Master of Arts in Creative Media (MACM) | School of Creative Media

The Degree

The Master of Arts in Creative Media (MACM) is designed to cultivate the next generation of cultural innovators. Grounded in the humanities, it combines aesthetic, theoretical, and technological expertise to equip students for leadership roles in the dynamic world of new media and creative industries. This programme asserts that a strong foundation in media theory and aesthetics, philosophy, and cultural studies is crucial for developing the critical mindset required for a successful career in creative media.

DEGREE CHARACTERISTICS

Theoretical depth: This programme is grounded in a variety of theoretical approaches:

- Foundational and Theoretical Frameworks (Philosophy of Technology, Media Ecology, Media Archaeology, Cultural Studies)
- Media Theory and Aesthetics (Critical New Media Studies, Digital Aesthetics, New Media Art Theory, Sound Art)
- Contemporary Media and Culture (Influencer Studies, Curatorial Practices, Queer Technology Theories)
- Specific Media Forms and Industries (Film Studies, New Cinema, Video Game Studies, Media Economics)

Practical Applications: MACM focuses on digital curation, content creation, social media platforms, video games and interactive media, collective intelligence, media collectives, influencer ecologies, creative entrepreneurship, participatory culture, AI, media activism, digital labor, global media corporations, big data analytics, and cultural analytics.

Please click here for the details of the programme in the University's Admission Information.

macm

Period of Study

Normal

Full Time: 1 year ; Part-time: 2 years

Maximum

Full Time: 2.5 years ; Part-time/Combined mode: 5 years

Programme Leader

Prof Damien CHARRIERAS

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

BA (Lyon Institute of Political Studies)
MA (Pantheon-Assas University)
PhD (Sorbonne Nouvelle University)
PhD (University of Montreal)
Posdoc (McGill)

VIEW PROFILE

Programme Structure

The Master of Arts in Creative Media (MACM) programme consists of 30 credit units, which includes 12 credit units of core courses and 18 credit units of elective courses.

The Master of Arts in Creative Media is structured around three streams. MACM students will join one of the three streams:

- Technofutures: Theory and Culture Stream
- Influencer Studies Stream
- Expanded Curation Stream

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENT
Stream Core Courses	12 credit units
(1) Technofutures: Theory and Culture Stream, or
SM5303 Technofutures: Critical Approaches to the Metaverse, AI, and Blockchain SM5325 Introduction to Media and Cultural Studies SM6325 Philosophy of Technology and New Media SM6333 World Making: Artistic Strategies for Contingent Systems
(2) Influencer Studies Stream, or
SM5351 Introduction of Influencer Studies SM5352 Influencer Techniques: Aesthetics, Narratives, and Audience SM6349 Platform Cultures SM6350 Videographic Criticism
(3) Expanded Curation Stream
SM5348 Curating Creative Media SM5349 Distributed Curation SM6346 Social Media, Aesthetics and Curation SM6347 Protocols and Techniques of Decentralised Curation
Elective Courses	18 credit units
Total	30 credit units

The elective courses are structured around three concentrations. Students can take courses from any concentration to fulfill the elective requirement.

1. New Media Arts and Aesthetics

This includes several courses which provide a deep understanding of contemporary approaches to arts rooted in our School's tradition and expertise in avant-garde, experimental and neonarrative New Media Arts.

2. Critical Theories for Arts and Technology

This proposes several courses of advanced studies in contemporary thought and in new media theory in which our School has developed a strong international presence. This block allows our students to be part of the most recent intellectual debates in Western/non-Western contemporary philosophies.

3. Interventions in Media Cultures

This fosters students’ capacity to intervene in the social, mediatic, regulatory, urban environment. This concentration takes advantage of the strong integration of our School in its cultural, artistic and economic regional context.

Curriculum for Prospective Students

For students admitted in 2024 and before, click here for the curriculum of your cohort to learn more about the graduation requirements.

SAMPLE STUDY PATH

Students admitted in 2025

Students admitted in 2024

Students admitted in 2022 and 2023

CAREER PROSPECTS

MACM aims to give an intellectual and practical formation to future professionals in the creative industries sectors, including:
• Social media and art collectives
• Art and museum institutions
• Performing arts organizations
• Research institutes
• Private and public cultural institutions
• Tech companies
• Specialized media outlets
• Creative agencies
Advanced Studies: MACM provides a strong foundation for doctoral research.

Alumni

Andy STOLL
MACM 2007
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Producer and Professional Speaker

Dr Winnie SOON
MACM 2008
Associate Professor, School of Communication and Culture, Aarhus University

Eugene ZHANG
MACM 2015
Documentary Director, Photographer

Dr SUN Yini
MACM 2012

Lecturer, School of Journalism & Communication, Huaqiao University

TUITION FEE

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Enquiry on Programmes:

icon-venue SCM General Office, City University of Hong Kong
Level 7, Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, 18 Tat Hong Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

icon-phone 852 - 3442 8049

icon-fax 852 - 3442 0408

icon-email smgo@cityu.edu.hk

Enquiry on Admissions:

icon-venue Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies
4/F Fong Yun Wah Building
Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies
City University of Hong Kong
Tat Chee Avenue
Kowloon, Hong Kong

icon-phone 852 - 3442 5588

icon-fax 852 - 3442 0187

icon-email https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/enquiries

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