AI, Data and Communication MA
London, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jul 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 17,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international | UK: £9,500
Open Days at University of Westminster
Undergraduate Open Day 23 November 2024/ Postgraduate Online Open Day 26 February 2025
Introduction
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 address explores and creatively utilises this transformation. We place 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 the 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.
Top reasons to study with us
- This is an innovative and interdisciplinary degree for the 21st century, combining an understanding of 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
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.
Career Opportunities
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 in combining 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 in 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. - 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
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, comprising a set of core and optional extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up for a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
- Data and Society: Concepts and Applications
- Data System Concepts and Fundamentals
- Data and Society: Research and Methods
- Major Project
Option modules
- Social Media: Creativity, Sharing, Visibility
- Political Economy of Communication
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- The Politics of Global Complexity
- Legal Aspects of Electronic Commerce
- Artificial Intelligence and Society
- Digital Cultures
- Digital Media and Critical Theory
- Data Visualisation and Dashboarding
- Policies for Digital Convergence
Rankings
Westminster is a leading provider in this academic discipline and is ranked top 10 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2021. The University is also ranked 4th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Communication and Media Studies.
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.