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Master
Vergelijk
Digital Investigations (Media Studies)

Study programme

You will learn digital investigation methods while exploring various investigative fields, along with their differing approaches to what constitutes reliable knowledge and evidence. Learning methods and narrative techniques goes hand in hand with critically examining the (ethical) challenges of working with digital information in sensitive contexts marked by power imbalances. The curriculum combines lectures and research seminars with collaborative data sprints and real-world projects grounded in academic research and debate. You will produce research papers, investigative reports, and multimedia presentations, developing different forms of evidence-based storytelling.
COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Investigatory Cultures 1: Theory of Digital Investigations
    6

    This theoretical course introduces you to the field of digital investigations and the wider investigatory landscape, key ethical principles, and debate around (post-)truth and fact production. You will engage with critical and theoretical frameworks that situate investigative practices within evolving social, aesthetic, technical and political contexts.

  • Digital Investigations 1: Research Seminar
    6

    You will analyse landmark investigations and learn basic techniques for discovering, analysing and visualising diverse data types, such as user-generated content, satellite imagery, environmental data and open datasets. You will also learn essential digital security practices for conducting investigations, with a specific focus on preserving digital media.

  • Investigatory Cultures 2: Ethics, Narrative, and Social Impact
    6

    This lecture series emphasises the importance of narrative approaches, teaching you how to craft compelling evidence-based stories. Through real-world examples and controversies in investigative journalism, humanitarian documentation and artistic research, you will examine how narrative and technical choices shape investigations, while considering questions of positionality, ethics and their broader societal implications.

  • Digital Investigations 2: Specialisation Seminar
    6

    This seminar lets you specialise in a chosen investigative method such as audio-visual or AI-assisted investigations. You will learn how to use relevant digital tools to conduct and develop investigations. Each track combines creative, technical and critical approaches tailored to the type of investigation.

  • Digital Investigations 3: Winter School
    6

    In this practical course, you examine how investigative goals, audiences, and digital technologies shape archiving practices and their potential for social impact. You design and execute a collaborative data-driven project, integrating what you have learned about technical, ethical and narrative approaches.

  • Free-choice electives or Embedded Research Project
    12

    You can choose between a free-choice elective or an Embedded Research Project, where you work on collaboratively with staff and/or external partners to investigate a public concern or societal issue.

  • Master's Thesis
    18

    The Master's thesis concludes the programme with your own independent research project under expert supervision. The Embedded Research Project can inform your Master’s thesis proposal.

Compulsory course
Elective