Aims

Introduction

The MSc Social Media and Interactive Technologies provides an interdisciplinary understanding of social media and digital technologies based upon a concern with social inequalities and a emphasis on conceptual approaches to understanding social computing.

The programme will provide:

1. A detailed grasp of a range of practical social concepts, including those relating to social, political and economic factors, that underpin an understanding of the role of social media and digital technologies in society.
2. An in-depth appreciation of a range of social issues and constraints that impact upon technology design, adoption and use, with a focus on social media and digital technologies;
3. The skills necessary for the design and development of usable and accessible devices, software and systems, based on social science analysis and expertise.

The course is designed to provide an invigorating mix of social and technical skills, which are increasingly relevant for a wide range of situations. This includes an understanding of the key role of social media in society, and the ability to conceive of new interactive communications technologies. The course is therefore designed specifically to enable the student to develop skills that are increasingly demanded by business, academia and the voluntary sector.

Structure

Course structure

The Programme structure consists of Modules (120 credits in total) taught in both the Department of Sociology and Department of Computer Science.

The only programming is within the module on Web Design (WEBD). This requires elementary use of PHP and possibly JavaScript. We do not assume that students have any prior programming experience - but obviously it helps if you have. There is an optional single lecture on Programming Fundamentals for those who have not programmed before. It would be good for you to learn a bit before you come.

The programme includes the following modules:

Taught modules (120 credits)

1. User Centred Design (10 credits 8x2hrs)
2. Understanding Users (10 credits 8x2hrs)
3. Advanced Topics in Interactive Technologies (20 credits 8x2hrs)
4. Web Design and Evaluation (10 credits 8x2hrs)
5. Advanced Research Methods for HCI (10 credits 8x2hrs)
6. Understanding Social Media (PDF , 327kb) (20 credits - 8x2 hours)
   To identify and critically analyse the key characteristics of contemporary new media such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Second Life, often collectively described as social media, social web or Web 2.0, within the context of debates about broader sets of socio-cultural transformations
7. Digital by-product data and the social sciences (PDF , 292kb) (20 credits - 8x2 hours)
   This module explores some of the conceptual and methodological issues that are at stake and attempts to involve students in cutting edge debates about how these data might be used. The module will be based around key readings in the area and will also require students to creatively use the data that they locate and harvest.
8. Social Research Methods & Management (PDF , 350kb) (20 credits - 8x2 hours)
   The module aims to introduce social science students to the different steps in the development of a research project from its conceptualization to the dissemination of its findings through its concrete management. It aims to give a general overview of the decisions social researchers have to make when they develop a sociological project.

Dissertation (60 Credits)

The dissertation gives students the opportunity to apply the methodological, conceptual and analytic skills they have acquired throughout the taught components of the degree. It is expected that throughout the entire process the student will work under close supervision of an expert in the chosen area. The dissertation must be no less than 15,000 words in length.

Examples of previous projects include:

• The power of suggestion
• Accessibility of iPhone/iPad Apps
• Randomized Interfaces: Is this really a good idea?
• Interaction in the Large
• Democracy and Participation in York City
• The use of social networking sites by the older generation
• Social Robotics and Companionship
• Acquisition of new music content
• Living with the h-index?
• Investigating immersion in games with inattentional blindness.
• Immersion and cognitive effort when playing videogames
• Immersion in audio-only games
• Developing a statistics sketchpad

Entry

Entry requirements

Applicants must have the minimum of a 2:1 degree or equivalent suitable experience. This should be within a social science, business and management studies or a computer science related discipline with a particular emphasis on either social informatics, information management or social aspects of computing.

However, it is also recognised that this course is likely to attract highly capable students from other backgrounds who wish to undertake rigorous social science training. In this case, high calibre applicants from non-social science disciplines will be considered for admission.

Graduate Students with English as a second language

For applicants whose native language is not English, the Department sets an English language proficiency level of 7.0 in the British Council's IELTS test with at least IELTS 6.0 in writing.  We do accept other English Language Tests. Information on these is available at http://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/english/ We also strongly recommend that applicants attend the University's Intensive Summer Courses organised by the EFL Unit.

Students who have successfully completed a recent undergraduate degree at a UK University are exempt from the English Language requirement.

The Department's admissions criterion is in accordance with the University of York's policies on equal opportunities.

Applying

Application procedures

If you wish to apply for an MSc in Social Media and Interactive Technologies you can apply online and send all your documentation electronically. It is possible to save your application half way through the process and come back to it at a later stage.

• MSc Social Media and Interactive Technologies online application

Guidance and application forms

• Registry Services Guidance and Policy

Fees

Fees, funding and bursaries

Postgraduate tuition fees 2013/14

The fees are the standard rate tuition fees. Fees quoted are for one year of study only and are subject to increase in subsequent years. The University reserves the right to alter the level of fee. The latest information on tuition fees for postgraduate students is available on the Registry Services fees website.

Funding

University funding can be applied for on this course. Further information on these opportunities is available on the Graduate School Office webpages and our postgraduate studentships webpage.

Assessment

Assessment

Different methods of assessment are used throughout the course. They include:

• Assessment essays of between 3,000 and 5,500 words
• Group Presentation project
• Outline Research Proposal
• Examinations
• Dissertation

Written Statement of Assessment

MSc SMIT Written Statement of Assessment (PDF , 792kb)

Careers

Career Opportunites include:

Graduates completing the course will be equipped to play leading and professional roles related to the design and evaluation of interactive technologies in industry, commerce, academia and public service.

The degree is useful as preparation for PhD study in this expanding field.

Opportunities can also be explored in the fields of:

• Social media consultancy
• Social Media marketing
• Information analysts
• Information management
• Information specialists in public or private sector organisations

The careers service at York offers extensive services and advice to all post graduate students. Their range of services for PG students  include:

• Work, volunteering and career planning
• Exploring your options
• Looking for work
• Further study
• Developing your skills and experience
• York Award