Digital Anthropology

Digital Anthropology at University College London offers an innovative interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between humans and digital technologies. This master's programme investigates how digital tools, platforms, and infrastructures influence social structures, cultures, and individual behaviors across the globe. Students will explore key themes such as online identities, social media dynamics, digital economics, data ethics, virtual communities, and the implications of digital transformation in everyday life. The course places a strong emphasis on both theoretical frameworks and practical research skills, enabling students to critically analyze digital phenomena and conduct ethnographic research in digital contexts. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, hands-on projects, and fieldwork, participants will gain insights into the socio-cultural dimensions of digital technology and develop innovative strategies to study, understand, and address contemporary digital challenges. The programme is designed for students interested in careers in academia, industry, policy-making, or digital development, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of how digital culture shapes modern society. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical tools and methodological expertise to contribute meaningfully to the field of digital anthropology and to influence future digital innovation in ethical and socially responsible ways. The curriculum is continually updated to reflect the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that students graduate with relevant and cutting-edge knowledge applicable to diverse professional contexts.

Students gain skills training in digital technologies, from internet and digital film editing to e-curation and digital ethnography; study the anthropological theories of virtualism, materiality/immateriality and social networks; and develop an understanding of the consequences of digital culture through the ethnographic study of its social and regional impact in a global and comparative context.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (45 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Digital Anthropology and Digital Anthropology Practical

Optional modules

• The Anthropology of Art and Design
• Mass Consumption and Design
• The Anthropology of the Built Environment
• Advanced Topics in Digital Ethnography
• Documentary Film and the Anthropological Eye
• Practical Ethnographic and Documentary Filmmaking
• Digital Infrastructure: Materiality, Information and Politics
• Anthropology and Photography
• Social Construction of Landscape

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practicals and laboratory sessions. It includes a weekly seminar series, with invited international speakers. Assessment is through essays, methodology practicals, written examination and the substantial research dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The financing of the Digital Anthropology MSc program at University College London is primarily supported through a range of funding sources available to both domestic and international students. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various options such as university scholarships, external bursaries, and government-sponsored financial aid. UCL offers a number of merit-based scholarships specifically targeted at postgraduate students, which can significantly alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, students may be eligible to apply for country-specific scholarships, such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Erasmus+ grants, depending on their nationality and residency status.

UCL also provides guidance on alternative funding routes, including student loans, which are accessible to eligible local students through government initiatives like the UK Student Loans Company. International students might explore private loans or sponsorship opportunities from their home institutions or external organizations. It is important for applicants to consult the UCL financial aid office early in the application process to identify all possible funding options and understand eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.

Moreover, students are advised to consider part-time work opportunities available both within the university and in the surrounding London area, which can help offset living costs during their studies. UCL’s Careers Service offers resources and advice on securing part-time employment, internships, and relevant industry experience. Some students may also seek sponsorship from their employing organizations if they are currently employed in fields related to digital technology, anthropology, or research, as part of professional development arrangements.

For international students, additional costs such as visa fees, health surcharges, and travel expenses should be budgeted accordingly. UCL provides guidance on visa applications and associated costs, as well as tips for managing financial planning during the course duration. Overall, the financing of the Digital Anthropology MSc program involves a combination of institutional scholarships, external funding sources, personal savings, part-time employment, and possibly sponsorships, which collectively support students throughout their academic journey at UCL.

Digital Anthropology at University College London is an innovative program that explores the complex relationships between digital technologies and human societies. This interdisciplinary course combines anthropological theories and methods with a focus on digital media, online communities, and technological practices, aiming to understand how digital technologies influence social behavior, culture, identity, and power dynamics. Students will examine topics such as social media, digital migration, virtual worlds, data privacy, and the socio-economic impacts of digital innovations across different cultural contexts. The program provides both theoretical foundations and practical skills, including ethnographic research methods tailored to digital environments, data analysis, and critical thinking about technological change. Delivered by leading scholars in the field, the course encourages students to critically assess the ethical and societal implications of digital technologies, fostering an awareness of issues like digital inequality, surveillance, and digital cultural heritage. Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, fieldwork, and collaborations with industry partners, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The curriculum is designed for those interested in careers in academia, digital media, technology consulting, policy-making, or cultural preservation. The program also emphasizes a globally oriented perspective, reflecting UCL's commitment to addressing pressing contemporary issues related to technology and society worldwide. Graduates of Digital Anthropology will be well-equipped to analyze digital phenomena critically, contribute to digital policy debates, and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges posed by rapid technological changes.