Digital Society and Societal Transformations - Master's Degree Programme

Content

The Master in Digital Society and Societal Transformations focuses on the digital transformation and its impact on society. Students will be trained to think critically and analytically about the challenges and opportunities of the digital transformation. Further, students will learn methods for researching digital environments and gain the technical, practical, theoretical, and interdisciplinary skills to work in all sectors of society. The programme is suitable for students who aim to work in private, civic, and public sectors undergoing digitalisation.

Teaching and learning modes

The programme contains a mix of theoretical, methodological, and practical courses. Teaching modes include on student-active learning through case- and problem-based learning, student presentations and group work. Assessment consists of a mix of obligatory presentations, reports, term papers, home exam, oral exam, and master thesis.

Teaching language

Courses are given in English, including lectures, workshops, and seminars. Assessment is primarily in English. Work practice will be in Norwegian or English, depending on the placement.

Work practice

Students can choose work practice in the third semester. Students will work up to 16 weeks at 75% (480 hours) with collaborating partners Stavanger Smart City, in a municipality (through DigiRogaland), or in the private and civic sectors (through Nordic Edge).

Learning outcomes

The student will, after having completed the programme, have the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies:

Knowledge:

Upon completing the programme, the student will have:

• advanced knowledge of digitalisation as a social, political, communicative, and technical process
• thorough knowledge of the theoretical and practical implications and impacts of digitalisation in contemporary societies
• in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation for society
• the ability to apply knowledge to new areas within the academic field
• the ability to analyse academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field

Skills:

Upon completing the programme, the student can:

• analyse and critically assess different academic, political, and technical sources of information
• apply theories independently to practical and theoretical problems
• use relevant scientific methods and work independently as well as interdisciplinarily
• carry out an independent, limited research project under supervision
• shape the digital transformation for sustainable development

General competence:

Upon completing the programme, the student can:

• analyse and present relevant academic, professional, and research ethical problems
• apply knowledge to new and emerging areas within the social sciences
• communicate and master the terminology of the field
• communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field, both with specialists and the general public
• contribute new thinking, entrepreneurship, and innovation processes related to the digitalisation of society

Career prospects

Relevance for working life and/or further studies

The programme gives students the skills to work in public administration, the civil society sector, and the private industries. Their competencies are suited to facilitate processes of digitalisation

• in municipalities and other public sector organisations that service the public
• in smart cities that seek to build and utilise digital infrastructures
• at government ministries that regulate and facilitate digitalisation and innovation processes in all sectors of society
• in organisations and private enterprises where digital services are key to customer relations, product development and resource management
• in the education sectors that seek to strengthen digital literacy
• in the health sector where patient care is transformed by automation and robotisation
• in the media and cultural industries where information, heritage and creativity is increasingly digitised

The programme is also relevant for candidates who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in the social sciences.

Course assessment

All courses undergo evaluation in accordance with UiS system for quality control.