Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in Techno-Anthropology

The Master's programme in Techno-Anthropology is a 2-year, research-based, full-time study programme offered by Aalborg University. The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sociotechnical interplay between technologies, people, and organizations, with a focus on digital transformations.

Programme Specifications

• The programme is set to 120 ECTS credits.
• It is offered in English.
• The programme falls under The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University.
• The Study Board of Techno-Anthropology and Sustainable Design is responsible for the programme.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a Legal Right of Admission

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Techno-Anthropology (AAL), Aalborg University
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering (General Engineering with specialisation in Technology and Design), Aalborg University

Applicants without Legal Right of Admission

A wide range of bachelor's degrees are considered, including but not limited to:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Techno-Anthropology (CHP), AAU
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Architecture and Design, AAU
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Art and Technology, AAU
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biotechnology, AAU
• And many others listed in the curriculum.

All applicants without a legal claim must prove that their English language qualifications are equivalent to level B (Danish level) in English.

Programme Title and Competence Profile

• The Danish designation is Cand.scient. i teknoantropologi.
• The English designation is Master of Science (MSc) in Techno-Anthropology.
• Graduates of the programme can explain and compare a broad selection of socio-technical theories, identify and critically evaluate key processes of technological development, and develop new analyses and assessments of social, societal, and ethical conditions.

Structure and Contents of the Programme

The programme is structured in modules and organised as a problem-based study. It includes:

• Project modules where students work self-dependently with problem-oriented projects.
• Course modules that aim to further relevant knowledge for the students in relation to the semester focus.
• Elective projects in the third semester that allow students to spend time collaborating directly with an external organisation, perform action research, or delve into digital anthropological analysis.
• A Master's Thesis in the fourth semester where the entire curriculum of the master's programme is consolidated into a self-dependent problem-oriented project work.

Modules and ECTS Credits

The programme includes the following modules:

• Technological Transformations in Private, Public and Community Organizations (15 ECTS)
• Digital Anthropology (5 ECTS)
• Introduction to Scripting, Data Mining and Machine Learning (5 ECTS)
• Framing Techno-Anthropological Transformation (5 ECTS)
• Facilitating Technological Transformations in Private, Public and Community Organizations (15 ECTS)
• Digital Controversy Mapping (5 ECTS)
• Emerging Science and Technology (5 ECTS)
• Facilitating Techno-Anthropological Transformations (5 ECTS)
• Elective projects (30 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Assessment Methods

All modules are assessed through individual grading according to the 7-point scale. The assessment methods include oral exams based on a project, written or oral exams, and internal or external examinations.

Additional Information

• Prior to study start, students are advertised to follow and complete a digital course on Techno-Anthropology.
• All students who have not participated in Aalborg University's PBL introductory course during a Bachelor's degree at Aalborg University must attend the introductory course "Problem-based Learning and Project Management" at 1st semester.
• The commencement of studies exam does not provide any ECTS and will not appear at the Master's diploma.

Commencement and Transitional Rules

The curriculum is approved by the dean and enters into force as of September 1, 2022. The Study Board does not offer teaching after the previous curriculum from 2020 after the summer examination period 2022.

Amendments to the Curriculum and Regulations

There have been amendments to the curriculum, including changes in module ownership and the removal of the compulsory module "Reflexive Project Design and Competence Development".