M.A. Artificial Intelligence and Societies

The program is an online program offered via LMS Canvas, video lectures, and live classes with lectures, presentations, and discussions.

The program aims to develop and shape leading voices in the sector of artificial intelligence for sustainable societies and for the cultural industries, including museums, galleries, and other institutions producing immersive digital art and culture, using artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology to create digital media and cultural representations but also to equip students with qualitative research methods and knowledge to become experts in artificial intelligence and virtual reality for a variety of companies (such as companies producing AI-technology for smart homes, intelligent, sustainable cities, or AI for healthcare applications). The program is highly international, with students and lecturers from numerous continents and countries.

The professors and lecturers of the program are experts in artificial intelligence or virtual reality research and technology and have a background in computer science and machine learning or anthropology, sociology, ethics, filmmaking, immersive storytelling, photography, art, or design from companies and universities worldwide.

The MA in Artificial Intelligence and Societies is delivered 100 % online, with optional On-Campus-classes in Berlin, Germany. The MA program employs an outstanding teaching staff. It engages the latest e-learning technologies to prepare students worldwide with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in artificial intelligence, sustainable societies, and cultural industries.

The program licensed Canvas LMS, one of the premier Learning Management Systems. Students can find a course calendar, course content, readings, films, assignments, announcements, and grades on our Canvas platform. In addition, they can upload their papers and communicate with each other and their lecturers. Furthermore, classes with avatars take 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-synchronal self-learning courses via LMS Canvas with content, video lectures, films, readings, and assignments

2.) Synchronal real-time meetings in Zoom via webcam and voice chat

3) Life courses with VR Headsets and avatars in Horizon Workrooms and the Metaverse Engage

Media University offers Meta Quest 2 VR Headsets, cameras, sound, and editing equipment for students on Campus. Furthermore, Media University Berlin has a professional film studio for producing corporate AI-Avatars and immersive videos. The program also collaborates with AI companies such as Synthesio.io for cutting-edge software and technology for webinars and with professional VR companies that teach our students how to produce immersive 360-degree videos.

This program is aimed at students with an undergraduate degree (BA) in any subject interested in artificial intelligence technology and societies. You do not need a Computer Science or informatics background for this program. A background in social sciences, art, design, or any media subject is a plus but not mandatory.

1. Curiosity: Ideal students are driven by a deep curiosity to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and society. They are eager to understand the impact of AI on various aspects of human life, including culture, ethics, policy, nature, education, and social dynamics.
2. Creativity: an ideal student likes to explore the new possibilities of AI-driven technology to create striking media such as video or photography, design, or a whole VR scenario. Students can choose in the second semester in which field they want to specialize.
3. Interdisciplinary Mindset: AI and Societies is a multidisciplinary field that requires a holistic approach. Our ideal students appreciate the importance of integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines such as computer science, sociology, philosophy, film, photography, art and design, psychology, anthropology, or political science. They understand the value of collaboration and seek opportunities to bridge gaps between different fields.
4. Critical Thinking: Our program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills. Ideal students can examine complex problems, evaluate different perspectives, and develop well-reasoned arguments. They strongly desire to question assumptions, challenge existing paradigms, and propose innovative solutions.
5. Ethical Awareness: As AI increasingly shapes our society, students must be ethically aware. Ideal students demonstrate a deep understanding of ethical issues related to AI, such as bias, privacy, accountability, and transparency. They promote responsible AI development and deployment to ensure fairness, justice, and social well-being.
6. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is essential for addressing the societal impact of AI. Ideal students are skilled communicators who can translate complex technical concepts into clear and accessible language for diverse audiences. They actively collaborate, fostering teamwork and building bridges between AI experts and other stakeholders.
7. Adaptability and Openness: AI constantly evolves, and ideal students embrace change and adapt to new technologies and methodologies. They are open to different perspectives, value diversity, and seek to learn from others. They are comfortable navigating uncertainty and willing to explore innovative solutions to societal challenges.
8. Empathy and Human-Centered Approach: An ideal student recognizes that AI should be designed and deployed with a human-centered focus. They prioritize the well-being and interests of individuals and communities, considering the social implications of AI technology. They strive to ensure that AI benefits all members of society, leaving no one behind. They want to make meaningful contributions to the field and help shape a future where AI serves society's best interests.

Completing a Master of Arts program in Artificial Intelligence and Societies opens up many career opportunities for graduates. With a deep understanding of the intersection between AI and society, the technical and methodological skills for research about AI and societies, and the ability to create AI solutions, students can make significant contributions in various professional domains. These following target jobs represent just some examples of the diverse career paths that await graduates of the MA in Artificial Intelligence and Societies. 

• General AI Expert: The General AI Expert is responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions across various domains. The role involves ethical considerations, leveraging machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision expertise to design and build intelligent systems that can understand, learn, and reason like humans.
• AI Policy and Ethics Consultant: Graduates can work as AI policy and ethics consultants, advising governments and organizations on AI's responsible and ethical use. They can contribute to shaping guidelines, standards, and regulations to ensure AI technologies' ethical development and aspects of social justice in these domains.
• AI-Metaverse Expert: As Artificial Intelligence technology is also crucial in virtual reality technology, experts in both sectors are urgently needed. The MA in AI and Societies equips students with combined skills of AI and VR expertise to work in the Metaverse.
• AI Education Specialist: As AI continues transforming education, there is a growing need for professionals who can develop AI-focused educational programs and resources. Graduates can work as AI education specialists, designing curricula and AI teacher bots, delivering workshops, and training educators to integrate AI concepts into their teaching practices. They can create AI-driven VR storytelling for educational games, and they can program and navigate ai-bots and avatars.
• AI Journalists: AI journalists are employed at news agencies or online platforms. They are responsible for automated news generation and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in generating news content and data-driven investigative reporting, uncovering patterns, and identifying trends with the help of AI that would be otherwise difficult to detect.

AI Marketing and PR:

In artificial intelligence (AI), PR (Public Relations), and marketing, several job roles involve leveraging AI technologies to enhance communication, branding, and customer engagement. Here are some typical job roles in this sector:

• AI Marketing Strategist: AI marketing strategists develop and execute marketing strategies incorporating AI technologies. They identify opportunities to leverage AI in marketing campaigns, customer segmentation, personalized messaging, and marketing automation to improve targeting and campaign effectiveness.
• AI Brand Manager: AI brand managers focus on building and managing brand presence using AI-driven tools and techniques. They leverage AI for sentiment analysis, social media listening, and brand reputation monitoring. They also explore AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to enhance customer interactions and brand experiences.
• AI Content Marketer: AI content marketers create and optimize content using AI technologies. They leverage natural language processing (NLP) and text generation models to automate content creation, curation, and translation. They also analyze data to identify content trends and optimize content distribution strategies.
• AI PR Specialist: AI PR specialists apply AI to public relations initiatives. They use AI-powered media monitoring and sentiment analysis tools to track public sentiment, identify media coverage opportunities, and manage crisis communications. They also leverage AI for media outreach and influencer identification.
• AI Social Media Manager: AI social media managers use AI tools to manage and optimize social media presence. They leverage AI analytics to monitor social media platforms, identify trends, and analyze customer behavior. They also explore AI chatbots and virtual assistants for customer support and engagement.
• AI Customer Experience Manager: AI customer experience managers focus on enhancing customer experiences through AI technologies. They leverage AI chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice assistants to provide personalized and proactive customer support. They also use AI analytics to gain insights into customer preferences and behaviors.
• AI Market Research Analyst: AI market research analysts utilize AI tools and techniques to conduct market research and gather consumer insights. They leverage AI-powered data analysis.
• AI User Experience (UX) Designer: As an AI UX designer, graduates can shape user experiences by integrating AI technologies into digital products and services. They can optimize interfaces, design chatbots or virtual assistants, and create intuitive interactions that enhance user satisfaction and engagement.
• AI Cultural Heritage Specialist: Cultural heritage institutions such as museums, galleries, and libraries increasingly utilize AI technologies to preserve, analyze, and interpret artifacts and historical data. Graduates can work as AI cultural heritage specialists, combining their knowledge of AI and cultural contexts to digitize collections, curate interactive exhibitions, and develop AI-powered cultural research and preservation tools.
• Expert for AI-driven Design: Experts for AI-Driven Design can work in various industries and organizations where integrating artificial intelligence with design is crucial. Some typical work environments for these experts include Technology Companies: Many technology companies, especially those focused on AI, machine learning, and data analytics, hire AI-Driven Design experts to optimize their product design and user experiences. These include companies working on AI platforms, chatbots, virtual assistants, personalized recommendations, and other AI-driven solutions. Furthermore, Design agencies that offer services in UX/UI design, product design, and innovation often employ experts in AI-Driven Design. These experts help clients leverage AI technologies to enhance their design processes and create innovative, user-centric products and experiences.
• Experts for AI, Gaming, and Entertainment: Gaming companies and entertainment studios utilize Experts for AI to create immersive gaming experiences, AI-powered characters, and interactive storytelling. They work on designing interfaces and interactions that adapt to user behavior and preferences.

Automotive and Transportation:

Companies in the automotive and transportation industry, including autonomous vehicle manufacturers and mobility service providers, hire AI Experts. They contribute to the UX design of user interfaces, infotainment systems, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that incorporate AI technologies for enhanced user experiences and safety.

• Expert in Smart Home Technologies: An expert in smart home technology can work in various industries and organizations where the design, development, and implementation of smart home solutions are essential. Some typical work environments for these experts include Homebuilder and Real Estate, technology companies specializing in smart home devices, home automation systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Other work environments are Consumer Electronics Manufacturers, including those producing appliances, entertainment systems, and smart devices. Furthermore, Energy and utility companies focus on energy efficiency and sustainability in residential settings. Companies specializing in home security and alarm systems hire experts in smart home technology to develop advanced security solutions. These experts work on integrating smart security devices, such as cameras, sensors, and access control systems, into a comprehensive smart home security ecosystem.
• Expert in Robotics and Societies: Robotics and technology companies hire experts in robotics and societies to address ethical and societal considerations in product development and deployment. They work on designing and implementing robotics solutions aligned with societal values, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and responsible AI practices.
• AI and Healthcare: In the field of AI healthcare, there are various job roles involving the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to improve healthcare outcomes. Here are some typical job roles in this sector: AI ethicists are crucial in ensuring responsible and ethical AI practices in healthcare. They assess the impact of AI algorithms on patient privacy, fairness, bias, and transparency. They develop guidelines and policies for the ethical use of AI in healthcare.
• Another job role is the Robotics engineer who designs and develops robotic systems for surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and patient care. The VR Healthcare- and Telemedicine specialists leverage AI and machine learning to enable remote healthcare services, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and automated triage systems. They ensure AI's safe and efficient use in virtual reality and telemedicine applications.
• AI Startup Entrepreneur: With a solid understanding of AI and the creative industries, graduates can venture into entrepreneurship by founding their own AI startups. They can identify opportunities to apply AI technologies in areas such as education, gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, design, or creative software development, disrupting traditional models and driving innovation in the sector.
• AI Researcher: For those inclined toward academia and research, a Master's in AI and Societies is a stepping stone to pursuing a Ph.D. and conducting cutting-edge research in AI and societies, human-AI interaction, or AI ethics and policy. This path enables graduates to contribute to advancing knowledge in the field.

• First Semester: Basic Modules (30 CP): History and Fundamentals of AI technologies (Ethics and Societies); AI and the Cultural Industries
• Second Semester: Profile Modules (30 CP): AI Technology and Societies, AI and Applied Computer Science, AI and VR for the Creative and Cultural Industries, Thesis Proposal
• Third Semester: Project Modules (30 CP): AI Media Project, Internship
• Fourth Semester: Master Thesis (30 CP)

• A first university or university of applied Sciences degree (Bachelor)
• Proficiency in English (fluent in both written and spoken) is a must
• Participants must have adequate electronic equipment to handle various multimedia materials
• High-speed Internet access, a good computer, and a personal email account are compulsory.
• Owning a digital camera, a 360-degree camera, and a VR headset such as Meta Quest 2 or Pro is recommended. A Meta Quest 2 can also be borrowed from Media University.

The program offers advanced training in the theory, research, and ethics of artificial intelligence technologies and virtual environments and their application to future cultural industries, such as self-learning and interacting AI-Avatar and metaverse solutions, AI and robotics for environmental conservation, sustainable smart cities and home solutions but also knowledge about Social Media and Artificial Intelligence (algorithm, activism, marketing strategies, Digital Service Act) and AI for the cultural, gaming and entertainment sector.

Students in the program will learn about anthropological fundamentals, human communities' needs, and the latest development in AI and virtual reality.

Students will get hand-on-experience designing, developing, and implementing AI and VR projects for cultural industries, such as creating immersive museum experiences for cultural heritage and developing and programming interactive humanoid AI avatars for education for NGOs and companies. Furthermore, students will learn to design virtual sets and avatars for immersive 360-degree video productions.

Students will conduct qualitative research with avatars in artificial and virtual environments to learn how to interact, direct and monitor the new superintelligences on the one hand and to analyze the behavior and needs of human people in the interaction with artificial intelligence systems on the other hand.

The MA in Artificial Intelligence and Societies is a spin-off program of the successful MA in Visual and Media Anthropology. With 15 years of research and teaching experience in virtual environments, anthropology of artificial intelligence, and immersive productions, it is one of the rare programs that can offer long-lasting experience in VR and AI education for social and cultural Sciences.

The MA program suits students with a background in social and cultural sciences, anthropology, computer science, media studies, design, or related fields interested in exploring AI and VR's creative and cultural potential. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped for careers as governmental consultants for AI implementations, virtual and augmented reality development, environmental sustainability solutions based on artificial intelligence, and cultural heritage management with the power of AI and VR technologies.

The MA program is a unique opportunity for students to develop their skills and knowledge in one of today's most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of technology and culture.