Digital Humanities

The power of data, the depth of culture.

As data proliferate and play an ever-growing role in our life decisions, a human-centric and interdisciplinary approach to technology is the most powerful method we have for fostering creativity, asking relevant questions and ultimately making the best possible decisions for our future.

The Master of Science in Digital Humanities offers future engineers the unique opportunity to pair a rigorous technical education with a deeper understanding of user experience, cultural and social contexts as well as real-world application of digital tools.

The diverse backgrounds of the EPFL digital humanities faculty are uniquely positioned to provide this type of interdisciplinary training. Our society is shaped with data primarily produced, consumed, and curated by people – from cultural and social media to historical and urban data. Digital humanities engineers have the advantage of pairing technical skills in computer and data science with the applied interdisciplinary understanding needed to pursue a broader range of career opportunities.

Program’s objectives

The program offers a high level qualification in data science as well as in humanities and social sciences, on a theoretical but also on an operational level in order to manage all the steps in the chain of rich data processing. This encompasses the creation of data-harvesting processes, the choice and design of algorithms, the maintenance of databases and archives, the design of user experience, and the interpretation to propose.

EPFL digital humanities engineers, having both advanced technical skills and a broad interdisciplinary approach, are ready to make an impact, from creative industries to information and communication technologies (ICT) to cultural heritage.

In addition to standard ICT career opportunities, a broad range of additional positions are for instance: user experience designer, data journalist, artificial intelligence specialist for the creative industries (media, music, video games, fashion), data scientist in the humanitarian sector and numerous academic careers in the growing field of the digital humanities.

Simplified study plan

Please note that the information regarding programs’ structure as well as the simplified study plans may be subject to change and that they are not legally binding. Only the official regulations and study plans are binding.

Admission criteria

EPFL degrees

EPFL Bachelor’s degrees obtained in a discipline related to science or engineering are eligible and subject to a dossier-based analysis, if they meet specific prerequisites (see specific skills below).

Non-EPFL degrees

Bachelor’s degrees obtained in the field of Computer Sciences, Communication Systems, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Microengineering or Data Science are also eligible on the basis of the evaluation of their application dossier, accompanied by excellent academic records. 

Prerequisites for all applications

In addition, skills in programming, algebra, statistics, signal processing are required.

The acquisition of additional credits to fill any gaps may be required.

Please note that meeting all of these criteria is no guarantee of admission.

Further information about the admission criteria

Teaching language

English

Diploma and title obtained

Upon completion of their Master’s curricula, students obtain an EPFL Master of Science MSc in Digital Humanities. The diploma also gives graduates the right to use the title of EPF qualified Engineer.

Online application

Study plan

Program details

Accreditations