Summary
- Faculty of Performance, Media & English
- School
- Birmingham School of Media
- Duration
- Full Time: 1 year
Part Time: 2 years
- Fees
- For information please contact the Faculty:
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279
Email: media@bcu.ac.uk
Overview
Social media in the context of internet technologies is a relatively new term that broadly correlates to the concept of web 2.0. Social media consultancy as a profession is being shaped by the early proponents of the field.
There is a dichotomy within this nascent industry. On the one hand, established businesses are seeking to co-opt the tools of social media and use them for commercial gain; on the other, third sector organisations are making use of these tools to build complex and conversational communication strategies for minimal cost.
This MA programme will explore the techniques of social media, consider the development and direction of social media as a creative industry and will contribute new research and knowledge to the field.
Key Facts
The MA Social Media is part of a wider suite of postgraduate programmes within the Birmingham School of Media.
All the courses seek to develop reflective professionals in the media, creative and cultural industries, who can operate at the forefront of the academic discipline and of professional practice.
The content and approach of the curriculum focuses strongly on enterprise skills, engagement with new communication technologies and promoting innovation.
Birmingham has a thriving social media scene and it is fast becoming an industry. It is therefore wholly appropriate that this programme should be based within Birmingham School of Media, where students have access to a peer group and active community of social media practitioners.
Course Outline
Course Structure
The research-based nature of this MA draws upon the expertise of the Interactive Cultures research unit based in the Birmingham School of Media.
The School’s established and innovative work with music and radio industries, policy, cultural and entrepreneurship as well as the practices of social media will inform classwork as the directions of individual scholarship.
Teaching takes place in small groups. There will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, research workshops, presentations and field-trips. In exploring and innovating in research in social media, students will work with their peers and engage with professional practitioners, interacting and disseminating ideas through websites, blogs, Twitter and other social media as well as at networking events.
Modules
The taught postgraduate phase of the course will comprise modules that explore social media from a cultural studies perspective and explore political economy, social enterprise and social media organisations.
The Master’s component entails a substantial piece of independent study and the origin of a social media production project.
| Social Media as Culture |
Enterprise |
| (30 credits) |
(30 credits) |
| Social Media as Practice |
Production Lab |
| (30 credits) |
(30 credits) |
| MA by Practice |
| (60 credits) |
Assessments
Assessments usually emphasise scholarly or professional practice through which the key learning objectives are tested. Three weeks are set aside for assessment work.
Placements
The MA has a strong thread of individual personal development planning, supporting students’ studies and enhancing an individual’s career ambitions.
Students are expected to undertake a work placement/internship with an organisation that uses social media or is exploring social media. This will enable students to become engaged as researchers within the work place and enable them to find ways in which their skills and learning can be applied outside of academia.
The Birmingham School of Media has a number of close contacts in the creative and cultural sector, regionally, nationally and internationally, which will aid in finding appropriate placements and exploring work in these industries.
After your studies
Further Studies
For anyone interested in taking their research interests forward into an MPhil or PhD speak to the course director about your particular area of expertise.
Employment Opportunities
On completion of the MA Social Media, graduates may become a social media consultant (and understand what that means) and contribute to the development of the social media industry.
Other avenues to pursue include developing innovative and low cost communication strategies for third sector organisations using social media tools; developing innovative and alternative media projects; and working with existing mainstream media organisations as they develop social media strategies.
It is also possible for successful graduates to enhance their skills by contributing to the development of new professional practice in PR, marketing communications and web design.
They might also wish to continue developing a scholarly interest in social media as part of a further research degree.
How to apply
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a first degree or equivalent at 2:1, or above, or have considerable experience in a related field and be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential.
International students should have a minimum IELTS level of 6.5, while good spoken and written English are vital.
Applicants should have sound academic skills (research, writing, presentation), an interest in ideas and their application and some basic competence in IT skills (word-processing, internet activities and so on).
Above all, candidates for this exciting and innovative course need to have an inquiring mind, an aptitude for researching, sharing and communicating ideas and a desire to develop as an independent and self-motivated thinker.
Application Details
Please apply direct to faculty:
Online Application Form
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279
Email: media@bcu.ac.uk
For general information about applying to study at Birmingham City University, please refer to the Making your Application section.
International enquirers may contact the International Office for further help and advice.
Fees Notes
For information on postgraduate fees please contact the faculty: Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279 Email: media@bcu.ac.uk
Further Information
Birmingham School of Media
Birmingham City University
City North Campus
Perry Barr
Birmingham
B42 2SU
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279
Fax: +44 (0)121 331 6501
Email: media@bcu.ac.uk