Distance learning program Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) – MU

👉 The Master's programme Artificial Intelligence and Societies is aimed at graduates from various disciplines who are interested in the societal impacts of artificial intelligence. You will learn fundamental AI technologies, their ethical and social dimensions, as well as applications in media, design, culture, and VR. The programme provides practical knowledge of machine learning, computer vision, and AI-driven filmmaking. The course is conducted entirely online in English, lasts four semesters, and costs 695 euros per month. After graduation, you can work in areas such as AI ethics, media production, sustainability, or smart technologies. A doctoral degree is also possible.

Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
💶 Fees
from 4170 € Semester fee
from 16680 € total
🏫 Provider Media University, UAS based in Berlin (Germany)
The Media University of Applied Sciences (formerly HMKW) is a state-recognized private university with locations in Berlin, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programs in the fields of design, journalism and communication, psychology, business, and humanities. Special emphasis is placed on international exchange, digital learning formats, and close collaboration with partners from the media and business sectors.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsData Science & AI
🌍 Language of Instruction English
📖 Course contents History and Fundamentals of AI Technologies (Ethics and Society), AI and the Cultural Economy, AI Technology and Society, AI and Applied Computer Science, AI and VR for the Creative and Cultural Industries, Thesis Proposal, AI Media Project, Internship, Master’s Thesis
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Master’s Programme “Artificial Intelligence and Societies” Suitable For?

You are addressed if you want to combine social, ethical and creative perspectives on artificial intelligence. The non-consecutive master’s degree is aimed at graduates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline – especially from social sciences, computer science, art, media, communication, design or related fields. It is particularly suitable if you bring determination, openness to interdisciplinary contexts and interest in the interface of technology, society and the creative industry. Whether you work in art projects, social research, technology management or in educational and cultural organisations: The focus is on the perspective of the social impact and application of AI.

Admission Requirements: What You Should Bring Along

To be admitted to the distance learning programme “Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.)” you need the following formal requirements:

  • A first university degree (Bachelor, Magister, Diploma, State Examination) from a university or university of applied sciences – the subject is not fixed; however, a degree related to social sciences, media, computer science, design, communication or art is advantageous
  • Relevant work experience, for example in media, culture, science, technology, education, social services, the creative industries or related fields
  • Good knowledge of English (the language of instruction is English; usually a language certificate is required)
  • Technical equipment: powerful computer, fast internet connection and electronic equipment for online teaching
  • Recommended technology for practical modules: digital camera, 360-degree camera as well as a VR headset such as Meta Quest 2 or Pro (can be borrowed from the university on request)

The personal requirements include:

  • Interest in AI and its social, ethical and cultural impacts
  • Critical and connected thinking skills to be able to analytically assess challenges relating to artificial intelligence
  • Communication and teamwork skills – exchange in international, interdisciplinary groups is central
  • Independent working style, initiative and enthusiasm for creative, innovative projects
  • Adaptability to digital learning environments and openness to new e-learning formats, including virtual reality and metaverse technologies
  • A human-centred and ethically reflective approach to future questions relating to AI

Study Content: Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Society and the Creative Industries

In the Master's programme Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.), you engage intensively with the ethical, social and cultural impacts of Artificial Intelligence. The programme combines the fundamentals of AI technologies with their application in societal and creative contexts. You develop skills for creating AI systems for smart homes and smart cities, designing machine learning algorithms and working with NLP, computer vision and robotics. Core modules shed light on the importance of AI in the creative and cultural industries – particularly in the fields of film, design, photography, VR/AR and sustainable innovation.

  • First semester: Fundamentals of AI technologies, history, ethics, AI and the creative economy
  • Second semester: Specialisation: AI technology and society, AI in VR/AR applications, applied computer science, development of own research projects
  • Third semester: Practical projects: conception and implementation of an own AI media project, supervised internship
  • Fourth semester: Master’s thesis with independent research project

You learn how to produce AI films, conduct socially relevant research, manage complex interdisciplinary projects and critically engage with topics such as AI ethics, governance and bias. The practice-oriented teaching enables the immediate transfer of expertise to real application fields.

Structure of your distance learning course: Digital, flexible, international

The programme is delivered entirely online over four semesters (standard period of study). The learning environment consists of several digital teaching formats:

  • Asynchronous self-study courses via the LMS Canvas: You work through learning modules, video lectures and specialist literature at your own pace.
  • Synchronous live meetings via MS Teams: Interactive online seminars, group work and collaboration with lecturers and fellow students.
  • VR-based live courses with avatars and immersive environments in Horizon Workrooms and Metaverse Engage.

You benefit from an international time management concept: The dates for live formats are coordinated worldwide. Additional optional on-campus workshops in Berlin offer the opportunity to deepen the knowledge gained in virtual space on site. An internship is planned in the third semester, which you can complete flexibly online or in companies within the tech and creative industries.

During your studies, modern VR headsets and media technology are available. A professional film studio, experts from practice as well as innovative partner companies (e.g. in the AI software sector) support the project work.

Career prospects: Interdisciplinary professions in AI, media and society

With your degree, you qualify for diverse professional fields at the interface of AI and society. Typical career paths after the Master’s are:

  • AI experts for ethics, governance and sustainability
  • Specialists in AI applications in film, design, education, journalism, healthcare and the cultural sector
  • Consultants or startup entrepreneurs in the AI environment, especially with a focus on social impact, diversity or sustainability
  • Researchers, project managers for AI and human-technology interaction (e.g. in the context of smart cities, media technology, user experience)
  • Producers of AI-supported media products or immersive designers in the VR/AR sector

The education is internationally recognised and also qualifies for a PhD at home and abroad. According to market trends, the salary in the professional field as an AI Research Scientist ranges between per year, with additional development potential.

Cost structure and financing options for the Master’s degree

The tuition fees for the programme amount to €695 per month for a study duration of 24 months. This results in a total amount of €16,680. The fees cover all teaching materials, software licence fees, access to the learning platform, technical equipment on campus as well as supervision.

  • Payment is possible in monthly instalments or as a lump sum.
  • There are opportunities for scholarship funding, especially within the framework of cooperation partners from media and business.
  • The programme is tax-deductible (professional expenses/special expenses).
  • Employers often support the studies within the framework of training budgets.
  • An educational loan or private study financing can be utilised.

By investing in this Master's programme, you secure a future-oriented qualification in a rapidly growing market segment and benefit from the international networking of the Media University.

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