Master Digital Society

Major Programme

The interdisciplinary Digital Society master major programme of 90 ECTS credits is part of the social sciences programmes with an emphasis on digital technologies. It is focused on the social dimensions and impacts of digital technologies in contemporary societies, combining perspectives from sociology, anthropology, as well as science and technology studies (STS) with foundations of computer science to focus on issues and challenges of the digital society. This entails the exploration of digital technologies as social objects being shaped by economy, policy, and culture, but also of the role digital technologies play in shaping processes and structures.

 

Structure of the Programme

The Digital Society master major consists of 4 modules à 15 ECTS credits and the Master exam (thesis + defense) à 30 ECTS credits. The modules contain both compulsory and elective learning units and serve to structure the programme. However, courses and seminars across all modules can in principle be taken in any order (exceptions apply).

 

Digital Society Master Major

The Digital Society master major of 90 ECTS credits can be complemented by a 30 ECTS credits master minor of the Faculty of Humanities or from another faculty. Please consult the official UniFR webpage for possible master minors and note that conditions of admission may be set by a minor programme.

It is not possible to combine the Digital Society master major with the Digital Society master minor.

 

Study Start and Duration

You can enroll in the Digital Society master minor when enrolling in your master major programme or at any time via MyStudies.

The minimum duration of the programme is usually at least 3-4 semesters. It is generally possible to complete the programme successfully while studying part-time. However, the maximum duration of the programme is set at 9 semesters for the 90 ECTS MA major (or 12 semesters if combined with another 30 ECTS MA minor). Please discuss with the study advisor how to best organize your studies.


Language

In principle, all Digital Society courses are held in English. Exams and written works are also to be conducted and prepared in English. While there is no diploma requirement during the admission process, it is recommended that students have good written and oral English skills. It will be expected that students can read English research papers and communicate in English both orally and in writing. In exceptional cases, supplementary courses in German or French can be integrated into the course programme.

Please note that the main administrative languages of the University of Fribourg are French and German.

 

Admission Requirements

Admission without conditions:

The Digital Society Master’s major programme of 90 ECTS credits is open to holders of a bachelor's degree from a Swiss or recognized foreign university or university of applied sciences in one of the following fields (minimum 60 ECTS credits) without conditions:

  • Political Science, Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Social and Cultural Anthropology/Ethnology, Religious Studies, Cultural Studies, Educational Sciences
  • STS (Science and Technology Studies)
  • Computer Science, Software Systems
  • Business Administration, Economics, Business Informatics
  • Bachelor's degrees from universities of applied sciences in Business Informatics, Business Administration, Economics, Social Work, Communication
  • Communication and Media Studies, Communication Systems
  • Geography, Environmental Sciences
  • Applicants with bachelor's degrees from the University of Fribourg in the following programmes are also admitted to the Digital Society major programme without conditions: Eastern European Studies (UniFR and UniBE), Business Communication, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Humanities, Contemporary History.
With conditions:

The Digital Society Master’s major programme of 90 ECTS credits is open to holders of a bachelor's degree from a Swiss or recognized foreign university or university of applied sciences in one of the following fields (minimum 60 ECTS credits) with a supplementary programme of up to 30 ECTS credits:

  • Law
  • Philosophy, History, Art History, Musicology, all Language and Literature Studies (e.g. English Studies, German Studies), Theology
  • Human Medicine, Sport Sciences and Motor Control, Psychology
  • Applicants with bachelor's degrees from the University of Fribourg in the following programs: Biomedical Sciences, Economic and Legal Studies

All other CRUS fields of study not listed in the above sections may be admitted with a preparatory programme of up to 60 ECTS credits.

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Questions and Inquiries

Be sure to also check out the general study information.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the study advisor regarding any issue related to the Digital Society programme.


Please note that the information on this website may be incomplete and subject to change; solely the ratified study plan is binding.