Data, Culture and Society MA

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Course Overview

UK Fees £9,500 *
International Fees £17,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

We live in an age where almost everything that we do is connected to data. Big data and datafication – the increasing transformation of multiple aspects of everyday lives into digital data, pose great opportunities but also risks for contemporary societies. This MA course addresses, explores and creatively utilises this transformation. We place an emphasis on current and future technologies and practices such as algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, data analytics and data mining, the Internet of Things, and others.

This multidisciplinary course brings together media/communication studies and computer science. It combines hands-on and applied approaches with theoretical learning and critical analysis. It will encourage collaboration, creative practice, group work and problem-based learning. You'll apply tools and technologies to your own data challenges and projects, including from your existing professional or cultural, political, social and economic environments. The course also features optional modules from a range of disciplines across the University: Media and Communication Studies, Law, Computer Science, Politics and International Relations, and Cultural Studies.

You'll be introduced to the tools and approaches that can be used for collection, analysis, management and visualisation of data, as well as to the skills needed to critically think about the ethical, cultural, social and political implications of their practice.

The course combines technical skills, critical use and creative production. It directly addresses graduates who may wish to acquire a set of skills in relation to data analytics, processing and visualisation, while maintaining and furthering a critical mode of enquiry into practices and trends that shape individuals, organisations and societies today. It also speaks to graduates with technical backgrounds and work experience in data-related industries, who wish to develop a more critical and multidisciplinary understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic implications of data-driven societies today.

Westminster is a leading provider in this academic discipline and is ranked top 15 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Top reasons to study with us

  • This is an innovative and interdisciplinary degree for the 21st century, combining understanding society (social sciences and humanities) and new and emerging technologies (computer science and engineering)
  • This course will equip you with the optimal and essential combination of analytical and practical skills, which is a key asset in the rapidly developing world of data 
  • The course is based in the vibrant College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, home to famous world-leading research centres such as the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI) and Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM). The college brings together students from media and communication, arts, computer science, fashion, music, architecture, and planning
  • You'll study in London, one of the key global hubs where major companies and organisations working on data, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital innovation are based

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. 

Core modules

This module is intended to lay the theoretical and conceptual foundations when it comes to investigating and understanding how digital data and society intersect. The main focus of this module is on digital data practices and how they shape and are shaped by socio-cultural, political, economic and subjective factors. You will be introduced to key concepts and theoretical frameworks from a multidisciplinary perspective and engage with those during seminars and independent study. The assessment consists of a creative data project as well as a written essay.

This module introduces you to computer systems fundamentals and data systems fundamentals. The aim of the module is to ensure that you have a deep understanding of the high-level systems and software that support data storage and retrieval to be able to work with such systems and to be able to critically and confidently operate with system stakeholders and technical partners such as data providers, storage, and data processing actors. Concepts of computer systems and data creation, storage, and retrieval systems shall be introduced as well as compliance and security. This knowledge is reinforced by practical sessions where you will create, store and retrieve complex data using standard tools, as well as have the opportunity to analyse and critically evaluate typical real-world data lifecycle scenarios.

Building on "Data and Society, Concepts and Applications", this module places an emphasis on different methods for researching big data, datafication and data practices and applications. This module is intended to provide an introduction at postgraduate level to the methodological tools for collecting, analysing and visualising digital data, both as an object of study and a means for analysis. The focus is on qualitative, quantitative as well as digital data methods. The module consists of a range of lectures and seminars. You will also conduct a small group research project together that will make use of some of the tools and skills taught in the module.

This module provides the opportunity to undertake in-depth independent research into an aspect of data, culture and society. The module consists of a series of lectures and workshops, which will introduce you to the research process of their major projects. It includes guidance and tailored support. Building on what you have learned in the core and optional modules of the course, you'll conduct your own research project with guidance from a supervisor. This can either take the format of a 15,000 words dissertation, or a practical/creative artefact accompanied by a written report (extended academic rationale).

Option modules

This module provides students with a theoretical understanding of the development, significance and contemporary uses of social media. It fosters both critical analysis and reflective practice in the networked digital media environment. Students will critically engage with key ideas of creativity, sharing and visibility in social media, and will participate in creative and reflective practice using leading social media tools and platforms. This will involve using social media tools to explore course concepts and theoretical materials by, for example, blogging about course readings, making an online video presentation to introduce a weekly seminar discussion, or making a photo essay in response to a key module theory. This module uses a flipped classroom approach through which informational content is made available to learners in advance of the on-campus class sessions, which are dedicated to discussion activities.

This module will introduce you to the political economy approach to analysing the production, distribution and consumption of media content in text and audio-visual form, whether online or offline, as well as the workings of telecoms networks behind online media. It identifies distinctive economic features of media and relates these to trends in the organisation of specific media industries, taking account of ways in which the economics of media have been affected by the spread of digital technologies.

This module will provide an overview of modern techniques in Machine Learning and Data Mining that are particularly customised for Data Science applications. You will be introduced to a range of toolkits, such as R and Python and they will explore the features and strengths of different machine learning and data mining methodologies, using selected data sets related to specific public sector or businesses application domains. Statistical knowledge is required in order to successfully complete this module.

This module introduces you to the theoretical frameworks and practices of the politics of global complexity, the debates that have been triggered, and the way that complexity understandings have developed, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. Emphasis is placed upon the conceptual frameworks deployed in understanding system effects on political, economic and social life and how these enable us to rethink governance, power and agency. While focusing on conceptual frameworks, this module also engages with how complexity is reflected in new approaches to policy, and external stakeholders will provide input to the module (for example, the Social Market Foundation, the New Local Government Network and the Foreign Policy Centre).

This module will provide you with a critical understanding of certain legal aspects of the phenomenon of electronic commerce, with specific reference to the law on on-line contracting. This will include the ability to: examine critically the legal and commercial framework for electronic commerce; examine key aspects of the law of contract; study English and EU legal provisions including on-line data transmission, on-line marketing, electronic payments, data handling, etc..; facilitate your learning of the applications of current law; evaluate areas of reform and change.

We are surrounded by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, whether we are aware of this or not. From personal assistants to automated news, from facial recognition technologies to self-driving cars, these are just a few examples of how AI is already impacting our lives. This module explains what AI is and offers a systematic overview of what is behind AI. It also looks into the controversies and challenges related to AI. The module teaches students to think critically about AI and assess the societal impact of AI. By mapping a broad range of applications, issues arising, and key debates, the module will equip students with a systematic understanding of current AI developments and their impact on society.

This module addresses one of the most urgent and, at the same time, elusive contemporary issues: the relationship between culture and the rise of digital media. It explores the production, circulation and cultural impact of digital technologies and considers how their emergence influences society, contemporary culture, and the relationship between the two. The module introduces key themes and debates in digital culture and explores ways in which digital environments impact upon how we produce, engage with, and thus understand their cultural formations.

This module introduces students to the main critical theories of digital media, and provides specific focus on the implications of race and culture on the development, infrastructures and ownership of digital media. This module has a particular interest in the power structures generated by geo-politics and fosters international knowledge of digital media. It uses readings and videos about the ways race, class and gender impact the production and circulation of digital culture and helps breaks down the popular mythologies about a placeless virtual reality and borderless digital culture. Whilst providing students with a theoretical and critical base, practical skills will also be developed through the making of a digital video artefact.

This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of data visualisation including graphical perception, dynamic dashboard visualisations, and static data ‘infographics’. Tools such as R and Tableau are used. The aim is to prepare you for becoming a data visualisation specialist. Statistical knowledge is required in order successfully complete this module.

This module studies digital convergence and the role of policy and regulation in facilitating and controlling that process. The focus is on Internet-related policy debates and concepts drawing mostly on developments in the USA, the European Union and Britain but with a critical awareness of the issues facing developing, transitional and small countries. It critically assesses competing arguments concerning the interplay between policy and technology and implications for market structures and business models, as appropriate.

What our students say

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

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Careers

The substantial growth in the number of jobs related to the digital and data world will further the need for graduates able to combine creative, applied and theoretical, and critical data skills with an ever-wider range of subject areas. Graduates from this course will be fully capable and confident to combine these skills during their careers. Students who complete the Data, Culture and Society MA can work in a wide variety of sectors connected to data in different ways: media and creative industries, PR and advertising, consulting and think tanks, start-ups, research and development, regulation and policy, data and knowledge-based companies and organisations, data management. 

The skills developed on this course will also fully prepare you for further study opportunities such as MPhil, PhD or other modalities of research that could also lead to future paths within the academic world.

Industry engagement

Through our links with artificial intelligence (AI), data, and technology organisations in and around London, you'll hear from guest speakers and have the opportunity to attend industry events.

Develop in-demand skills

This course will equip you with the critical, analytical and creative skills that you’ll need to embark on a successful career in the rapidly developing world of data. 


3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry links

We have strong links with artificial intelligence (AI), data, and technology organisations in and around London, such as:

  • Ada Lovelace Institute
  • Alan Turing Institute
  • AmnestyTech
  • BBC Research & Development
  • DataKind UK
  • InnovateUK
  • London Office of Technology and Innovation
  • Open Data Institute
  • Tactical Tech
  • TechUK

You'll hear from guest speakers and have the opportunity to attend industry events, which will provide opportunities for networking and increasing employability after graduation, for example with internships, jobs etc. 

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

  • Data analyst
  • Data policy advisor
  • Data strategist
  • Marketing data manager
  • Social data analyst

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • Hearst UK
  • London School of Economics
  • PriceWaterhouseCoopers
  • UK Government
  • United Nations

Our graduates

Quyen Dao

Data, Culture and Society MA - 2021

The course offered an amazing chance to study data, AI, and the relationship between humans and technology. I don't think there are many courses that can do the same: you are analysing technology from the perspective of culture and society and aiming to develop technology in a humane way.

Osama Aljaber

Data, Culture and Society MA

When I was searching for courses in data science, I didn’t want to register for a course that only covered the practical side of data manipulation. I also wanted to also study the impact of data and big data on societies. So when I found the Data, Culture and Society MA at the University of Westminster, I knew that this course had everything that I wanted.
 

Oreoluwa Obiri

Data, Culture and Society MA

I have really enjoyed the fact that my course is an integrative programme helping students to navigate both the technical aspects of data but the conceptual side of it too. Students from various different backgrounds can join this course and they all bring different perspectives to class discussions and forums. This makes the course very unique and I love it.

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Leading provider

We’re ranked top 10 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2021, and also ranked 4th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Communication and Media Studies.

London location

You’ll study in London, one of the key global hubs, where major companies and organisations working on data, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital innovation are based.

Access to specialised software tools and packages

You’ll get access to specialised software such as Adobe, Diagrams.net, MySQL, Python, R,  and Tableau.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and substantial relevant work experience.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for applications

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and substantial relevant work experience.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for applications

More information

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
16%84%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studies

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Written exams: end of semester exams
  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
12%88%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course Location

The core modules of the course are taught in Cavendish Campus. Depending on the optional modules chosen, you will also be based at other University of Westminster campuses (such as Harrow Campus, Regent Street, or Little Titchfield Street).

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

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