The Digital Society master major programme consists of four modules and the Master exam.
The Digital Society master minor programme consists of Module 1 and Module 2.
There is no mandatory chronological order for the courses and modules. However, it is highly recommended to take the courses of Module 1 as early as possible. The MA colloquium should be taken towards the end of the studies.
The master exam consists of the master thesis and the defence. The thesis can only be handed in once all four modules have been validated.
Each module below lists courses and seminars offered in the current academic year. They provide an overview of possible classes, but they do not represent a binding schedule, and not all listed classes must be taken.
Please refer to the study plan to see how many compulsory and optional learning units you must complete in each module over the entire duration of your studies.
The main objective of this module is to provide a conceptual and practical introduction to the digital society from an interdisciplinary perspective. It combines social sciences, history, and computer sciences so that students can understand the foundations of the digital society and its transformations. In addition, the module introduces digital research methods.
All courses of DSS 1 are offered once per academic year (either autumn or spring semester). You must successfully complete all of them during your studies.
Below are the details of MODULE 1 courses offered in the autumn semester 2026.
The objective of Module 2 is to allow the students to deepen their knowledge of certain theories, case studies and issues related to the digital society using empirical research methods. The module focuses on the macro level (society), the meso level (institutions) and how these influence the micro level of digital practices. Some courses focus on the transformation of the society from a longitudinal perspective and how this affects and is driven by different social groups and institutions. Further courses consider how individual practices are embedded in higher level contexts. Students are required to prepare a research paper on a specific issue that has been covered in one of the courses.
The course offer of DSS 2 is specific to every academic year. You must successfully complete three courses during your studies, out of which at least one seminar + seminar paper. Recommended course offers are marked as such.
Below are the details of MODULE 2 courses offered at the University of Fribourg in the autumn semester 2026 that have been pre-approved.
Module 3 aims at enhancing the students' digital competences and methodological expertise through personalized and practice-oriented learning experiences. Cumulative workshops, lectures and the so-called science-practice link make up for 3 x 3 ECTS credits included this module. They are complemented by a research paper à 3 ECTS credits. The modalities should be discussed and, in some cases, must be approved by the study advisor.
The course offer of DSS 3 is specific to every academic year. During your studies, you must successfully complete a lecture or seminar, indiviualized digital skills workshops, the personalised science-practice link, and write a seminar paper related to one of these. Please discuss your options and specific modalities of this module with the study advisor.
Below are the details of MODULE 3 courses offered in the autumn semester 2026 that have been pre-approved.
Please note that MODULE 3 contains other learning units than courses, which are not listed here. Contact the study advisor to discuss your options.
The objective of Module 4 is to convey specialized analytical knowledge and expertise in addressing key debates and concerns within the evolving digital society.
The course offer of DSS 4 is specific to every academic year. You must successfully complete two courses during your studies, out of which at least one seminar + seminar paper, and the Master colloquium.
Below are the details of MODULE 4 courses offered at the University of Fribourg in the autumn semester 2026 that have been pre-approved.
The list with the full course offer, including all elective courses, is updated and provided every semester.
Please contact the study advisor to discuss your options.
Major (90 ECTS): list of possible courses and seminarsMinor (30 ECTS): list of possible courses and seminars
Major (90 ECTS): list of possible courses and seminarsMinor (30 ECTS): list of possible courses and seminars
Please note that the information on this website about individual courses may be incomplete and subject to change;