MA Social Media Management

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject that includes some coverage of media studies or other theory-focused media-related course, cultural studies, sociology (or a social science course), history, politics, literature, philosophy.

We will also consider applicants with a degree in a non-related subject providing you have at least one year's experience within the fields of media and/or the cultural industries. Additional information may also be requested to consider these applications.

Course content

This MA provides specialist knowledge of Social Media (SM) in business contexts, encompassing areas such as brand and reputation management, crisis communication, and user behaviour. You will learn about brand strategy and how this plays out through SM channels: how businesses use SM to create brand affinity, esteem, and loyalty, and how they target audiences depending on the maturity of brand and platform.  

We teach technical proficiency - how to measure and create engagement, how to budget to create impact through engine optimisation, and understanding of Al. You will also acquire in-depth knowledge of the properties of different SM platforms: how they are used, for which purposes, by whom, and in which countries/regions, while also considering ethical implications and social consequences. 

Graduates can effectively build campaigns, maximise visibility, strategically engage with various SM platforms, and create flexible, adaptable content that can be realigned to the demands of the various platforms. 

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

Our MA offers practical as well as theoretical learning opportunities, such as going behind the scenes in the Digital Humanities Lab and the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and developing practical skills in SM management and strategy. 

Research-led teaching ensures module content includes the latest trends in SM and Digital Marketing. Our research includes: contemporary media and culture, gamification and critical video game theory, celebrity cultures, promotional cultures, algorithm bias, and user data analysis. 

You will also benefit from a range of visiting expert speakers, as well as have opportunities to participate in content creation and industry-facing events. 

Facilities

We are exceptionally lucky to have some fantastic facilities and resources on the Streatham Campus.

Digital Humanities Lab

Digital Humanities is increasingly important in all areas of humanities research, including history, archaeology, literatures and languages. This research space enables the examination, preservation and analysis of historical, literary and visual material. Facilities in the lab include:

• a flagship seminar room equipped with a 4.2-metre video wall, encouraging interactive engagement in a shared display space
• two state-of-the-art photography labs, including provision for the 2D digitisation of heritage material and primary sources
• an audio-visual lab with a recording studio and sound editing suite
• a MakerSpace equipped with 3D scanning and printing equipment

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

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Careers

This MA provides you with valuable transferable skills in social media management, user research and design, campaigning, branding, budgeting, reputation management, and digital marketing strategies. There is also emphasis on the development of a professional practice based on critical understanding and reflection, with an interdisciplinary and practice-based approach to learning. 

These skills can be utilised in a wide range of future careers across, public, private, commercial and third sectors, as well as continuing study to PhD level.

Guest speakers will also give you a starting point to develop your own broad network of professional contacts.

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