Media Ecologies

This English-taught, theory-driven Master’s programme treats media not as isolated technologies (radio, TV, computers) but as ecologies — networks, milieus and practices that shape how we perceive and understand the world. It also investigates how ecological knowledge and awareness are themselves mediated: environmental problems become visible and intelligible through images, maps, graphs and computer models (from photographs of Earth to climate simulations). The course therefore examines both media-as-ecology and the decisive role media play in constructing ecological knowledge.

The curriculum emphasises themes such as climate change, digitalisation, reinterpreting the past and imagining the future, shaped by the interests of students and faculty. Teaching is characterised by open-minded, original and experimental approaches: seminars and critical theory are combined with group projects, film essays, excursions and e-learning within a lively international culture of debate. The programme aims to build deep academic understanding of media ecologies and related social and cultural issues, fostering a range of competencies — analytical-critical, historical, theoretical, organisational and practical — that underpin advanced academic work.

Expectations and commitments (concise)

• Engagement with media theory and ecological questions, treating media as networks and milieus rather than isolated technologies
• Openness to unconventional, experimental methods and collaborative work
• Participation in group projects, film essays, field excursions and e-learning activities
• Active contribution to an international culture of debate and discussion
• Development of analytical-critical, historical, theoretical, organisational and practical skills essential for advanced academic research and practice

Overview

This consecutive, English‑language Master’s programme runs over four semesters and carries 120 ECTS in total. It examines the relationships between media, environments and material ecosystems through a mix of theory, historical perspectives and hands‑on projects. Core thematic areas include Digital Environments, Planetary Media and Archive Ecologies, alongside seminar and lecture offerings on the History and Theory of Ecology, the Anthropocene and Natural Philosophy.

The course combines a foundational core module—Perspectives on Media Ecologies, which introduces central questions and methods—with project modules where interdisciplinary student teams investigate topics such as Digital Environments, Planetary Media and Archive Ecologies. Students personalise their pathways via compulsory elective and elective modules drawn from the faculty of media (including computer science) and from across the university’s Faculties of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism, and Art and Design. The programme concludes with an English‑language Master’s thesis and an accompanying colloquium.

Key learning outcomes

By the end of the programme you will have:

• A solid grounding in the theoretical and historical frameworks used to study media in ecological contexts (e.g., Anthropocene debates, natural philosophy).
• Practical experience conducting collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that address Digital Environments, Planetary Media and Archive Ecologies.
• The ability to tailor specialist knowledge through elective modules drawn from media, computing, engineering, architecture and design.
• Independent research skills culminating in an English‑language Master’s thesis and the capacity to present and defend your work in a scholarly colloquium.

Curriculum at a glance (requirements)

• Standard study period: 4 semesters
• Total credit load: 120 ECTS
• Core module: Perspectives on Media Ecologies (introduction to core questions and methods)
• Project modules: interdisciplinary team projects on Digital Environments, Planetary Media, Archive Ecologies
• Electives/compulsory electives: selectable across the faculty of media (incl. computer science) and the university’s Faculties of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism, and Art and Design
• Master’s module: Master’s thesis and defence in English — 18 ECTS (including accompanying colloquium)

Graduates are prepared for roles that require critical and specialised knowledge of media-ecology intersections, such as research and teaching in academic institutions, cultural and media organisations, museums and archives, and roles in policy, environmental NGOs, and think tanks focusing on media representations of ecological issues. The programme’s interdisciplinary and project-based training also suits careers in digital humanities, media consultancy, communication strategy for environmental initiatives, and technology-driven cultural institutions.

Practical skills gained through collaborative projects and cross-faculty electives (e.g. computer science, civil and environmental engineering) further enable graduates to work in applied research teams, innovation labs, and interdisciplinary industry roles that address digital environments, data visualisation of ecological issues, and archival or planetary media practices.