University College London (UCL)

Digital Humanities MSc

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, class discussions, practical computer lab sessions, presentations, workshops, and more. Term 3 is spent working on the dissertation, and having meetings with dissertation supervisors.

A 15-credit module is equivalent to 150 hours of study and a 30-credit module is equivalent to 300 hours. This includes contact time, private study and the undertaking of coursework assignments.

Assessment is through a mixture of essays, practical projects, programming exercises, written technical examinations, and group projects, depending on the options chosen.

Taught modules on the Digital Humanities MSc programme (both compulsory and optional) typically consist of 2-3 hours of lectures/seminars per week, which amounts to a total of 20-30 contact hours per 15 credit module. For the dissertation, the mode of delivery is independent study punctuated by regular one-to-one meetings with a supervisor.

A Postgraduate Diploma, six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), full-time nine months or flexible study up to 5 years is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate, four from any of the available modules (60 credits), full-time fifteen weeks or flexible study up to two years is offered.

Modules

Full-time

Terms 1 and 2:

Full-time students will undertake four compulsory modules, either Global Digital Humanities or Social Media, Platforms and Power, two optional modules, and a research dissertation.

These modules will introduce a range of issues involved in the rationale, selection, creation, evaluation, critique and use of digital resources in the humanities; explore the fundamental concepts of markup, website delivery and design, and issues involved in generating and delivering online content effectively and accessibly; examine the use of appropriate programming languages to introduce the fundamental principles of programming and scripting; and give you the opportunity to understand and engage in current debates in the digital humanities related to data-centric research, such as the ways in which patterns of societal privilege and prejudice may be embedded in the ways in which data are collected, processed and presented.

The technical modules are all at entry level; for students that already have demonstrable competencies in these areas, it may be possible, subject to the agreement of the Programme Director, to substitute modules from other UCL departments.

For the optional modules, there are usually a wide range of taught modules to choose from, subject to availability and timetabling.

Term 3:

This is primarily for coursework assignments. Students will also carry out the bulk of the research for their dissertation in Term 3 but will have been working on their proposal throughout the year. We ask students to include in their proposal outline thoughts about a dissertation area in which they may be interested, although this will evolve as the year progresses and students develop new skills and focus on their own areas of interest.

Part-time
Part-time students (two-year programme of study) will undertake four compulsory modules, either Global Digital Humanities or Social Media, Platforms and Power, two optional modules, and a research dissertation. They will usually take four taught modules each year and the dissertation in the Second and Final Year, and they must take all eight taught modules (compulsory and optional) by the end of their studies. There is no fixed order in which the taught modules should be taken and we are happy to allow as much flexibility as possible.

Flexible
Modular/flexible students (two- to five-year programme of study) will undertake four compulsory modules, either Global Digital Humanities or Social Media, Platforms and Power, two optional modules and a research dissertation. They can take the eight taught modules, compulsory and optional, in any order they wish (apart from modules with prerequisites) and must make sure they have completed all eight by the end of their studies. The dissertation should be submitted in the Final Year of study.

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Programming and Scripting
• Data Visualization and GIS
• Digital Humanities Research Methods
• Internet Technologies
• Dissertation

Optional modules

• Database Theory and Practice
• Introduction to Digitisation
• Foundations of Machine Learning
• Developing Dynamic Web Applications
• Machine Learning Methods
• Social Media, Platforms and Power
• Digital Industry: Culture and Innovation
• Affective Interaction
• Global Digital Humanities

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Digital Humanities. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Digital Humanities. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Digital Humanities.

Placement

Students have the opportunity to apply the research skills and critical understanding of digital industries and technologies taught across the programme in the context of a real-world consultancy, via the optional work placement module. The programme operates in collaboration with external organisations, including broadcasters, streaming services, galleries, libraries, museums, performing arts centres, big tech, publishing, content creation, charities, historic sites, social media, marketing, social enterprise, tourism, and education. Previous students have had the opportunity to work with organisations such as the British Museum, the British Library, the V&A, and the Natural History Museum.

What this course will give you

The Digital Humanities MSc is a truly interdisciplinary programme that offers students opportunities to capitalise on UCL's world-leading strengths in information studies, computer science, the arts and humanities, and social and historical studies.

We prepare students to work in industries such as media, broadcast, museums, governance, the tech industry, advocacy, and social justice. We invite our students to critically engage with data and digital transformation to empower them with the skills to actively participate in shaping inclusive, fair, and sustainable futures. Despite the promise of the ability of technology to connect us, we are still witnessing vast digital divides, online harms, and extensive power asymmetries in people’s ability to access and create information. Through this MSc, students can unleash the potential of digital humanities to not only equip them with knowledge and technical skills but also inspire them to reimagine and become agents of better digital futures for all.

The foundation of your career

Digital Humanities (MA/MSc) graduates have found employment in industry sectors as diverse as: IT, technology & communications, publishing, journalism, translation and PR. They work with employers including the BBC, Deloitte LLP and the National Gallery.*

Others may choose to progress to fully-funded research degrees; others may further develop their technical skills with a view to becoming programmers and developers.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017 - 2022 cohorts.

Employability

The cultural heritage and information sectors are increasingly aware of the need to provide, manage and analyse digital material and projects, with institutions and museums investing heavily in online content. As activities like digital content creation, dissemination and analysis are undertaken by an ever-broader range of actors in media and communication, cultural heritage, the governmental and NGO sector, and digital agencies and companies, the digital proposition is being widely taken up.

Our graduates develop tangible skills and are well placed for a career not only in the fast-growing digital sector, but also in public and private-sector research, development, digital strategy and foresight. As well as discipline-specific skills, we have a strong commitment to integrative learning, the development of research skills and the necessity of critically evaluating material and techniques from a wide variety of sources. In addition, we encourage you to challenge your assumptions and be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Communication skills are developed through class and seminar discussion with students taking an active role. Team working and networking are equally important and fostered by collaborative learning and the sharing of thoughts and ideas.

Networking

Students have the opportunity to network with industry professionals via the optional work placement module.

UCL Careers also offers a range of services, providing access to skills development, recruitment and networking events.