Online course

Understanding Digital Society

  • Qualification: Micro-credential
  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Delivery: Online
  • Workload: Total of 50 hours of learning
  • Next enrolment: 7 September 2026

people in front of a screen with text

Introduction

Who shapes your decisions?

If you have ever wondered why tailored ads follow you, how your data is collected, or why false narratives spread so easily, this course explains what is happening and why it matters. 

This online micro-credential, part of a postgraduate-level suite in Digital Trust and Security, explores how everyday digital activity generates data, how that data is collected and used by different actors, and how platforms, algorithms and AI shape the information people encounter, the choices they make, and the decisions organisations take.  

You will examine key issues including privacy, surveillance, disinformation, automation and data exposure, and consider the wider social, ethical and professional implications of these systems.

By the end of the course, you will be better informed about how your data is used, how digital systems shape behaviour and decision-making, and how to make more deliberate choices in personal and professional contexts. 

Key features

Applied insight

Explore real-world examples and guided activities that help you understand how data, algorithms and AI shape behaviour, decisions and everyday digital experience.

Responsible decision-making

Develop a clearer understanding of how data is used and shared, how misinformation spreads, and what more informed, ethical use of digital tools looks like in practice.

Research-led perspective

Learn from the University’s expertise in digital trust and security, informed by current research into privacy, surveillance, digital society and emerging technologies.

Part of our suite of Digital Trust and Security Micro-credentials

Digital Trust and Security

The micro-credentials cover the following topics: 

  • Core Issues in Digital Trust and Society 
  • Understanding Digital Society 
  • Digital Markets and Trust 
  • Online Harms 

Explore the full suite

Key information

  • Course type

    Micro-credential

  • Delivery

    Online, asynchronous

  • Level

    Postgraduate / FHEQ Level 7

  • Duration

    10 weeks, 50 hours of learning 

  • Start dates

    September 2026 cohort
    Start: 7 September 2026
    End: 15 November 2026
    Payment deadline: 24 August 2026

    January 2027 cohort
    Start: 25 January 2027
    End: 18 April 2027
    Payment deadline: 11 January 2027

    May 2027 cohort
    Start: 31 May 2027
    End: 8 August 2027
    Payment deadline: 17 May 2027

  • Fees

    £630. Discounts available

  • Certification

    Upon completion and relevant assessment, you’ll receive an official electronic certificate detailing your achievement.

Fees and funding

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£630 p±ð°ù m¾±³¦°ù´Ç-³¦°ù±ð»å±ð²Ô³Ù¾±²¹±ô.

Discounts available for individuals and corporate customers.

Find out more about fees and funding

Entry requirements

There are no formal prerequisites for this course.

It is suitable for learners from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds.

Find out more about entry requirements

Course overview

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Introducing Digital Trust and Security micro-credentials

Who this course is for

The Understanding Digital Society course is designed for individuals and organisations who want to better understand how data, platforms, algorithms and AI shape digital life, decision-making and behaviour. 

For individuals, it is particularly relevant if you want to understand what happens to the data you generate every day, how platforms influence what you see online, how AI shapes decisions, and why misinformation and disinformation can be difficult to challenge. The course will help you take greater control of your digital footprint, including what you share, what you consent to, and how you engage with digital technologies. 

For organisations, the course supports employees to make more informed use of data and digital tools in their work. This includes recognising and responding to misinformation and disinformation, understanding how data and AI shape decisions and outcomes, and considering the ethical and reputational implications of how these systems are used in practice. 

Understanding Digital Society is especially relevant for teams working with communication, data, digital platforms, policy, service delivery or decision-making, where the use of data and digital systems directly influences organisational outcomes. 

No prior technical knowledge is required. The course is designed to be accessible while still providing the depth needed to apply learning in real-world contexts. 

What you will learn

You will develop a clear understanding of how digital technologies shape society through data, algorithms and automation. 

This includes: 

  • how everyday online activity generates data and how that data is collected and used; 
  • how algorithms and automated systems influence what people see, how information is prioritised, and how decisions are made; 
  • how privacy and surveillance operate in digital environments, and how personal data is exposed or shared;
  • how misinformation and disinformation are created, circulated and sustained; 
  • how AI and automation shape behaviour, decision-making and outcomes. 

You will also explore who benefits from these systems, where the risks lie, and how they are governed. 

Access selected extracts from the micro-credentials suite and explore the ideas, challenges and technologies shaping trust in digital societies.

 

Where and when you will study

This course is delivered fully online over 10 weeks, with approximately 50 hours of learning. 

You will progress through structured materials at your own pace, including short lectures, case studies and guided activities. Learning is entirely self-paced, with no scheduled teaching sessions. 

How it will benefit your career

You will be able to approach data and digital systems with greater awareness, confidence and judgement. This includes making more informed decisions about how digital tools are used in your role, how data is handled and how information is interpreted and communicated. 

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

  • understand how data is used and shared in professional contexts; 
  • recognise how platforms, algorithms and automated systems shape information, behaviour and decisions; 
  • identify and respond more effectively to misinformation and disinformation; 
  • assess ethical, professional and reputational issues linked to data and AI use; 
  • make more informed and responsible decisions when working with digital tools.  

These skills are particularly valuable in roles involving communication, data, digital platforms, policy, service delivery or decision-making.  

They also support stronger judgement when working with digital systems, helping to reduce the risk of poor or misinformed decisions and unintended ethical or reputational consequences.

Course units

  • Topics you will explore in this micro-credential include: 

    • Week 1: The concept of privacy  
    • Week 2: Understanding datafication  
    • Week 3: The process of algorithmisation  
    • Week 4: Data, surveillance, and privacy   
    • Week 5: Fake news and disinformation   
    • Week 6: AI, automation, and digital society  
    • Week 7: Data breach and exposure  
    • Week 8: Conclusion and assessment preparation 
    • Week 9-10: Assessment

Course structure

The course is organised into weekly units, each focusing on a key aspect of digital society. 

Each unit introduces core concepts and explores them through examples and structured reflection, helping you connect the material to how digital technologies shape your behaviour, decisions and interactions. 

The course builds from foundational concepts such as privacy and datafication through to more complex topics including AI, automation and misinformation, before preparing you for assessment. 

Course learning aims

By the end of the course, you will:

  • understand how datafication, algorithmisation and automation act as key drivers of contemporary digital society;
  • understand how these processes shape privacy, surveillance, decision-making and governance;
  • communicate key issues relating to digital society to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Teaching and learning

This is a fully online, asynchronous course.

Learning materials include video and audio content, written explanations and interactive activities. The course is designed to develop applied understanding, with opportunities to reflect on how digital systems shape your own experience and decisions.

You will receive support via email from the Course Lead and delivery team where needed.

Technical requirements

  • Regular access to a computer or smart phone with internet access fast enough to stream video.
  • A computer that meets the software requirements of video conferencing and other software, broadband internet connection, desktop or laptop PC with windows 10 or later, 4GB RAM, 6GB disk space for installation (administrator rights are required to install software).
  • A smart phone on Android 11.0 or greater, or iOS 11.0 or greater, as you'll need to use multi-factor authentication to access your learning materials. 

Coursework and assessment

You will complete regular reflective responses based on weekly prompts, applying course concepts to a real-world or workplace context. These reflections form the basis for your final assignment.

For the final assignment, you will reflect on how digital technologies influence your personal and professional life. You will develop a 1,000–1,200 word written piece examining how your use of digital technologies shapes your behaviour, decisions and interactions, and identifying the key challenges this creates and how they could be addressed.

Written feedback is provided within three weeks of submission.

Admissions information

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

There are no formal prerequisites for this course.

It is suitable for learners from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds.

Technical requirements

  • Regular access to a computer or smart phone with internet access fast enough to stream video.
  • A computer that meets the software requirements of video conferencing and other software, broadband internet connection, desktop or laptop PC with windows 10 or later, 4GB RAM, 6GB disk space for installation (administrator rights are required to install software).
  • A smart phone on Android 11.0 or greater, or iOS 11.0 or greater, as you'll need to use multi-factor authentication to access your learning materials.

Application and selection

How to apply

  1. Head to our   and choose your fee level.
  2. Add the course to your basket and complete the registration and payment process.
  3. Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive your enrolment information two weeks before the course begins.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact:  learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk .

Corporate customers

If you are a corporate customer eligible for a discount and would like to arrange payment via invoice or make a group booking, please contact us at  learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk

Fees and funding

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£630 p±ð°ù m¾±³¦°ù´Ç-³¦°ù±ð»å±ð²Ô³Ù¾±²¹±ô.

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  • Loyalty discount: Receive 5% off when you enrol on more than one micro-credential. The discount applies to any combination of micro-credentials. If you enrol on a second or third micro-credential at a later date, you may still be eligible for the 5% loyalty discount. Email learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk to check your eligibility.
  • The University of µÎµÎ´òÅÚapp alumni discount: Receive 5% off with proof of alumni status (email  learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk  with proof of your alumni status e.g. your degree certificate). This discount can be used in conjunction with the Loyalty discount.

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Group size Discount
5-10 learners 5%
11-20 learners 10%
21+ learners 15%

To discuss corporate enrolment and payment by invoice, please contact:  learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk .

Ways to pay

Reserve your space via our . You can pay using a credit or debit card.

To discuss corporate enrolment and payment by invoice, please contact:  learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk .

Additional cost information

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

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The University of µÎµÎ´òÅÚapp is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of µÎµÎ´òÅÚapp, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .