Skip to main content
Three students actively engaging in a conversation with one another.
Graduate (Taught)
Application code:P3U4
Department of Media and Communications

MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

This social science programme offers a critical exploration of the significance of data and information within contemporary societies and communications.

Overview

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.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, or degree in a social science subject. We particularly welcome applications from people with professional experience in the media, communications, data or information technology fields.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

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.

Programme content

Year 1

You take one course on media and communications theories and concepts, a course in research methods and a data course, and will choose courses from a range of options within the department and across other relevant departments, such as Sociology, Government, Law and Management. In addition, you'll submit a dissertation of 12,000 words.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Media and Communications is a world-leading centre for education and research in the field. Our department is ranked number 1 in the UK and number 2 globally for communication and media studies (2024 QS World University Rankings).

We offer students a wide selection of programmes, including master’s degrees, doctoral research training and short courses. At any one time, we have around 270 master’s students and 30 PhD students from around the world – all varying in age, professional experience and backgrounds.

Within the department, our research is organised around four key themes: media culture and identities, media participation and politics, communication histories and futures, and communication technology, rights and justice. The outputs from our research are shared with organisations such as the BBC, Facebook, Google, UNICEF, Ofcom and the UK/EU governments.

LSE’s location at the heart of London, one of the world's media capitals, allows us to foster close links with media and communications industries and policymakers.

Graduates from our programmes progress to interesting roles in broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in the public and private sectors.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Personal statement requirements

If you're applying for this programme, please note the specific requirements for your personal statement in the Statement of Academic Purpose webpage.

Please note: The applications, intake and ratio values below includes MSc Media and Communications, MSc Media and Communications (Research) and MSc Media and Communications (Media and Communication Governance).

1162
Applications
145
Intake
8:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£28,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Destinations of alumni from the MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society) have included: project manager for the Asset Data Question Project, Product Manager, Policy Assistant at Research Institutes, Content Strategist, Analysts, Planning Executives.

This programme will give you an understanding of how data shapes social life specifically through communication processes. This is useful for future careers in media and communication fields that are increasingly bound up with information systems and data development, such as: advertising and marketing, data analytics, legal and political consulting, information management, and editorial.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£35,500

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism
Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Consultancy
Information, Digital Technology and Data
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

Find out more

Explore LSE

Student life

Discover our campus and student services
Welcome at LSE

Student support

Find out more about our academic guidance, advice and pastoral care
A group of students sitting with an advisor at a LSE LIFE session

Accommodation

Explore the accommodation services we offer to our students
Two students taking part in Action for Happiness held in LSE Residences during London Wellbeing Week 2020.

Meet, visit and discover LSE

Attend our in-person events or explore LSE from home
Campus tour guide during a campus tour for prospective students.