MASTER OF ARTS IN DIGITAL HUMANITIES
The Master of Arts in Digital Humanities programme is the first Digital Humanities Masters programme in Singapore. It is designed to help graduates and mid-career professionals, trained in either the humanities, arts and social sciences, or science and technology, to excel in and adapt to the volatile and unpredictable global workforce today. As societies worldwide increasingly digitalise and artificial intelligence looks set to become a significant part of work and private life, growing attention is placed on how digital technologies influence and are influenced by human cultures and societies. Providing a uniquely Asian perspective, our programme’s goal is to nurture well-balanced graduates who are both technologically savvy and sensitive to the cultural and social aspects of technology usage.
The Master of Arts in Digital Humanities programme at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) is a United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) endorsed degree programme, recognising its commitment to developing professionals who can harness digital technologies and AI responsibly for the benefit of people and society.
When you join the programme, you can look forward to the following:
- Specially curated course offerings that focus on the two-way relationship between the digital and the humanities
- Flexibility in curriculum planning, ensuring that you can shape a learning pathway that is best suited for your personal career objectives
- Uniquely Asian perspectives that increase your flexibility to adapt and face global changes in the volatile job market
- A well-balanced education that prepares you for a career within and beyond the arts and cultural industries
- Vibrant intellectual exchanges that draw on NTU’s resources as a leading technological university and expertise from across the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
- Strong support and meaningful connections beyond the classroom. For more details, refer to the NTU Student Life page.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for the Master of Arts in Digital Humanities through NTU’s graduate admissions page.
Apply Now Admission Guide
DIGITAL HUMANITIES, WHAT IS IT? As a fast-growing, interdisciplinary field of study that is gaining traction worldwide, Digital Humanities brings together the best of "digital" and the "humanities" by using using digital tools and data-driven methods to address human and social concerns, and tackling technological challenges through the lenses of the humanities, arts and social sciences. In today’s workforce, employers value individuals who combine technical expertise in areas like AI and data analysis with human-centred qualities such as empathy, creativity, and ethical reasoning to create technology that better serves people and society. |
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
- A good bachelor's degree in any discipline
- Good communication skills (written and spoken English)
- International applicants whose medium of instruction was not English at tertiary level must submit one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.0.
- TOEFL iBT:
- For tests taken before 21 January 2026: Minimum total score of 100 (out of 120).
- For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026: Minimum overall score of 5.0 (on the 1–6 scale), subject to confirmation of the programme's approved score equivalency.
- International applicants holding a bachelor's degree of at least three years from a university where English is the medium of instruction do not need TOEFL or IELTS results, but must provide documentary evidence.
- No prior course work or training in Digital Humanities is required.
Note: Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
For details on the application process, please refer to the Coursework Programmes Admission Guide.
Mode and Duration:
Full-Time: 1 Year (2 Semesters)
Part-Time: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
UNIQUE FEATURES
- Interdisciplinary edge—carefully curated courses to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the “digital” and “humanities”
- Flexibility—choice of electives for designing a learning pathway that best aligns with your personal career objectives
- Uniquely Asian perspectives that increase your flexibility to adapt and face global changes in the volatile job market
- Career-ready training—knowledge and skills that are applicable to a broad range of industries
- Dynamic learning environment—access to leading expertise and research within the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
- Strong networks & support—mentorships, collaborations and lifelong connections beyond the classroom at Nanyang Technological University
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Compulsory Core 2 courses (6 AUs) | |
| Electives (24 AUs) | |
| Track 1: Full Coursework 8 courses (24 AUs) option of completing HD6997 Digital Humanities Project (3 AUs) | Track 2: Dissertation 6 courses (18 AUs) + Dissertation (6 AUs) |
Project
COURSES
1) Compulsory Core Courses 6 AUs
All students must complete both core courses to establish foundational knowledge in digital humanities.
HD6001Foundations of Digital Humanities (3 AUs)
This course explores the historical and contemporary foundations of the humanities, focusing on influential thinkers who have shaped the field. It examines traditional inquiry methods in areas like philosophy, literature and history while addressing their evolution in the digital era. The transformative impact of digital technologies—such as AI, data visualisation, and text analytics—on humanities research is a central theme. Students will critically assess how digital tools are reshaping humanities research practices, pedagogy and public engagement.
HD6002AI Ethics and Governance (3 AUs)
This course investigates AI concepts and analyses the potential risks and challenges associated with its use, including issues like bias, privacy, security and societal disruptions. It examines core principles and ethical frameworks for the responsible creation and deployment of AI systems. Additionally, the course will cover current and emerging regulations, standards and best practices for AI governance. Students will engage in discussions on AI's broader societal impacts, including implications for employment, human rights and decision-making.
2) Elective Courses 24 AUs
Apart from the project and dissertation, courses within this category cover a range of topics important to the Digital Humanities and are organised into two themes. In the Digital Methods theme, courses comprise computational methods for analysing and presenting digital data. They also include methods for understanding digital environments. In the Digital Society theme, courses focus on the social and cultural impact that arise from investigating digital data and/or digital environments. Courses also include specific domains or areas of interest studied by digital humanities scholars.
Digital Methods
HD6003Applications of AI in Digital Humanities: Tools, Techniques and Projects (3 AUs)
This course examines the use of AI in the digital humanities, emphasising tools and techniques that enhance analysis, interpretation and research. Students will be introduced to machine learning algorithms and concepts and processes for the analysis of large datasets. Natural language processing (NLP) for text analysis and machine learning applications to various humanistic datasets will also be covered. The course also introduces the role of generative AI in creating and analysing digital content, highlighting its potential for innovation, as well as the ethical challenges it presents.
HD6004Digital Methodologies in Digital Humanities (3 AUs)
This course provides an applied introduction to research methods in Digital Humanities, combining traditional and digital approaches to studying people, societies and cultures. Topics include thematic, spatial and network analysis, with students engaging in hands-on exercises with diverse datasets and research collections. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating digital humanities projects, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of their strengths, limitations and ethical considerations while gaining practical analytical experience.
HD6010Programming for the Digital Humanities (3 AUs)
This course introduces programming fundamentals, with a focus on Python, a widely used programming language. Participants will learn to design, code, test and debug Python programmes while building a strong foundation in programming logic and best practices.
HD6011Data Curation, Organisation and Preservation (3 AUs)
This course covers the principles of data lifecycle management, focusing on key concepts such as types of data, data architectures, metadata standards and best practices for archiving and preserving digital information.
HD6012AI and Machine Learning for Social Data (3 AUs)
This course introduces students to core machine learning techniques and their implementation in Python, providing the skills needed to extract insights from diverse types of social and linguistic data for knowledge-building and decision-making.
HD6013Texts to Tags to Data to Graphs (3 AUs)
This course provides experience using digital tools to construct your own corpus of tagged texts. Students will learn how to perform GIS visualisations and storytelling, before converting them into social network graphs for detailed analyses.
HD6014AI in Interpretive Digital Research (3 AUs)
This course teaches students how to leverage generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini in the process of conducting qualitative research, addressing discrepancies between data quantity and detailed qualitative insights.
HD6015Bringing Digital Humanities Projects to the Public through Transmedia Storytelling (3 AUs)
This course focuses on using multimodal digital storytelling techniques to transform data and research into engaging narratives that connect diverse audiences with digital humanities projects.
HD6016Digital Ethnography: Methods and Applications (3 AUs)
This course introduces students to methodologies for studying online environments, communities and virtual worlds, emphasising the unique characteristics and dynamics of digital spaces.
HD6017Augmented and Virtual Reality in Digital Humanities (3 AUs)
This course equips students with the skills to design, prototype and develop augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications for cultural heritage, museums, education and storytelling. Students will critique existing immersive applications and build their own prototypes, supported by generative AI coding tools, with no prior programming experience required.
Digital Society
HD6020Sustainable Development in the Age of AI (3 AUs)
This course investigates the types and roles of information and communications technology, and digital innovations in advancing social, economic and environmental sustainability.
HD6021Democracy in the Digital Age: Tools, Truths and Tactics (3 AUs)
This course explores the intersection of digital technologies, politics and democracy, examining how digital tools are transforming political campaigns, governance, and citizen engagement.
HD6022Digital Knowledge Infrastructure: Tensions and Opportunities (3 AUs)
This course examines how advanced telecommunications and digital technology create powerful knowledge access systems while potentially fragmenting understanding into incommensurable knowledge universes.
HD6023Culture and the Transformative Effects of AI (3 AUs)
This course explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in influencing and reshaping cultural landscapes, examining AI's impact on existing traditions and practices.
HD6024Visual Integrity and Ethics for Digital Scholarship (3 AUs)
This course explores ethical challenges associated with digital tools in humanities, focusing on ethics, visual integrity and implications of generative AI in scholarly work.
HD6025Digital Humanities in Global Asia: Critical Perspectives (3 AUs)
This course offers comprehensive exploration of digital humanities in Asia, emphasising regional perspectives and the transformative impact of digital technologies on Asian societies.
HD6026AI, Robots and Humans (3 AUs)
This course examines the role of robots in society and evolving human-robot interaction dynamics, adopting a human-centred perspective on societal transformation.
HD6027Communities, Platforms and Power (3 AUs)
This course examines digital platform dynamics and their impact on communities, focusing on how power is distributed, contested and exercised online.
TI6502AI, ChatGPT and Machine Translation (3 AUs)
This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and translation studies.
HL6211Writing & Editing for Digital Media (3 AUs)
This course focuses on developing professional writing and editing skills specifically tailored for digital platforms and media environments.
HL6212Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Electronic Publishing (3 AUs)
This course examines the evolving landscape of electronic publishing and how AI and emerging technologies are transforming content creation and distribution.
Project
HD6997Digital Humanities Project (3 AUs)
This project provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing digital humanities projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. Students work with a faculty member through the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualisation to execution.
- Faculty member from CoHASS schools
- Co-supervision with industry partner and faculty member
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates of Digital Humanities programmes worldwide have carved out exciting and impactful careers across sectors. With the unique skillset from our MA, you will be well equipped to pursue opportunities in industries such as business, finance, media, education, cultural heritage, social services, and technology.
Possible career paths include but are not limited to the following:
- Project Management & Business Consultancy
- Digital Content Marketing & Strategy
- Publishing, Media & Digital Storytelling
- Cultural Heritage & Archival Preservation
- UX, Learning Technologies & E-commerce Design
- Journalism & News Publishing
- Community Development & Social Innovation
Regardless of your career path, with a Digital Humanities Master's degree, you'll stand out as a professional who can step confidently into a technologically fluent and socially conscious workforce.
FEE INFORMATION
Fee Payment in Summary for Academic Year 2027. All fees are in Singapore Dollars (S$) and apply to all students (Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and International Students).
| DESCRIPTION | ALL STUDENTS |
| Tuition Fee | $47,612 inclusive of GST |
| Application Fee | $50 inclusive of GST |
| Deposit Fee | $5,000 (non-refundable/non-transferable) The deposit will be offset against your second-semester tuition fee. |
| Miscellaneous Fee | Please access the link here for the miscellaneous fees payable by all students. |
| Payment Schedule | Tuition fees are collected on a semester basis. Full-time students are billed per semester over one year, and part-time students over two years. Successful applicants are required to make an advance payment equivalent to the first semester’s tuition fees at least one month before matriculation. Details of the amount payable and the payment deadline will be provided separately. |
FEE SUBSIDIES*
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- Fees shown here are applicable to the AY2027 intake only.
- The University reserves the right to revise its fees every academic year without notice.
- Students are advised to check back for the latest fee details.
WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE & REFUND POLICY
| Withdrawal of Candidature | Requests for withdrawal from a programme of study must be submitted formally in writing to the School. |
| Refund Policy | Requests for refund must be made in writing and are subject to approval. If a student withdraws from the programme, the application fee and deposit fee are non-refundable/non-transferable. |
| Withdrawal within 2 weeks of course commencement | Not liable for tuition and miscellaneous fees. |
| Withdrawal 2 or more weeks after course commencement | Liable for the full tuition and miscellaneous fees. |
MORE INFORMATION
Can I use SkillsFuture credits to fund my MA in Digital Humanities?
SkillsFuture Credit can be utilised for this programme. Please refer to the SkillsFuture Credits Website for more details.
SkillsFuture Fellowships
The SkillsFuture Fellowships are for Singapore Citizens with at least 10 years of working experience in the same, or related, industries or job functions. The award is worth S$10,000 and further details, eligibility, terms and conditions are available in the following link: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/fellowships.
Why study at NTU CoHASS? What is your HASS Advantage?
In particular, joining our Master of Arts in Digital Humanities programme allows you to benefit from the research, knowledge and expertise generated from the following centres and schools within CoHASS for a well-rounded education:
- Digital Humanities Research Cluster
- Centre for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS)
- NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore
- Schools within CoHASS—School of Art, Design and Media, School of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
What are the benefits of studying an MA in Digital Humanities? What are the career prospects?
Possible career paths for Digital Humanities graduates include but are not limited to the following:
- Project management
- Business development and consultancy
- Digital content marketing
- Cultural heritage preservation
- Publishing
- Digital media and marketing
- News reporting
- Digital storytelling
- Learning technology designing
- Content strategy
- Business or user experience designing
- Community development
- E-commerce, and more
Our Master of Arts in Digital Humanities programme also prepares graduates for an academic career, should you wish to pursue Digital Humanities work as a research scientist or further your studies in Digital Humanities as a Ph.D. candidate.
What is the learning environment like?
- develop a safe and cohesive learning environment that supports meaningful interactions and in-depth discussions between you and your fellow students
- encourage you to ask questions, share ideas and take an active approach in your Digital Humanities learning journey
- guide you towards critical thinking, problem solving and the application of evidence-based learning strategies to actual global challenges that our faculty are solving, and
- promote lasting friendships and strong networks between students, faculty and staff.
Can I get research experience with the MA in Digital Humanities?
How are applications reviewed and when will outcomes be released?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may be assessed in batches throughout the admissions cycle. As each application progresses through the review stages, applicants may be contacted for additional information, receive status updates, or be notified of the outcome.
Depending on the information provided in an application, when it was submitted, and the total number of applications received, review and notification times can range between two to four months.
We advise submitting your application as soon as feasible for you. As review timelines can vary, we appreciate your patience while the process is ongoing. Applicants may check their application status at any time via the application portal: https://apps.ntu.edu.sg/COAL/
CONTACT US
For Enquiries:
Email to hass-pgc@ntu.edu.sg