Digital Media and Society
Department of Sociological Studies,
Faculty of Social Sciences
Course description
This course offers you a unique opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the interweaving of digital media and society from a sociological perspective.
Drawing upon staff expertise in digital media and digital society, this programme will give you a grounding in aspects of digital media, allowing you to specialise in a specific area, or develop your understanding of the following: researching digital society, digital practices, and digital methods.
As a student within the Faculty of Social Sciences, you will also benefit from the research and training activities of both the Sheffield Methods Institute and the faculty-wide Digital Society Network. The latter brings together interdisciplinary researchers engaged in research at the cutting-edge of society–technology interactions.
Modules
Assessment
Assessment varies across modules and will include a combination of coursework (essays, portfolio and practical work).
Formal examination may be required for some optional modules. Students are also expected to complete a dissertation-length project equivalent to 15,000 words in length.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
The course has enabled me to learn practical skills and think critically. I’ve learned to use different tools for data scraping, data mining, data visualisations and to conduct research using qualitative and quantitative methods. I then analyse the results from a social and cultural perspective.
I am going back to China after the course ends. My plan is to find a job that is related to the media so I can use the skills I have gained.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirement is a 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant social science discipline.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
Fees and funding
I've been studying and making digital media since they came along in the mid-1990s. I love using and engaging with digital media, from apps and social media platforms to data visualisations, but their place in society is not straightforward. They can be a force for the good, or not. They’re shaped by the world from which they emerge, and this isn’t always a good thing.
I’m passionate about understanding this relationship between digital media, society and everyday life, and about sharing that learning journey with my students.
Apply
We use a staged admissions process to assess applications for this course. You'll still apply for this course in the usual way, using our Postgraduate Online Application Form.
Contact
sociologicalstudies-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 6402
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from. Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.