Digital Media & Information Studies MA
Digital Media & Information Studies explores the creation, use and impact of digital content and information in the arts, humanities and society at large. It brings a human perspective to the issues of the digital age. Accredited by CILIP.
Digital Media & Information Studies
Our rich environment for practice-based teaching and research is immersed in heritage and provides first-hand experience in ways that knowledge has been created, preserved and communicated from the past to the digital age.
- September start
- Session dates
- Digital Media & Information Studies MA (Hons): I150 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
Year 1
You will learn about the value and role of information and digital media in professional and social environments, through theory, practice and hands-on sessions with digital media technologies. You will discover how to maximise the potential of information and digital media for work and everyday life, through key information literacy skills.
Topics include:
- digitisation
- platforms & social media
- immersive media
- artificial intelligence
- database development
- data analytics
- text analysis
- information governance, security and legislation
- information visualisation
- information literacy
- digital cultural heritage
- web development.
Year 2
Your second year studies build on the foundations laid in the first year and introduce new concepts and applications including:
- artificial intelligence
- basics of 3D modelling
- information systems
- internet history
- digital sound and video
- digital curation and stewardship.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will gain a broader theoretical understanding along with a chance to study the creation, application and use of particular technologies in more detail.
You will choose from courses such as:
- Enterprise, creativity & citizenship online
- Digital cultural heritage
- Multimedia analysis & design
- 2D digitisation
- Document encoding
- Records, society & accountability
- Music curation & analytics
- History of ICT
- Digital creativity
- Books as new media
- Introduction to digital humanities
- Data analysis & visual communication
- AI for arts & humanities.
In your final year you will complete a dissertation based on an original piece of research with the option to complete an applied dissertation (such as a placement) or an individual project (such as designing a digital tool or resource).
What our students say
Choosing Glasgow for my undergraduate degree gave me incredible freedom to shape my own path. I’ve had multiple study abroad opportunities, the flexibility to tailor my courses, and the chance to meet lifelong friends from all over the world. It’s opened doors I never imagined, and has been the foundation for everything I’m doing now and in the future.
Liyah: 3rd Year Media & Information Studies and Business & Management MA Student
My degree in DMIS equipped me with the practical skills and confidence to explore a range of opportunities within Glasgow’s creative sector - from engaging with musicians to collaborating with filmmakers. It enabled me to connect with talented creatives across the city and attend a wide variety of events, from gigs to exhibitions. I also had the opportunity to support and contribute to inspiring events, such as the University’s Creatives of Colour Festival.
Sara: 4th Year Digital Media & Information Studies MA Student
Course details
Courses you will take as part of a Digital Media & Information Studies programme may include:
Year 1
Year 2
- Digital Media and Information Studies 2A
- Digital Media and Information Studies 2B
- Digital Media and Information Studies 2A - Online Version
- Digital Media and Information Studies 2B - Online Version
Years 3 and 4 (Honours)
(Not all courses listed will be available in each session)
- 2D Digitisation: Theory & Practice (Hons)
- Books as New Media
- Data Analysis, Visualisation and Communication
- Digital Creativity
- Document Encoding
- Enterprise, Creativity and Citizenship Online
- Digital Cultural Heritage
- History of Information Communication Technology
- Introduction to Digital Humanities
- Multimedia Analysis & Design (A)
- Multimedia Analysis & Design (B)
- Music Curation and Analytics
- Records, Accountability, and Society
- Applied Dissertation with Placement in Digital Media & Information Studies
- DMIS Joint Honours Dissertation
- Dissertation in Digital Media and Information Studies
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You can spend up to a year of your degree studying abroad, normally in the third year. Recent students have chosen to study in Canada, the United States, Australia and Hong Kong. See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Account Executive
- Business Development Officer
- Commercial Banking Graduate
- Creative Artist
- Technology Analyst
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Officer
- HR Recruiter
- Junior Devops Engineer
- Marketing Analyst.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
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Evaluating how information and communication technologies shape knowledge, culture and society using interdisciplinary methods.
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Applying ICT tools and practices effectively to solve information, media and digital‑culture problems.
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Creating digital surrogates, resources and content to accepted professional standards, drawing on information‑sector expertise.
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Analysing digital content and data critically using appropriate ICT, research and interpretative frameworks.
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Integrating interdisciplinary theories to examine how digital systems influence individuals, organisations and societies.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited by CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals. With mutual recognition in the USA, Canada, Ireland and Australia, CILIP-accredited degrees are widely recognised as the best preparation for professional practice.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject ranking
QS World University Rankings [Communication & Media Studies]
