Master's Programme in Digital Media and Society

120 credits

In an era where digital media influences everything from everyday life to global societal processes, this Master's programme equips you with the tools to understand and analyse their role in contemporary society. You will develop skills sought after in communication and digital media professions, while the programme's academic foundation also prepares you for doctoral studies in Media and Communication Studies and related fields.

Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.

Location
Uppsala
Pace of study
100%
Teaching form
On-campus
Instructional time
Daytime
Study period
31 August 2026–4 June 2028
Language of instruction
English
Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The main field of study must be a social science or humanities subject relevant to media and communication studies. Also required is documented independent written academic work (i.e. one or several academic essays or papers).

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies, a statement of purpose, a proposal for a Master's thesis and additional relevant merits, e.g. work experience and internships.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
  • First tuition fee instalment: SEK 57,000
  • Total tuition fee: SEK 228,000

Read more about fees.

Application deadline
15 January 2026
Application code
UU-M2642
Supporting documents

In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific application summary sheet

Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.

The Master's Programme in Digital Media and Society (DIMS) deepens your understanding of the relationship between digital media and culture, society, and politics in a rapidly changing world. It introduces a critical and reflective perspective on the cultural, economic, political, and organisational dimensions of digital media—and how these interact and impact individuals, groups, and societies.

You will gain advanced knowledge in theories, research methods, and ethical reasoning essential for studying digital media in various contexts, from social movements and professional environments to organisations and political systems. The programme prepares you for qualified roles in the digital media landscape, where your creative and analytical skills will be valuable. You will develop competencies for work in media analysis, strategic communication, policy development, and social research across the public sector, civil society, and private industry.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in Media and Communication Studies or related disciplines, with a particular focus on digital media and society.

Student profile

The programme is aimed at students with a background in social sciences or relevant humanities. The international student group fosters a dynamic learning environment characterised by diversity, interdisciplinary perspectives, and cross-cultural exchange. You will become part of an inclusive academic community that promotes critical thinking, ethical reflection, and societal engagement.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Social Science (120 credits) with Media and Communication Studies as the main field of study.

Throughout your studies, you will take advanced courses on digital media and culture, organisations, society, and politics. You will acquire methodological skills for advanced studies of the digital society. The programme also offers opportunities for internships or elective courses within or outside the main field of study, allowing you to tailor your education to your interests. The programme concludes with an independent academic project in the form of a Master's thesis.

Semester 1

This semester begins with a 15-credit course on classical and contemporary research in media and communication studies, including theories on digital media, culture, and society. It ends with a 15-credit course in social science methods for studying the digital society.

Semester 2

Your knowledge deepens in the main field of study through four 7.5-credit courses focusing on various levels and aspects of the relationship between digital media, organisations, society, and politics.

Semester 3

During this semester you have the opportunity to undertake an internship, either a research internship or within an external organisation. You may also study abroad or take elective courses at Uppsala University. For students who wish to continue studying within media and communication studies during semester 3, a selection of elective courses is available at the Department of Informatics and Media.

Semester 4

This semester is dedicated to conducting, writing, and defending your independent Master's thesis.

Teaching takes place on campus at Ekonomikum in Uppsala and is conducted entirely in English. This means that students are expected to have a command of English sufficient for academic writing, oral presentations, and participation in advanced discussions.

The programme is research-based and combines theory, empirical analysis, and critical thinking. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent projects, you will develop your ability to analyse complex issues related to digital media and society. You will learn to formulate your own research questions, apply relevant methods, and argue ethically and analytically.

The teaching is designed to gradually strengthen your independence as a student. You are expected to take active responsibility for your own learning and to develop skills relevant both for doctoral studies and for qualified work in the media and communication field. The focus is on fostering a critical, creative, and reflective approach, qualities essential in a constantly evolving digital society.

The Master's Programme in Digital Media and Society (DIMS) opens doors to a wide range of career paths within the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. You will gain competencies in media and cultural analysis, strategic communication, journalism, policy development, research, and media production—across the public sector, civil society, and private industry.

By developing a deep understanding of how digital media interact with cultural, political, economic, and professional contexts, you will be well-equipped to tackle complex communication challenges in today's digital society. The programme also provides strong research preparation, and a significant number of our alumni continue on to doctoral studies.

With a Master's degree in Media and Communication Studies with a specialisation in Digital Media and Society, you can work with analysis, investigation, and strategic communication in projects and organisations focused on digitalisation, the internet, and the information society. You will be attractive for roles in both established media institutions and the growing sphere of new media and creative industries.

Examples of career roles after graduation:

- Media analyst specialising in digital or social media,
- Communications officer,
- Journalist,
- Researcher,
- Research administrator,
- Industry consultant in the digital media sector.

Many of our former students now work as communicators, media experts, or researchers and are actively contributing to shaping the digital society of the future.

Register your interest

Keep updated about the application process.

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Contact

  • For programme-specific information, please contact Programme Coordinator Johan Lindell:
  • johan.lindell@im.uu.se
  • For questions regarding admission requirements, please contact Study Counsellor Tina Kekkonen:
  • tina.kekkonen@im.uu.se
  • For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
  • study@uu.se

Admitted or on the waiting list

Find information about the programme start and registration in the student gateway.

Student at Uppsala University

As a student, you will find information about your studies in the Student Gateway.