how you’d like your project to be assessed, and not a fixed pathway.

Academic Support

We will allocate a personal academic tutor to you once you arrive at the University. This is normally a member of academic staff in your own or a related subject area.

Your personal academic tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton. They will also support you in your studies or with other issues you may have.

By the end of this course, you'll have a professional skillset which is highly valued in the global creative and cultural industries. This skillset will be up-to-date with inclusive, ethical and sustainable practices, which can be applied in multiple professional pathways. 

This course will also give you the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the media and creative industries, as well as educational, commercial and cultural sector organisations.

Our alumni network includes graduates who secured positions in various industries, including as: 

• digital media practitioners, artists, producers and developers
• researchers and scholars
• content strategists and creators
• technologists
• curators

Graduates have also progressed their studies to postgraduate research degrees (PhD) at the University of Southampton and other leading universities.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

Extra costs you might have to pay

Textbooks

Any core texts specified in our modules should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However, due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.

Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of these texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.

Practical materials and exhibition-related sundries

The practical materials you use will be relevant to your personal project. Costs will reflect the relevant scale and type of work you engage in.

Printing and photocopying costs

In most cases, coursework will be submitted online. There may be occasions where your practice might require printed materials.

View a list of University printing costs

Stationery

You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, such as pens, pencils and notebooks. Any specialist stationery items will be specified in the relevant module profile.

Mandatory study trips

The programme may include mandatory, short-distance study trips to sites such as museums and galleries. Because of the size of the programme, you'll be expect to cover the cost of travel, admission and food unless otherwise specified in the module profile, but we'll make all efforts to keep costs down.

Car parking

Free car parking on campus is not normally available to students.

Find out more about student parking permits

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

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Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Portfolio

You'll also need to submit a written or visual portfolio that explains your interests and exploration of digital media practices. You can read more about the components your portfolio should include below, as well as our guidance on preparing your portfolio.

Statement

Your portfolio should include a statement of 50 to 150 words describing your practice, presenting your research interests and the main media you work with.

Visual portfolio

If you choose to submit a visual portfolio, you should include 5 to 10 pages demonstrating independent thinking, and a range of work and approaches.

You should order your work so that ideas flow from one piece to the next. The themes should relate to your undergraduate degree, or topics of digital media, digital cultures and critical theory.

Types of relevant work range from film, animation and sound to sketchbooks, graphic design and research. You can view the full list of relevant media in the guidance document linked above.

Written portfolio

If you choose to submit a written portfolio, you should include 5 pages containing up to 2 samples of your written work in English.

Types of relevant work include:

• academic writing, including previous coursework
• published work, such as journalistic articles or long-form blogging
• critical or creative work

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000