M.A. Artificial Intelligence and Societies

A boost of expertise for your creative career

Study online at the Media University!

Features: The Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) is aimed at students and professionals at the interface of AI technologies, societies and the creative and cultural industries. The focus is on AI-driven filmmaking, photography, sustainability, design, visual communication, and virtual and augmented realities.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will gain a deep understanding of the ethical, social and cultural dimensions of AI and will be prepared to ensure the responsible and beneficial integration of AI into society.

Career options: Graduates can become AI experts, policy advisors and specialists in AI applications in film, design, education, marketing, journalism, healthcare and cultural heritage.

Become an AI
research scientist!

One of the most in-demand and highest-paid careers in the world today.

This is an advanced graduate degree program.

Study online with two optional 5-day on-campus workshops in Berlin.
You can use the Campus anytime to meet people, work, and hang out, or decide to study 100 % online.

What will you do?
  • Invent AI technology for smart homes and smart cities
  • Develop advanced machine learning algorithms and AI models
  • Craft ML algorithms, NLP, computer vision, robotics
  • Publish socially impactful research
  • Create scientific AI films
Transformative potential
  • Collaborate with leading universities, global tech companies, or cutting-edge startups
  • Address AI ethics, bias, governance
  • Develop AI tools for education, healthcare or environmental protection
  • Lead interdisciplinary research projects that integrate AI with culture, education, health, or sustainability
What will you earn?

The role of AI Research Scientist currently ranks as the highest-paid job in the booming AI industry, with salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $300,000 per year and more, depending on specialization and experience.

Qualifies for PhD

This is an accredited and state-approved program.
This program qualifies worldwide for a PhD position.

The study program in brief

  • Start date

    Summer semester (April) and winter semester (October)

  • Campus Locations

    Online study program

  • Tuition fees

    4,170 EUR per semester,
    16,680 EUR for the 2-year program.

    (8,340 EUR for the 1-year program, upon request only.)

  • Duration

    4 semesters

    (Upon request: 2 semesters, via our selection commission and the adequate ECTS from another MA program.)

  • Degree

    Master of Arts (M.A.)

Promotion 🤩

Start your studies this October!

Apply until September 15 to get a pair of Meta AI glasses 👓

Your bonus: A pair of Meta AI glasses until September 15

Apply by 15.09.2025 and get your hands on an exclusive pair of

  • RayBan Meta AI glasses or
  • limited edition Oakley Meta AI glasses

The study program in detail

Find out more about the content of the Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) and your career prospects after graduation.

Course content and teaching

The Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) is designed for graduates with a background in social sciences, computer science, film, photography, communication studies, media professionals or another subject. It focuses on the influence of artificial intelligence on societies in all areas of life and provides students with the knowledge to become experts in artificial intelligence and society and to conduct qualitative research to examine the needs and challenges of AI for societies and cultures. The course is very international. The language of instruction is English. The program uses a real-time online global schedule to provide students from all over the world with the best study time.

Modules

First semester: Basic modules: History and Fundamentals of AI Technologies (Ethics and Society) and AI and the Cultural Industries

Second semester: Profile modules: AI Technology and Society, AI and Applied Computer Science, AI and VR for the Creative and Cultural Industries, as well as Thesis Proposal

Third semester: Project modules: AI Media Project and Internship

Fourth semester: Master’s Thesis

Your profile

This program is for students with any undergraduate degree who are interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and its societal impact. A technical background is not required, but knowledge in social sciences, arts, design or media is beneficial.

Ideal students are curious about the intersection of AI and society, explore creative possibilities of AI in areas such as design and VR, and understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Critical thinking, ethical awareness and communication skills are key to analyzing complex problems and finding solutions. Adaptability, open-mindedness and a human-centered approach round off your profile.

Formerly under admission requirements:

  • A good undergraduate degree (university/university of applied sciences)
  • Relevant work experience
  • Good knowledge of English
  • Adequate electronic equipment, a good internet connection and a fast computer
  • A digital camera, a 360-degree camera and a VR headset such as Meta Quest 2 or Pro are recommended. A Meta Quest 2 can also be borrowed from the Media University.
Distance Learning and On-Campus-Workshops

The Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) program is offered 100% online, with optional on-campus courses in Berlin, Germany. The master’s program works with excellent teachers. Using the latest e-learning technologies, students worldwide are prepared with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in the fields of artificial intelligence, sustainable societies, and cultural industries.

The program has licensed Canvas LMS, one of the leading learning management systems. Students will find a course calendar, course content, reading, films, assignments, announcements and grades on our Canvas platform. In addition, they can upload their work and communicate with each other and their teachers. In addition, teaching with avatars takes place in the Metaverse Engage and Horizon Workrooms and other VR environments. The program uses a combination of three different e-learning methods.

We offer three forms of online courses:

1.) A-synchronous self-learning courses via the LMS Canvas with content, video lectures, films, reading material and assignments

2.) Synchronous real-time meetings in MS teams via webcam and voice chat

3.) Live courses with VR headsets and avatars in Horizon Workrooms and the Metaverse Engage

Technical equipment

The Media University offers students on campus Meta Quest 2 VR headsets, cameras, sound and editing programs. In addition, the Media University Berlin has a professional film studio for the production of AI avatars and immersive videos for companies. The program also works with AI companies like Synthe-sio.io to develop cutting-edge software and technology for webinars, and with professional VR companies that teach our students how to produce immersive 360-degree videos.

A wide range of career opportunities

The following target occupations are just a few examples of possible career prospects that graduates of the Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence (M.A.) and Societies can expect: AI experts in ethics, bias and social justice, education, metaverse, sustainability and climate change adaptation, gaming and entertainment, cultural heritage, healthcare, automotive and transportation, smart homes/smart cities technology, robotics and societies, and producers of AI avatars/bots, startup entrepreneurs, public relations and marketing consultants, journalists, customer experience managers, designers, and user experience (UX) designers for AI.

Admission requirements
  • A good undergraduate degree (university/university of applied sciences)
  • Relevant work experience
  • Good knowledge of English
  • Adequate electronic equipment, a good internet connection and a fast computer
  • It is recommended to have a digital camera, a 360-degree camera and a VR headset like Meta Quest 2 or Pro. A Meta Quest 2 can also be borrowed from the Media University.
Find out more about the Master's program in Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.)

The MA in Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) combines advanced theory, research and ethics of AI and virtual environments with hands-on creation.
You’ll explore interactive AI characters, immersive AR/VR, metaverse solutions and autonomous narrative generation, and produce professional AI films for NGOs, institutions or companies, incl. AI animation of archival material.

Building on 15 years of expertise from the MA in Visual and Media Anthropology, the program addresses human needs and current AI/VR developments—from robotics for environmental protection to sustainable smart cities and cultural/entertainment uses.

You’ll design and implement projects (e.g., immersive museum experiences, interactive humanoid avatars), study human–AI interaction, and ensure outputs are emotionally resonant, culturally relevant and ethically sound—thinking critically about bias, authorship, authenticity and impact. Graduates move into AI implementation, VR development and sustainability roles.

Recognition

The Media University’s Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence and Societies (M.A.) has been approved by the Berlin Senate. We expect the accreditation process to be completed shortly.

Request information material

Would you like to learn more about the program? We would be happy to send you an overview of all the information, including all modules.

Your contact person in the Study Advisory Service

Do you have questions about the program? Then feel free to call or make an appointment by email!