Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Digital Economies (South East Asia) MSc
Please note, this course is only available to students based in South East Asia. This MSc Digital Economies (South East Asia) enables students to study how and why digital artefacts are transforming the way we work, transact, collaborate, and control global labour, institutions, and markets. Also, to understand what is implied by digital products, process, services, monetization and orchestration. The programme content will in part be focused on the digital economies of South East Asia.
Key benefits
- Knowledge and understanding of the effects of digital artefacts on contemporary society.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of the digital economy at a macro level.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of the digital economy at a micro level.
- Knowledge and understanding of how digital artefacts are unique and lead to innovative forms of products, services and processes.
- Knowledge and critical understanding that can be applied to practice with regard to managing digital artefacts at a micro level.
- Hybrid Learning Experience: Benefit from a hybrid teaching approach combining virtual lectures, seminars, and face-to-face components, including an intensive summer module focused on Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
- Knowledge and understanding of how all these things can be applied to the context of South East Asia.
Please note this course is only available to students in Southeast Asia. This programme is designed to teach you a solid knowledge and understanding of how digital artefacts are unique, how they lead to innovation, and their effects on contemporary society. You’ll learn about the main critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of the digital at macro and micro levels, and discover how to apply this to the management of digital artefacts. The first core module tackles the subject from a micro perspective, focusing on digital artefacts, like open-source software, to discuss their implications on communities, companies, and ecosystems. You will consider theories that address commons-based peer production, transaction cost theory, and beyond. At the same time, you’ll learn how to establish and apply digital initiatives, critically analyse existing innovation strategies, and scrutinise the ethics of digital creation. The second core module will shift your perspective to the macro and teach a systematic and critical reflection on the digital economy on a broader level. You’ll consider the challenges of rising tech companies and contemplate their political economy when debating major topics. You will be able to discuss topics such as addiction and attention, surveillance capitalism, and data colonialism while exploring the role of power in the digital economy and how new inequalities of power are emerging. By the end, you’ll be prepared to explain these changes and outline systematic connections across the digital economy as a whole. The specialist modules will allow you to deepen your understanding of the digital economy by specializing in key areas that intersect with the digital. The programme will include content specifically on the digital future of South East Asia. Your digital economies MSc will conclude with your final research project. This gives you the opportunity to gather your own research and become an expert in a topic that interests you.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Please note, this course is only available to students based in South East Asia. Please visit Digital Economies MSc if you are interested in our online course.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Personal statement and supporting information
Please answer the following questions as part of your online application form:
- Why are you applying for this programme and how does it fit in with your future plans? (maximum 250 words).
- How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (maximum 250 words).
Previous Academic Study
A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References
One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Optional: CV
Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.
Teaching methods - what to expect
The programme will be delivered in hybrid mode, a combination of virtual synchronous and a-synchronous lectures and seminars, with face-to-face components for each module provided by King’s College London fly-in faculty at Singhasari. A summer intensive will provide one module fully face-to-face at Singhasari which will provide some focus on Indonesia/Southeast Asia
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written examinations
- Practical Examinations
- Essays
- Reports
- Projects
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of participation, coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays, reports and projects. Coursework contributes approximately 100% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
You are required to take:
Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (30 credits)
Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (30 credits)
Designing Research (15 credits)
Situating Research (15 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take four modules (total of 60 credits), 30 credits each year, from a list of specialist modules that may typically include:
AI & Society (15 credits)
Social Media, Marketing and Platforms (15 credits)
Management for Digital Content Industries (15 credits)
Digital Media, Digital Marketing (15 credits)
You will take Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy and Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy in your first year and your Research Dissertation modules in your second. You will divide your 60 specialist module credits between the two years.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
As a Digital Economies MSc graduate, you’ll be well-placed to pursue a career that requires an understanding of the digital economy or to expand your experience with creative roles. The skills you develop are likely to be particularly transferable to work in digital companies and positions that need skills in digital business models, ecosystem strategies, social media management, analytics, CRM management, digital advertising, market research, and platform scaling and growth analysis.
Tuition Fees
The cost of the full programme is £24,000. If you are the employee of a State-owned Enterprise, local government or a recipient of an LPDP scholarship please indicate on your application. If you require any clarification please contact kingssinghasari@kcl.ac.uk These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
For applicants funded by State-owned Enterprise or LPDP there is no deposit required.
Self funded students:
When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit* to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment. The international deposit is £2000.
*This does not include your statutory 14 day cooling off cancellation period as outlined in our Terms and Conditions here.
King’s Bridge Scholarship
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Please note this course is only available to students in Southeast Asia. This programme is designed to teach you a solid knowledge and understanding of how digital artefacts are unique, how they lead to innovation, and their effects on contemporary society. You’ll learn about the main critical and theoretical approaches to the analysis of the digital at macro and micro levels, and discover how to apply this to the management of digital artefacts. The first core module tackles the subject from a micro perspective, focusing on digital artefacts, like open-source software, to discuss their implications on communities, companies, and ecosystems. You will consider theories that address commons-based peer production, transaction cost theory, and beyond. At the same time, you’ll learn how to establish and apply digital initiatives, critically analyse existing innovation strategies, and scrutinise the ethics of digital creation. The second core module will shift your perspective to the macro and teach a systematic and critical reflection on the digital economy on a broader level. You’ll consider the challenges of rising tech companies and contemplate their political economy when debating major topics. You will be able to discuss topics such as addiction and attention, surveillance capitalism, and data colonialism while exploring the role of power in the digital economy and how new inequalities of power are emerging. By the end, you’ll be prepared to explain these changes and outline systematic connections across the digital economy as a whole. The specialist modules will allow you to deepen your understanding of the digital economy by specializing in key areas that intersect with the digital. The programme will include content specifically on the digital future of South East Asia. Your digital economies MSc will conclude with your final research project. This gives you the opportunity to gather your own research and become an expert in a topic that interests you.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Please note, this course is only available to students based in South East Asia. Please visit Digital Economies MSc if you are interested in our online course.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Personal statement and supporting information
Please answer the following questions as part of your online application form:
- Why are you applying for this programme and how does it fit in with your future plans? (maximum 250 words).
- How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (maximum 250 words).
Previous Academic Study
A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References
One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Optional: CV
Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.
Teaching methods - what to expect
The programme will be delivered in hybrid mode, a combination of virtual synchronous and a-synchronous lectures and seminars, with face-to-face components for each module provided by King’s College London fly-in faculty at Singhasari. A summer intensive will provide one module fully face-to-face at Singhasari which will provide some focus on Indonesia/Southeast Asia
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written examinations
- Practical Examinations
- Essays
- Reports
- Projects
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of participation, coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays, reports and projects. Coursework contributes approximately 100% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
You are required to take:
Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (30 credits)
Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy (30 credits)
Designing Research (15 credits)
Situating Research (15 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take four modules (total of 60 credits), 30 credits each year, from a list of specialist modules that may typically include:
AI & Society (15 credits)
Social Media, Marketing and Platforms (15 credits)
Management for Digital Content Industries (15 credits)
Digital Media, Digital Marketing (15 credits)
You will take Micro Perspectives on the Digital Economy and Macro Perspectives on the Digital Economy in your first year and your Research Dissertation modules in your second. You will divide your 60 specialist module credits between the two years.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
As a Digital Economies MSc graduate, you’ll be well-placed to pursue a career that requires an understanding of the digital economy or to expand your experience with creative roles. The skills you develop are likely to be particularly transferable to work in digital companies and positions that need skills in digital business models, ecosystem strategies, social media management, analytics, CRM management, digital advertising, market research, and platform scaling and growth analysis.
Tuition Fees
The cost of the full programme is £24,000. If you are the employee of a State-owned Enterprise, local government or a recipient of an LPDP scholarship please indicate on your application. If you require any clarification please contact kingssinghasari@kcl.ac.uk These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
For applicants funded by State-owned Enterprise or LPDP there is no deposit required.
Self funded students:
When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit* to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment. The international deposit is £2000.
*This does not include your statutory 14 day cooling off cancellation period as outlined in our Terms and Conditions here.
King’s Bridge Scholarship
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
Applications close on 13th January 2025 for a 3rd February 2025 start.
Related departments
Open days and events
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
Find out more about King's partnership with Singhasari Special Economic Zone
King's partnership with Singhasari Special Economic Zone.