Digital Media and Communication for Social Impact
Aimed at shaping media and communication in the public interest, this Master empowers you to drive social impact. Join us to transform the public sphere
ECTS Credits 90
Start of Studies Autumn / Spring
Duration 3–4 semesters
Course Languages EN-DE-FR
Bilingual Option yes
Option bilingue yes
Programme Highlights
In this programme, you acquire a sound understanding of how media, platforms and AI function in a digital society and how they can be designed to foster a free, fair and democratic society. You learn how communication can have social impact and contribute to the common good – from digital journalism to strategic communication all the way to media governance.
Learn to ask the right questions, to reflect critically on digital media and communication, to use them effectively and to develop solutions for challenges in a digitalised society!
Study Plan
| Assessments | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Modules | |
| Research Competencies | 6 |
| 2 exercises on working with data and their visualisation | |
| Project Management and Transfer | 6 |
| 2 practical courses on managing and communicating research projects | |
| Core Topics | 18 |
|
6 lectures on digital journalism, strategic communication, mobilisation, democracy, governance, media effects |
|
| Project Seminars | 27 |
| 3 project seminars with related project reports | |
| Personalised Choice in | min. 9 |
| Lectures | |
| Seminars | |
| Courses | |
| Internship of 3 or 6 ECTS | |
| Lectures / practical courses from BA programmes in Communication | |
| Total Coursework | 66 |
| Master Thesis | 24 |
| TOTAL minimum | 90 |
Further Info
Unique teaching and learning formats:
In our project seminars, you work in a critical and solution-oriented fashion in small teams on projects of practical relevance. Moreover, we offer individual mentoring and practical courses on multidisciplinary skills.
Add a Minor!
For broader horizons, add a 30 ECTS Minor to reach a 120 ECTS Master’s degree, if you meet the Minor's admission requirements.
Downloads
Study Plan Cours and TimetablesBrochure Regulation on the award of the Master
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor degree with at least 60 ECTS in Communication and/or Media Studies from a Swiss University: usually no requirements, direct admission (methodological and statistical training required).
- Bachelor degree in Communication from a Swiss University of Applied Sciences (FH/HES): admission with the requirement of catch-up Bachelor coursework (up to 42 ECTS) in French or German.
- Other academic backgrounds: individual assessment determines whether an admission is possible and catch-up Bachelor coursework in French or German is required. Admission for foreign degrees is not automatic.
- Diplomas older than 8 years are generally not accepted.
Apply via MyUnifr if already enrolled at Unifr.
Language of study
Three languages, one distinctive asset: study in English, or also choose assessments in German and French. Tailor your path and earn a bilingual English/German or trilingual English/German/French mention on your degree to stand out in the global job market.
Mobility
Benefit from the exceptional opportunity to shape your Master and strengthen your academic journey by spending a semester abroad. Experience new cultures, expand your international network, and boost your CV with credits obtained abroad.
Recommended from the 2nd semester onwards
Mobility mention on the degree from 30 validated ECTS abroad
Career Opportunities
With this Master, you are equipped with essential specialist knowledge plus analytical, creative and organisational skills. You communicate your insights to stakeholders in politics, media, business and civil society and you are prepared for impactful roles in the media and communications industry, digital agencies, NGOs, foundations, administration, as well as for research and teaching.
Testimonials
The Master’s programme Digital Media and Communication for Social Impact is truly in tune with the times. It offers an interactive and practical approach to current topics such as artificial intelligence, algorithms and digital platforms and their impact on politics and society. Linda Mürset
While my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Applied Sciences focused on the content and form of communication, this Master allows me to grasp the rich theoretical foundations behind it. The new programme creates an ideal link between hands on communication and rigorous academic analysis. Basil Schnellmann
The Master’s programme Digital Media and Communication for Social Impact teaches me how digital media and technological developments drive social change, and just how essential digital media literacy is. The combination of theory, practice oriented seminars, creative project work in small groups and committed professors creates an ideal learning environment. Shana Sägesser
Academic Advising - Information
Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences
Bd de Pérolles 90
CH-1700 Fribourg
+41 (0) 26 300 82 00
decanat-ses@unifr.ch
