Is the MA Digital Communication a marketing master's?

No. The MA Digital Communication treats digital communication as a profession in its own right — content strategy, platform research, audience research, ethics — rather than as a sub-discipline of marketing. Many MA Digital Communication graduates do move into marketing-adjacent senior roles, but the framing is communications-first.

Does the MA Digital Communication cover algorithmic accountability?

Yes — at depth. Algorithmic accountability sits at the centre of the platform research and digital ethics modules. The MA Digital Communication treats algorithmic systems as a core part of contemporary communication, not as a sub-topic.

Can I take the MA Digital Communication part-time?

Yes. The MA Digital Communication can be taken over two years part-time, with online and distance modes designed for working professionals. Most working students complete the dissertation in the second year.

What kind of dissertation do MA Digital Communication students produce?

Past MA Digital Communication dissertations have covered topics from algorithmic amplification on TikTok during election periods to platform-native crisis communication for regulators. The 12,000–15,000-word dissertation is on a question of your choice, agreed with your supervisor.

What fees, scholarships and instalments are available?

Fees for the MA Digital Communication vary by mode, intake and student status. LSJHML offers automatic scholarship review for every applicant, instalment plans and a small employer-sponsorship discount. Contact admissions for the current schedule.

MA Digital Communication in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Digital Communication at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for senior digital communicators, content strategists and platform-native journalists wanting advanced training in the discipline at Master's level. The course is built in dialogue with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Content Marketing Institute.

You will work through advanced content strategy, platform research and algorithmic accountability, data-driven audience work and digital ethics at senior level, and produce a 12,000–15,000-word dissertation on a current question in digital communication.

Key Features

UK Master's degree — one year full-time or two years part-time, with online and distance routes available.
Advanced content strategy module grounded in contemporary Content Marketing Institute and platform research.
Platform research module covering algorithmic accountability, attention economy, platform power.
Data-driven audience work at Master's level — advanced analytics, attribution, behaviour change measurement.
Digital ethics module — algorithmic accountability, online safety, GDPR for senior practitioners.
12,000–15,000-word dissertation on a current digital communication question, supervised by a working senior practitioner or academic.

What You Will Learn

The MA Digital Communication is structured around the working life of a senior digital communicator — set strategy, lead content production, analyse audience behaviour, navigate ethical questions, account for outcomes at board level. You finish able to set digital communication strategy at senior level, lead a content function, and write a Master's-level dissertation grounded in current platform research.

Advanced content strategy — editorial planning, brand voice at scale, content calendar at senior level.
Platform research — algorithmic accountability, attention economy, platform power.
Advanced audience research — segmentation, behavioural analytics, attribution modelling at a working level.
Digital ethics — algorithmic harm, online safety, GDPR for senior practitioners.
Content production leadership — leading a multimedia content team across platforms.
Senior measurement — AMEC framework at Master's level, board reporting, ROI conversations.
International digital communication — cross-platform global strategy, cultural adaptation.
Dissertation research methods — design, mixed methods, ethics, academic writing.

Who This MA Is For

Bachelor's graduates in digital comms, marketing, journalism or media wanting senior-track specialism.
Working digital communicators with two-plus years' experience moving into leadership roles.
Senior journalists transitioning into digital editorial leadership.
Government and public-sector digital communicators wanting a structured Master's credential.

Career Pathways

The MA Digital Communication supports progression into senior digital comms and director-level content roles. Typical post-MA destinations include:

Digital Communications Manager (senior or head-of-function role)
Social Strategist (senior agency or in-house role)
Internal Comms Lead (senior corporate, NHS trust, regulator role)
Campaigns Executive (senior advocacy or political-campaign role)
Digital Engagement Officer (senior university, cultural body or membership-organisation role)
Head of Content (digital publisher, brand newsroom, agency)

The MA also supports doctoral research in platform studies or progression into chief-of-staff-style digital leadership roles.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.