PGCert Digital Media Theory

Course information

Media, Communications and Cultural Studies

Three academic terms (September-June) equivalent to part-time study

Course overview

The PGCert in Digital Media offers an introduction to critical and theoretical approaches to contemporary media and technology.

The PGCert in Digital Media - Theory is designed to help you understand digital transformations in media, culture, and society in the media and creative industries, and in further research. You will be equipped with skills that can be applied to current and future developments in digital media, social media, computing, and other aspects of technology.

This programme offers a critical and contextual approach to digital media and technology. It explicitly discusses approaches to 'new' media in academic and professional debates, especially those that overemphasise the potential for radical social change led by a technology itself. The programme emphasises the importance of addressing the social and historical contexts within which a range of media technologies are employed.

Develop your understanding of Digital Media

You will draw on a range of disciplines during the programme to develop a contextual framework for thinking about digital media and technologies as fully cultural forms and processes, including media and cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. The focus, however, will remain on key contemporary concerns about the potential role of digital media in society and on refiguring the contours of the computational media.

You will be equipped with skills in critical evaluation and contextualisation which can be applied to future developments in digital media and technology. The programme is therefore appropriate for further research and for careers in the media and cultural industries.

Learn from experts

The core teaching team from within the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies provides expertise in critical, practical, technical, and contextual approaches to digital media and technology. You will learn from tutors from a range of professional and academic backgrounds, as well as, a schedule of guest seminars in digital media and technology provided by the department and Goldsmiths.

The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (3rd in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Daniel Rourke.

What you'll study

Compulsory Modules

You will study the following compulsory module.

Module title	Credits
Digital Media: Critical Perspectives	30 credits

Option modules

You will also study 30 credits of option modules from a list provided by the department. Below is an indicative list of modules that may be available to you.

Module title	Credits
Digital Culture Critical Theory	30 credits.
Software Studies	30 credits or 15 credits
Photography and After	30 Credits

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have or expect to gain a first degree of at least upper second class standard (or equivalent).

The programme is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds within the humanities and no prior knowledge of new or digital media studies is required.

Consideration may also be given to students without an academic background in a relevant subject area if they have significant professional experience in the field of digital media and are able to demonstrate their ability and commitment to the pursuit of a programme of rigorous academic study.

All applicants need to demonstrate an awareness of the historical and contemporary significance of digital media and technology and a willingness to accept the challenge of interdisciplinary study.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

To find out more about your fees, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

How to apply

Apply now

Find out more about applying.

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PGCert in Digital Media Theory