Master of Arts in Digital Humanities
In the 2017/18 academic year, the first Master's degree program in "Digital Humanities" in Austria was launched at the University of Graz!
The technical developments of recent decades have led to the emergence of a new research paradigm: Digital Humanities research and teaching at the interface of the humanities and information technologies. The use of computer-aided methods offers new possibilities for indexing and evaluating academic sources and is changing the approach to research in the humanities.
These new research approaches are based on an understanding of research in the humanities that goes beyond the forced use of digital materials to explicitly examine methodological questions, creates new research potential and new conditions for the reception of research results by society and also raises the question of how cultural heritage can be made digitally accessible and used innovatively in the long term.
Structure and content of the degree program
The Master's degree program in Digital Humanities is divided into four semesters and comprises a workload of 120 ECTS credits. Graduates are enabled to carry out analyses, produce results and prepare them for media forms of representation and presentation on the basis of research questions from their original subjects in the humanities and cultural studies (which are to be deepened within the framework of the bound elective subject). Specifically, the teaching modules include, for example, basic knowledge of computer science, subject-specific methods, data formats, description standards, web technologies, databases, programming languages and visualization. Among other things, in-depth insights into the information technology formalization, modelling, analysis, processing and management of cultural and humanities data and sources are taught.
Admission requirements
The prerequisite for admission to the Master's degree course in Digital Humanities is the completion of a Bachelor's degree course or a Bachelor's degree course at a university of applied sciences in the field of humanities or cultural studies or another equivalent course at a recognized domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. There is no separate application procedure for the Master's degree program.
Occupational fields
Digital humanities graduates find a professional field in the university context, both at centers and research institutions with a focus on "digital humanities", as well as in the context of traditional humanities research. Other fields of work include the conception, implementation and dissemination of projects in the context of science communication or the communication of humanities research results and digital cultural heritage. Libraries, archives and museums are working on the digitization of cultural heritage objects as well as their scientific indexing. The connection between the humanities and computer science also offers opportunities in the creative industries, in media and ICT companies and in fields of work with a focus on communication and consulting (provision and processing of information).
FAQs on studying
Set of slides with general information: "Studying digital humanities"
1) Who is the course aimed at?
The course is aimed at students with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities or Cultural Studies who would like to acquire tools for the digital utilization of their subject-related skills in addition to the specialist knowledge from their previous Bachelor's degree. Apart from general "computer literacy", no specific (technical) prior knowledge is required, nor are there any other admission requirements. However, a certain affinity for IT-supported working methods is certainly an advantage.
In principle, it is not impossible for graduates of technical degree courses to study for a Master's degree, but they must provide proof of knowledge of the humanities or acquire this during their studies (more details in consultation with the CuKo chairperson).
Students who do not have a relevant Bachelor's degree should first contact the CuKo chairperson to determine whether they are eligible. An application for non-consecutive enrollment is very time-consuming (= several months) and should therefore be discussed in advance in the interest of the applicant.
2) How tech-savvy do I need to be for this degree program? Should I think of it as a computer science degree program? Do you have to be able to do math?
Of course, that depends on what you mean by "tech-savvy" and how you imagine studying computer science. You don't have to be able to do math and it doesn't feature in the course. The course "Fundamentals of Computer Science" is largely the same as similar courses at Graz University of Technology, albeit at a much lower level. Most of the other courses bear no resemblance to computer science studies in the strict sense, although you do of course learn the basics of programming. Basic "computer literacy" ("How do I zip a document?" and the like) is a prerequisite before you start studying, but there is an "Exercise Sheet 0" that you can use to test whether you have mastered these skills.
Not being able to answer or solve everything from "Exercise Sheet 0" in advance is not a criterion for exclusion, but you should have the basic motivation to acquire such knowledge independently. If you lack this, you will not enjoy studying.
3) I have read that you should have your own laptop with you in the lectures. Which operating system do I need?
If you are serious about studying for a Master's degree, you should have your own laptop with administrator rights to install new software. In the courses, the ZIM can help out with computers in emergencies.
Different operating systems are not a problem. Students and lecturers alike use Windows, MacOS and Linux, depending on their personal preference.
It is not advisable to use a tablet, as not all the necessary software is available.
4) In which languages are the lectures held?
The course is generally taught in German, but courses are also regularly offered in English.
5) Can I combine my studies with my work?
The course is officially described as a "full-time course". The courses are not necessarily offered in such a way that they can be completed alongside work. The best way to get tips on this is to ask fellow working students.
6) Can I have a relevant internship credited instead of the free electives?
The degree program provides 12 ECTS credits (2017 curriculum) or 9 ECTS credits (2021 curriculum) for free electives. A relevant internship (up to 8 weeks of full-time employment) can be credited for this purpose, but the desired internship must be discussed in advance with the Cuko chairperson and approved by him/her.
7) Do I have to choose the compulsory elective subject (2017 curriculum) or the specialization (2021 curriculum) from the Master's degree program in which I completed my Bachelor's degree (humanities or cultural studies)?
In principle, it is not compulsory, but you should make sure that
- the courses are assigned to a Master's degree program
- the subject appears in the list of possible subjects and
- you are entitled to attend and complete the courses listed for the subject.
These requirements are met if the associated Bachelor's degree program has been completed. In other cases, you should contact the relevant Cuko to find out about the admission requirements.
8) I already have a Master's degree and would like to stay in academia and gain an additional qualification. What is the best and most efficient way to do this?
It certainly makes sense to aim for a Master's in Digital Humanities as an additional qualification. However, depending on how deeply you want to familiarize yourself with the subject and how much time you can devote to it in addition to (possible) project work, the certificate module "Information Modelling in the Humanities" could also be relevant. Here, important practical knowledge is taught within the framework of 24 ECTS (= 6 courses with compulsory attendance). This certificate is therefore sufficient to provide proof of basic knowledge in the field of digital humanities. In contrast to the Master's degree course, it should also be possible to complete this within one academic year without any problems, even alongside work.
Curriculum for the Master's degree program "Digital Humanities" 2021
Curriculum 2021
The curriculum as PDF
The new 2021 version of the curriculum comes into force on 01.10.2021.
The main changes concern:
1) Simplification of the course titles.
2) Reduction of ECTS credits in the free elective area in favor of an additional in-depth compulsory course.
3) More open formulation of the permissible courses from the restricted elective subject (in the new curriculum "Module F: Subject-specific specialization"), which applies to the specialization from the original domain.
4) The integration of the previously missing or new GEWI Master's degree programs (English/American Studies; Classical Philology; Art History; Musicology; Slavic Linguistics, Literature and Cultural Studies) and Sociology as a creditable "Module F: Subject-specific specialization".
Curriculum for the Master's degree program "Digital Humanities" 2017
Curriculum 2017
The curriculum as PDF
In the 2017/18 academic year, the first Master's degree program in "Digital Humanities" in Austria started at the University of Graz. This curriculum will be changed in the winter semester 2021/22.
Students of the Master's degree program in Digital Humanities who are enrolled in the curriculum of the version 17W when the new curriculum comes into force on 01.10.2021 are entitled to complete their studies in accordance with the provisions of the 17W version of the curriculum within 6 semesters. If the degree program is not completed by 30.09.2024, students are subject to the curriculum for the Master's degree program in Digital Humanities in the currently valid version. Students of the Master's degree program in Digital Humanities are entitled at any time during the admission periods to subject themselves to the currently valid curriculum for the Master's degree program in Digital Humanities.
Erasmus internships
What do other digital humanities institutions actually do?
Whether Venice or Wuppertal, Berlin, Leipzig or Uppsala - there are digital humanities institutions everywhere and each institution has its own focus. What do they do differently than in Graz?
You can find out for yourself during an Erasmus stay or internship!
Use your semester break for an Erasmus internship at a Digital Humanities institution.
You can either look for a place yourself (to be discussed with the Cuomo chair Martina Scholger) and apply for a grant or contact the Center and we will help you find a suitable place.
Erasmus internship facts
- At least 2 months full-time internship
- DH centers or other DH/cultural heritage institutions possible as hosts
- Application ("Training Agreement") two months in advance, i.e. there is still enough time from the start of the summer semester
- Recognition as FWF or project seminar (after consultation with Cuko chair Martina Scholger)
- Network internationally, improve your CV, get to know potential employers
- Gather work experience and contacts in the DH field
- Ongoing application, at least 2 months before the start with a "Training Agreement"
- Up to 630€ grant depending on the internship country
- Erasmus contract does not necessarily have to be in place with the institution
Apply now!
Resources
Master's thesis
Master's thesis and examination
- Find a supervisor!
You can choose from Georg Vogeler and Chiara Zuanni. - Agree on a topic with your supervisor (the PV is intended for this purpose)
- You can find out how to announce your Master's thesis topic on the website of the Faculty of Humanities.
It is advisable to decide on a topic and officially register the topic after completing the Privatissimum at the latest. The topic should be designed by the examiner in such a way that it can be completed in six months. - Scope of the Master's thesis:
According to the curriculum, the thesis comprises 20 ECTS (= 500 hours). The Master's thesis is a scientific paper of approximately 144,000 to 216,000 characters (including spaces, excluding bibliography and footnotes), which can be supplemented by digital elaborations (data, code stored in a publicly accessible repository). In the case of extensive digital work, which also counts as academic work, a shorter number of pages can be agreed with the supervisor (minimum: 60 pages of text). The topic must be taken from the area of one of the examination subjects (= modules B-E of the curriculum).
In principle, there is no time limit for writing the Master's thesis, but as enrolment is compulsory, the ÖH fee and possibly tuition fees are payable as soon as the standard period of study is exceeded. It should also be borne in mind that the supervisor could change universities or similar and no longer be able to supervise the Master's thesis. - Citation style:
You can use your learned/familiar citation style from the Bachelor's degree, but you must discuss it with your supervisor.
The basic rules are: consistent and discuss with supervisor. - Communicate regularly with your supervisor (e.g. once a month)
- Submission:
You no longer have to have your Master's thesis printed. You can find more information on the website of the Faculty of Humanities.
You must allow at least 4 weeks between the submission of the thesis and the examination date, whereby the review must be available at least 2 weeks before the examination. It is not necessary to have already completed all examinations and courses to register for the Master's thesis. All grades, including the Master's thesis, must be available for the examination. - Examination:
In addition to your 2 examiners, there is also the chairperson.
At least 2 of these 3 people must be habilitated.
If your supervisor is not habilitated, your second examiner and the chairperson must be habilitated. If your supervisor and second examiner are habilitated, your chairperson must not be habilitated.
The examination has 3 sections:- Presentation of the Master's thesis, 20 minutes in total (10-15 minutes presentation, then both examiners will ask questions about your Master's thesis)
- Partial examination 1 from the module of the Master's examination, 20 minutes
- Partial examination 2 from another module (B-F in the 2021 curriculum; B-E in the 2017 curriculum), 20 minutes