MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

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MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom, London

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Home/United Kingdom/London /London School of Economics and Political Science/MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

P3U4

Campuses

Houghton Street

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines28-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,400 / year

Next Intake 28-Sep-2026

MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

About

Introduction

The MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society) provides education and training in understanding the design, institutional context and social consequences of data- and information-driven systems (including AI) from a social science perspective.

The programme teaches critical skills in understanding, interpreting and governing data systems. While allowing students to build practical data science skills the programme introduces students to the wider implications of a social shift towards data and teaches them to effectively address ethical and governance questions that emerge.

You'll engage with the history, context and operation of data-driven systems as they are embedded in a range of communication contexts, learning about how power, value, commercial and public interest shape data-driven systems. You'll also consider the cultural aspects of the role of data within everyday life. Building from these insights you'll be able to develop skills and understandings critical for creating positive change within a range of settings, from public and private sector organisations to non-profit and research roles, evaluating and responding to the social and political contexts of data production and resulting AI technologies.

Preliminary readings

J Cheney-Lippold We Are Data: Algorithms and The Making of Our Digital Selves (NYU Press, 2017)
J Cohen Configuring the Networked Self: law, code, and the play of everyday practice (Yale University Press, 2012)
K Crawford Atlas of Algorithms (Yale University Press, 2021)
P Dourish The Stuff of Bits: an essay on the materialities of information (1st edition, MIT Press, 2017)
L Gitelman, Ed “Raw Data” is an Oxymoron (MIT Press, 2013)
R Kitchin The Data Revolution: big data, open data, data infrastructures and their consequences (Sage, 2014)
S Mattern Code and Clay, Data and Dirt (University Of Minnesota Press, 2017)
C O’Neil Weapons of Math Destruction: how big data increases inequality and threatens democracy (Penguin, 2017)
B Schneier Data and Goliath: the hidden battles to collect your data and control your world (Norton, 2016)
J van Dijck The culture of connectivity, a critical history of social media (Oxford University Press, 2013)
C Wiggins and M Jones How Data Happened: A history from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms (Norton, 2023)

Also look at the Big Data and Society journal, open source journal.

Disciplines

Department of Media and Communications

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Graduate entry requirements for applicants from Saudi Arabia Taught master's programmes To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (upper second class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 80 per cent, 3.3/4, 4.0/5, or an overall B, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (first-class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 90 per cent, 3.75/4, 4.7/5, A or very good, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. Research programmes (MPhil/MRes/PhD) To be considered for admission to a research programme, we would normally require a master’s degree if awarded after 2004 and expect grades of 85 per cent.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Career

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Fee Information

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,400

Application Fee

GBP