Skip to main content

AI and Creative Media

MA

Book open days Get prospectus Contact us

Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026 | January 2027
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our new MA AI and Creative Media combines critical thinking with hands-on creative practice to provide you with a unique opportunity to explore the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the arts, media and creative industries.

  • Why choose this course?
    • This course gives you the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of AI technologies through direct engagement with the models, tools and applications that are rapidly changing the way media and the arts are produced, distributed and experienced.
    • It draws on Birkbeck’s world-leading expertise in media, philosophy, computing and management.
    • It is designed for aspiring or established media professionals who are keen to navigate using AI effectively or responsibly within their creative work and organisations.
    • It is also ideal if you are interested in examining the impact of AI on creative labour and intellectual property, studying the development of new forms of AI aesthetics, or influencing the direction of future AI policy within the creative sector.

  • What will I learn?

    On this course you will consider how AI technologies present opportunities and challenges for creative media artists working within cultural industries. You will be encouraged to undertake critical experimentation with AI within the fields of digital image and video production, creative writing and performance, while developing your understanding of the need for effective methods of working with these technologies ethically and responsibly.

    You will learn practical techniques for building and using generative AI models and tools within creative media practice. You will also gain an understanding of the social, historical and economic context of AI development, as well as technical knowledge of how cotemporary AI systems work. In exploring the ethical and political implications of AI use for creative labour and industries, you will learn responsible approaches to using the technology.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study either full- or part-time. You will be taught via lectures, seminars and workshops that take place in the evening.

    Option modules will allow you to follow your interests or career aspirations delving more deeply into key areas of digital media design and management. Or you could choose from a growing number of AI modules offered across the university including: philosophical investigations of AI ethics, legal explorations of AI regulatory frameworks, computer science training in data analytics and machine learning.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time October start: One to three evenings a week, October to July.

    Full-time January start: One to three evenings a week, January to December.

    Part-time October start: One or two evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time January start: One or two evenings a week, January to December.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • You will study at our Bloomsbury campus in the heart of London, a city fast becoming one of the major European hubs for AI research and development.
  • Birkbeck students are drawn from a diverse range in terms of age and academic, social and cultural backgrounds. This creates a stimulating and supportive learning environment.
  • You will have access to Moodle, our online learning resource where all information and materials relating to your programme of study and modules are available, as well as the Birkbeck Library with its wealth of digital resources.

Modules and Teaching

Birkbeck Business School

The school is research-driven across a wide range of disciplinary themes with academic staff who create new knowledge, push boundaries and publish in leading academic journals.

Visit the school

Entry requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in any area of study.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Fit a master's around your schedule
Choose Birkbeck today

Fees

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £5,670 per year
Full-time home students: £11,340 per year
Part-time international students: £11,115 per year
Full-time international students: £22,230 per year

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in January 2027

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £5,670 per year
Full-time home students: £11,340 per year
Part-time international students: £11,115 per year
Full-time international students: £22,230 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

Graduates in this MA AI and Creative Media can go on to follow career paths in roles such as:

  • digital designer
  • creative media artist
  • project manager
  • policy adviser
  • educator.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for AI and Creative Media (MA)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time

Starting in January 2027

Full-time

Part-time