Course overview

Please note that this programme is currently only open to international students. Teaching takes place online, with supplementary teaching available at Al Jazeera Media Institute in Doha, Qatar.

The MSc Digital Media and Communication is an innovative, interdisciplinary programme designed for those who want to lead and shape media and communication in a fast-moving digital world. Developed by Aston University in partnership with the Al Jazeera Media Institute, the course combines critical analysis, creative practice and advanced digital and research skills to address the social, political and ethical challenges of contemporary media.

You will explore how digital platforms, data, automation and AI are transforming communication globally, while developing practical expertise in digital storytelling, data journalism, research and leadership. The programme is informed by cutting-edge research and applied to real-world practice, designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles across the media and communication industries.

Why study Digital Media and Communication?

Industry partnership

A unique collaboration with Al Jazeera Media Institute provides insight into global media practice, which bridges academic learning with real-world professional experience.

Future-focused digital skills with Adobe

Develop in-demand skills in data literacy, harnessing AI, digital storytelling, and media analytics, aligned with evolving industry practices.

Critical, ethical and creative approach

Learn to navigate the evolving social, political, and ethical challenges of digital transformation while reflecting on impactful professional media content.

Course description

Digital Media and Communication

This MSc responds directly to the rapid transformation of media, communication and journalism in a digital and data-driven society. Drawing on Aston University’s strengths in digital research, social sciences and politics, the programme integrates theory and practice to support professionals working across media, communication and related sectors.

What we will provide
First-class teaching delivered by research-active staff alongside extensive industry collaboration. Teaching is designed to inspire critical thinking in response to real-world needs, bringing the course content to life.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success comes from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
The course combines critical analysis of the transformations from legacy to platform media, taking on board analysis of automation, AI and ethics. You will examine issues such as misinformation, data power, algorithmic cultures, and global information flows, while developing creative and research-led responses to real media challenges. The programme is inclusive, international in outlook, and informed by sector benchmarks and employer expectations.

Career prospects
Graduates are prepared for roles across the media and communication industries, as well as related digital, policy and strategic sectors. Potential career paths include digital media and content strategy across public and private sectors, media analysis and research, and leadership or innovation roles within media organisations.

How you will learn

Teaching is delivered through flexible online learning, supported by guided activities, case studies, and practice-based tasks with Al Jazeera Media Institute. Learning methods include videos, independent study, applied exercises, and creative production.

Practice-based learning is embedded through the partnership with Al Jazeera Media Institute, ensuring experience in real-world international media environments.

What you will learn

Across the programme, modules include Digital Transformations, Data Journalism and Data Visualisation and AI, Automation and Ethics. The final stage of the programme is a 60-credit dissertation or practice-based research project, allowing you to pursue an independent topic aligned with your own professional interests.

Course objectives

To deliver a high-quality masters programme where students develop a critical understanding of advanced cutting-edge scholarship in digital media and communication.
To provide students with the techniques to demonstrate a critical awareness of the complex social, political and ethical issues that evolve with digital transformation.
To produce highly employable postgraduates who are skilled in a comprehensive range of techniques in data collection, analysis and research methodologies suitable for future careers in communication.
To produce graduates with advanced communication skills able to generate creative storytelling for the contemporary digital landscape.
Provide an online learning environment which that responds to the needs of entrants who want to develop a theoretically-informed and research-driven approach to practice, in conjunction with Al-Jazeera Media Institute.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Term 1 modules

In term 1, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Digital Transformations This module will cover key aspects of the transformation from legacy to platform media, considering the changes in news-gathering techniques, the rise of user- and AI-generated content, the evolution of new distribution models, changes in news consumption patterns and the power of global networked flows of information. Practical development: students will develop models for transformation of news across alternative platforms for target audiences.	30
Data Journalism and Data Visualisation This module will cover key practical skills for extracting and working with data in digital journalism, and core principles of, and key tools and methods for, data visualisation. The module will cover how digital data can be utilised in contemporary journalism, with teaching and learning structured around a practical workflow from sourcing and manipulating digital data, to effectively communicating insights from data to specific audiences. Practical development: It is envisaged that students will work with real-world data and utilise data visualisation tools.	15
Digital Storytelling and Content Creation This module will develop a range of skills for content creation around narrative design and storyboarding for platform content. It makes use of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and explores audio-visual methods, social media branding techniques, and the algorithmic lores of various platforms, useful for content discoverability. Practical development: it is envisaged that students will design, plan and produce online content with, and designed for, mobile devices.	15
Total	60

Term 2 modules

In term 2, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
AI, Automation and Ethics This module draws on cutting-edge research and theory to critically evaluate the development of AI and machine learning in media contexts and interrogate the questions it raises for journalistic ethics and democratic citizenship. This includes the analysis of cases on the production and circulation of misinformation, deep-fakes, and prompt-engineering. Practical development: It’s envisaged that students will be able to work on case-studies which have emerged from their own experience and devise strategies for ethical journalistic practice.	30
Digital Research Methods This module will equip students with the skills to undertake a substantial piece of research, drawing on a range of research methods and reflecting on how strategic problems can be addressed through research design. It will develop core skills of data collection, data management and analysis with a transferable knowledge of digital research ethics.	15
Transformational Leadership This module will offer key theoretical and practical insights into business leadership and strategy. Aston University has a number of leadership programmes from which we could choose, including ‘Leadership for Transformational Change’ from the Aston Business School or ‘Advanced Leadership Communication’ from the Department of Communication and Culture.	15
Total	60

Dissertation stage module

In the dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation/practical research project This module will allow students to design and develop their own research project. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students will develop applied research questions and carry out a major research project. The dissertation may be a full 8000 written project – or a 60/40 split combining a creative experimental project with a 2000 word reflective discussion.	60
Total	60

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

You will need one of the following: 

A UK 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree in the broad field of Social Sciences. This includes English language or literature, Media, Journalism, Communications, Business, Law or another Humanities or Social Science degree.
An equivalent international degree recognised by Aston University and proof of English language (if applicable).

You will need to provide: 

A copy of your bachelor's degree and transcripts (translated to English if necessary) 
Your curriculum vitae (CV)  
A professional reference  
Your ID  
Proof of English language (if applicable)

We take a holistic approach to evaluating applications, considering both your academic background and professional experience. If you don't meet the standard entry requirements, you may still be considered if you can demonstrate strong professional achievements or relevant qualifications.  

 At least three years of relevant post-graduation work experience or three years of relevant work experience  
An academic reference 
A personal statement detailing your motivations for undertaking this programme and how your background, qualifications, and experiences will help you meet its demands
A copy of your curriculum vitae (CV)

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of a recognised English language qualification, taken within the last two years and accepted by Aston University.

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications, including: 

IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online 
IELTS One Skill Retake 
TOEFL and TOEFL iBT 
Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital) 
Pearson Academic (PTE) 
Password Test 
Language Cert International ESOL SELT 
Kaplan Test of English (KTE) 
Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE) 
Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with Al Jazeera:

Email: institute@aljazeera.net

Phone / WhatsApp: +974 4489 7666

Address: Al Jazeera Media Network, Po Box 23134, Doha, Qatar
Office Hours: Sunday to Thursday | 8am - 4pm (Qatar Time= +3 GMT)

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

100,000 QAR | $30,000

For more information please contact institute@aljazeera.net.

Assessment

Assessment combines critical analysis with creative and applied work. You will be assessed through a mix of written assignments, research projects and digital media outputs. Many assessments make use of industry-standard tools, including Adobe Creative Campus, enabling students to build professional portfolios and, where appropriate, gain digital certification.

Career prospects

Graduates will be prepared for roles across media, communication and creative industries, as well as related digital and strategic sectors. Career pathways may include digital media and content strategy, journalism and data journalism, digital communications and marketing, media analysis and research, audience or engagement strategy and leadership and innovation roles within media organisations.

The course also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate research (PhD) and research-led professional roles.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Digital Media and Communication?

Whether you are a graduate looking to move into a career in digital communication or an experienced media professional looking to upgrade your skills for the contemporary media environment, this course develops critical, creative, and technical skills in order to lead in a media landscape shaped by platform delivery, data and AI, with strong industry partnerships and an ethical, practice-based focus.

How is the course delivered?

Teaching for the MSc is delivered online by Aston University with applied activities developed in conjunction with Al Jazeera Media Institute. Enrolment opens-up further opportunities to undertake some in-person courses at the Al Jazeera Media Institute in Doha, Qatar.