The Master of Digital Studies is taught entirely in English.
Interdisciplinary research on digital technologies, media and society
Platforms shape public debate, algorithms influence political processes, and AI systems are transforming work and everyday life. Digital technologies are fundamentally reshaping societies — across Europe and around the world. They are redefining how we live together at a time marked by armed conflicts, the climate crisis, geopolitical power shifts, and increasingly polarised public discourse. Understanding — and actively shaping — these complex dynamics requires critical, theoretically grounded thinking that reaches beyond disciplinary boundaries.
The Master's in Digital Studies equips you to analyse and critically examine the interplay between digital technologies, media, culture, and politics. You will gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and methodological expertise in Science & Technology Studies (STS), Media Studies, and Communication Studies, complemented by perspectives from Cultural Studies, Law, and Economics.
The programme fosters a nuanced understanding of diverse technological and social contexts, as well as the practices, conflicts, and forms of resistance that emerge within them across different geographical, cultural, and historical settings. Building on this foundation, you will learn to investigate contemporary developments and societal challenges using qualitative, quantitative, digital, and other innovative research methods. Western and Eurocentric perspectives are critically examined through case studies from various world regions, with particular attention to Central and Eastern Europe. Key themes include exclusion, inequality, and discrimination, as well as fundamental questions of responsibility, participation, and sustainability.
The Master’s programme is taught entirely in English. It is designed for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in cultural, media, or communication studies, economics, law, or technical disciplines, provided they have relevant foundational knowledge and a strong interest in research.
The standard period of study is four semesters with a total of 120 ECTS credits.
The modular structure allows students to tailor their studies to their individual interests while gaining in-depth disciplinary knowledge that prepares them for professional careers or further academic research.
The programme consists of six modules:
Basic Module Technology, Media, Society: This module provides the conceptual and methodological foundations of the programme. It includes the submodules “Introduction” and “Methods”.
Competence Module Digital Matters: This module focuses on key thematic areas of digital transformation. You can choose two of the following submodules:
Competence Module Researching Technology, Media and Society: This module focuses on research practice. It includes:
Compulsory Electives I: This module allows you to specialise through thematic tracks. You must complete two tracks out of the following options:
Compulsory Electives II: In the compulsory elective module E II, you have the choice between:
Specialisation Module: In the specialisation module, you complete an examination in a course from the Digital Matters module. The selected course must be different from those you have already taken in the Digital Matters and Compulsory Electives I modules.
PDF DownloadDuring your studies, you will build an international personal and professional network and benefit from the university’s unique location at the intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. Situated at the Collegium Polonicum on the Polish side of the Oder River, the European New School of Digital Studies (ENS) is embedded in a cross-border academic and cultural environment. Close cooperation with Polish and international partner institutions, the daily encounter with different languages, cultures, and perspectives, and the proximity to Berlin create a distinctive European learning experience.
The ENS represents a modern, open, and networked vision of Europe — one in which transnational cooperation, intercultural exchange, and social responsibility are part of everyday academic life.
The Master of Digital Studies is taught entirely in English. You also have the opportunity to earn a double degree with selected international partner universities. In this case, you typically spend at least one semester abroad (30 ECTS credits). The European University Viadrina offers extensive opportunities for international mobility, including study exchanges at more than 290 partner universities worldwide.
The Career Centre supports you in finding and organising both study-related mandatory internships and voluntary internships. It also offers tips and information during your search and application process. It advises you on planning and legal issues.
Thanks to the publicly financed German university system, no tuition fees are charged – neither for German nor for international students. However, students will have to pay a semester fee at Viadrina, which currently adds up to around 380 EUR per semester. This includes a ticket for public transport, the cost of the student ID card, and a registration fee. The amount varies each semester and might increase slightly over time.
Student life in Frankfurt (Oder) is less expensive than in most other German university cities. In order to be able to live here with all the expenses you can expect (health insurance, rent, etc.), you will need about 750 EUR per month. Depending on which type of accommodation you choose, monthly rent is usually 200 to 350 EUR.
The European University Viadrina has developed special financial support programmes for international students:
https://www.europa-uni.de/en/studium/im-studium/finanzierung/index.html
The Master's degree programme "Digital Studies – Technology, Media, Society" requires a first professionally qualifying university degree of at least 180 ECTS credits (six semesters), in which knowledge in the following subject areas has been acquired through coursework and examinations or equivalent evidence amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits:
A minimum of 10 ECTS credits must be proven through methodological knowledge from the above-mentioned subject areas.
Of the 60 ECTS, a maximum of 10 ECTS can also be from the subject areas:
All students are required to have English language skills at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
At present, it is possible to find an acceptable and well-paid job in Berlin, which can be reached within one hour. Thanks to the semester ticket, the trip to Berlin and public transport within Berlin is free of charge for students at the European University Viadrina. Recently, the German capital was also recognised as one of the world's most important cities for start-up and digital businesses such as eBay, Groupon, PayPal, and Zalando.
The twin cities of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice offer many possibilities for single or shared housing, and all offers are within a reasonable price range. Students can choose from a number of student dormitories, shared flats, and affordable apartments on both sides of the border.
The European University Viadrina offers very good and affordable student accommodation in single room apartments or apartments with two to five rooms. Prices vary between 200 and 350 EUR. All prices include a broadband Internet connection, electricity and warm water. Student residences are furnished. Each tenant has access to a common kitchen, which is well-equipped. Lockable refrigerators, washing machines and dryers are provided by the student service as well.
More information on student dormitories:
Frankfurt (Oder): https://studentenwerk-frankfurt.net/en/
Słubice: https://dsslubice.amu.edu.pl/
The Career Centre at the European University Viadrina helps students to get acquainted with all the requirements for their future professional life:
Whether you want to complete one of our study programmes and graduate with an academic degree from the European University Viadrina, or plan a one- or two-semester exchange stay, we look forward to welcoming you.
The Viadrina College offers preparatory programmes in language, methodology and subject-related content for international high school graduates and prospective students with an indirect university entrance qualification to the German higher education system. For prospective students with a direct university entrance qualification for Germany but without sufficient language skills, it provides the necessary language preparation.
There are various options for prospective students and students with chronic physical and/or mental illnesses and disabilities to receive individual support during their studies.
Raising children, pregnancy or caring for relatives often require individual study plans that differ from the standard curriculum and duration of studies. In order to manage this, it is important to know what planning options the university offers and what rights students with family responsibilities have.
Study Europe. Experience the World. Shape Society.
At the Viadrina, you will study individually and receive personal support at the interface between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you will study in small groups and engage directly with your lecturers. Our hands-on degree programmes in the fields of culture, law, economics and digital transformation offer you a pan-European perspective. This will enable you to acquire unique expertise to shape the society of tomorrow.
Pan-European perspective
A cross-border campus at the interface between Western and Eastern Europe: here you can study future European challenges relating to digital transformation, culture, law and economics.
Study individually
Personal support from the start of your studies to your graduation, manageable study groups, individual focus: we offer you the ideal conditions for success in your studies.
International network
Everyday student life with people from more than 100 countries, stays abroad, worldwide double degrees and foreign language courses: with us, you can build your international, individual and professional network during your studies.
Committed community
Short distances, direct contact, participation and commitment: join our strong community. Numerous initiatives and projects are waiting for you, allowing you to help shape the university and our twin city Frankfurt (Oder)-Słubice.
Focus on society
Hands-on relevance and project-oriented teaching: with us, you will learn to tackle complex social challenges and contribute to shaping a successful future.
European New School of Digital Studies
The European New School of Digital Studies (ENS) is a transdisciplinary teaching and research institution of the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder). Located at Collegium Polonicum on the Polish side of the Oder River, ENS brings together expertise in economics, social and media sciences, politics, law, and technology to explore how digital transformation is reshaping European societies.
ENS pursues a research-oriented, collaborative, and dialogue-based approach to teaching. Within a small and personalised campus environment, students and lecturers work closely together in manageable groups and engage in continuous intellectual exchange. Project-based learning, critical debate, and interdisciplinary perspectives define the academic culture.
The dedicated ENS Coworking Space offers an open setting for focused work, collaborative knowledge creation, and informal exchange. Short distances, individual mentoring, and a supportive atmosphere provide ideal conditions for research-based learning at a high academic standard.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
