Media and Arts Technology

Media and Arts Technology at Queen Mary University of London offers a cutting-edge MSc programme designed to equip students with interdisciplinary skills in digital media, arts, and technology. The programme combines theoretical understanding with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in the creative industries, media production, digital arts, and research. Students explore a wide range of topics including interactive media, digital arts, sound design, multimedia programming, and the social impacts of digital technologies. The course emphasizes experimental and innovative approaches, encouraging students to develop their own creative projects using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Throughout the programme, students engage in collaborative projects, workshops, and industry placements to gain real-world experience. The curriculum covers core areas such as human-computer interaction, digital signal processing, multimedia systems, and creative coding, alongside critical studies of media and arts. The diverse faculty includes experts from computer science, arts, and media studies, fostering an environment of multidisciplinary learning. The programme is suitable for students from backgrounds in arts, media, computer science, or related fields who are eager to push the boundaries of technology and creative expression. Graduates of Media and Arts Technology are well-prepared to work in sectors like digital entertainment, media production, digital arts practice, and technology-driven creative industries. The program also offers opportunities for research and innovation, leading to a wide range of professional and academic pathways. With access to Queen Mary’s extensive facilities, including dedicated media labs and performance spaces, students can experiment and develop their ideas in a vibrant academic community. The course aims to nurture innovative thinkers capable of designing and implementing new media technologies and artistic practices for the future.

The first year follows the American model with a strong emphasis on taught modules. There are six in the first two semesters, then a five-month internship with companies such as BBC, BT, Cinimod, United Visual Artists and Inition. Core modules are Interactive Digital Multimedia Techniques (including Max MSP, Arduino and raspberry Pi), Sound Recording and Production Techniques (audio piece on Logic), Digital Arts documentary (documentary made with expert production advice and edited on Final Cut) and Research Methods. There are two additional optional modules chosen from a long list such as Java programming, Design for Human Interaction and Digital Audio Effects.

At the beginning of year 2 you finalise your PhD topic. In years 2 and 3, you will take three further specialist option modules to support your research. These can be from other Schools in Queen Mary, like Geography, Drama and Film, as well as from our own School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.
For this second round of applications we are offering scholarships to applicants who are ordinarily resident in the UK (i.e. have lived and worked in the UK at least the last three years). 

Requirements

• A full academic transcript (a record of courses taken and grades achieved)
• Applicants must submit documentation of GRE results obtained during the last five years, showing scores for all sections of the examination
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Two academic referees to send confidential reference letters to econpgadm@qmul.ac.uk
• A research proposal (1000 words)
• If English is not your first language we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no mark less than 5.5 in the individual components.

Scholarships

A number of fully-funded places are available for all UK resident candidates to apply for (resident in the UK for at least the last three years) and three to four places for EU/International students to apply for. The stipend last year was £16,262 per annum tax free and all fees for the programme are also included, we do also consider self-funding students.

You should be able to demonstrate academic achievement at the level of a first class honours degree or high level pass at Masters and excellent critical and analytic skills. You should also have a clear aptitude for interdisciplinary research including some programming or mathematical ability. We especially welcome applicants with interests in: media content, semantics for audio video and music, computational linguistics, cognitive science, cultural studies, experimental and social psychology, linguistics, media and communications, political science and social computing, Interactive Art and Architecture.

Media and Arts Technology at Queen Mary University of London offers an interdisciplinary programme that combines creative arts, digital technology, and innovative design. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive set of skills in digital media production, interactive arts, and emerging technologies, preparing them for careers in media industries, creative agencies, and tech companies. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, explore cutting-edge topics such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital fabrication, and develop both technical proficiency and artistic sensibility. The programme integrates theoretical coursework with practical applications, encouraging students to experiment with new media and develop original projects that push the boundaries of traditional arts and technology. The curriculum is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking, with collaboration opportunities across different disciplines. Participants can benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs, studios, and equipment for media production, as well as access to a vibrant campus community that supports creative endeavors. The course also emphasizes industry engagement through workshops, guest lectures, and networking events, facilitating students’ transition into professional roles post-graduation. Graduates are prepared to work in sectors such as media production, digital arts, entertainment technology, game development, and multimedia design. The programme is suitable for students with an interest in both the arts and technology sectors, offering a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience aimed at fostering innovation and creativity in digital media arts.