Why this programme

Media, Digitalisation & Society
Media, Culture & Society student

What does this study entail?

Media, Digitalisation & Society is an intensive and interactive master specialisation that foregrounds the intersections between mass media and digital technologies, as well as their impact on contemporary societies. You will combine media theory, internet studies, and the sociology of technology to analyse the social, political, and cultural impact of digitalisation.

Through seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, you will examine topics such as:

  • Media power and the politics of media representations;
  • Social inequalities and digital divides;
  • The role of hybrid media environments and Big Tech in political communication;
  • The impact of digital cultures in the formation of cultural identities;
  • The role of algorithms and AI in shaping public debate and social behaviour;
  • The rise of polarising and toxic practices such as mis/disinformation, cancel culture, and doxing;
  • Ethical and responsible use of media and digital tools for social change.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to analyse media critically, develop communication strategies for social impact, and apply your insights in policy, NGOs, media organisations, and beyond.

Is this the right programme for you?

This programme is ideal for you if you:

  • Are curious about how media and digital technologies influence society, politics, and culture?
  • Do you want to understand and respond to urgent societal challenges such as inequality, polarisation, or mis/disinformation?
  • Are eager to gain hands-on experience in analysing media and digitalization processes and in communicating for social impact?
  • Do you enjoy working in an international, collaborative learning environment where debates, real-world cases, and guest lectures shape your learning?

If you are motivated to make a difference in society using media and digitalisation, this programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to do so.

* This programme was previously known as Media, Culture & Society.

Media, Culture & Society student Sohum sitting by the Erasmus Paviljoen studying.

Media, Culture & Society by Sohum

Five reasons to study Media, Digitalisation & Society at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

  • Unique combination of theory and practice – Gain in-depth knowledge of media and digitalisation while applying your insights in real-world social impact projects.
  • Interdisciplinary approach – Blend media theory, internet studies, and sociology of technology for a comprehensive understanding of contemporary digital society.
  • Intensive and interactive learning – Participate in seminars, workshops, and guest lectures that challenge you to think critically and engage actively.
  • Career-ready skills – Prepare for roles in communication, media, policy, NGOs, journalism, and research, with hands-on experience and practical know-how.
  • Focus on societal impact – Learn to use digital tools and media responsibly and ethically to address urgent social, political, and cultural challenges.

A word from

Maddalena Filetti

Maddalena Filetti - Alumna Master Media, Culture & Society

Media, Culture & Society is everything I have hoped for: a solid, yet flexible dive into the complex workings of the media from a socio-cultural perspective.
Portrait picture of Maddalena Filetti
Media, Culture & Society is everything I have hoped for: a solid, yet flexible dive into the complex workings of the media from a socio-cultural perspective.

After my bachelor’s graduation, I spent a year working in social media marketing and web editing for a company operating in the beauty industry. As my days in the office went by, I knew we needed to make some structural changes in our language and representation practices. Our communication strategies and materials were far from inclusive and diverse, and I constantly felt the urge to turn things around.

However, although I have always been passionate about intersectional feminism and inclusion, I didn’t feel like I had the tools to implement such changes in my work at the time. That’s why I applied to the master specialisation Media, Culture & Society at Erasmus University, and I can happily say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Research my own interests

Media, Culture & Society is everything I have hoped for: a solid, yet flexible dive into the complex workings of the media from a socio-cultural perspective. The most exciting aspect of the master specialisation is the opportunity to explore my own research interests within the structure of my studies. Every assignment, paper and essay I write allows me to use the knowledge co-produced in class with my peers and professors and apply it to real-life cases of my interest. In addition, the master specialisation is small-scale and easy to navigate as an international student. The professors speak excellent English, and the classroom is always an interesting and respectful site of intercultural exchanges. 

Favourite courses

My favourite courses so far are Media & Socio-Cultural Change, Digital Media & Cultural Identities and Television Audiences. These courses allowed me to understand how media can generate change in society, participate in better representational practices, challenge discriminatory narratives, and ultimately create more inclusive and fairer (digital) environments for everyone.

Minor difficulties

Throughout my studies at Erasmus University, I have encountered minor difficulties in getting acquainted with the research methodologies, typical of Media Studies. I had never applied any qualitative or quantitative research methods in my previous studies. Therefore, the contents of the Methods courses were new and foreign to me. However, the tutorials and professors were always very helpful, and I never felt overwhelmed by the assignments.

In addition, Media, Culture & Society is very fast paced and requires students to be on top of their deadlines at all times. That’s why time management and a good dose of organization are key to academic and personal achievements.

Future plans

My future plans (hopefully) include a PhD and a career as corporate communications director, expert in matters of diversity and inclusion.

Portrait picture of Maddalena Filetti

Sohum Joshi

Sohum Joshi - Alumni Master Media, Culture & Society

I believe calling Erasmus University as my alumnus university can only hold good things for me in the future!
Portrait picture of Sohum Joshi
I believe calling Erasmus University as my alumnus university can only hold good things for me in the future!

Having done my Bachelor’s in Media Studies in my hometown of Pune, India, I always dreamed of pursuing my further education abroad. And so far, Erasmus University Rotterdam has exceeded all of my expectations.

Specifically talking about the master specialisation Media, Culture & Society, I love the holistic approach this master specialisation takes by providing students with a good theoretical foundation while giving relevant practical tools necessary for our future professional careers. This combined with the dynamic, multicultural and international-friendly environment on campus has only made my experience better and really memorable thus far.

I look forward to starting my career path in the field of media using all the knowledge I will have obtained from Media, Culture & Society and applying it in the real world. I believe calling Erasmus University as my alumnus university can only hold good things for me in the future!

Portrait picture of Sohum Joshi

Choosing a study is quite a challenge! Still in doubt about this study and want to have a good overview? Receive a clear digital brochure for this study.

Request brochure
Not sure yet about your choice? Request a brochure!

Compare @count study programme

  • @title

    • Duration: @duration
Compare study programmes