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Sociology of Technology, Science and Technology Studies (STS), Societal Impact of Innovation● OpenMastersPreview

European Studies on Society, Science and Technology (MA)

Explore the societal and ethical dimensions of technological innovation through a multidisciplinary humanities and social sciences lens.

Best for:Best for students with a background in humanities, social sciences, or related fields who are passionate about the ethical, economic, and political dimensions of technological innovation.

Maastricht University · Maastricht, Netherlands
More professors at Maastricht University
societal impact of technological innovationethics of science and technologymultidisciplinary approaches to innovationglobal and cultural perspectives on technologypublic responsibility in technological development
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
May 1, 2027
195 days
Funding
Unfunded
1 year (can be extended for the full programme duration)
Start date
Flexible (typically aligned with programme intake)
Location
Maastricht
Netherlands

Overview

This Master of Arts programme at Maastricht University examines the complex interplay between emerging technologies—such as social media, robotics, and sustainable energy—and their societal impacts. Rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates perspectives from economics, history, politics, and ethics to analyse how innovation shapes modern societies. Students will investigate the unintended consequences of technological advancements, develop ethical awareness, and engage with global, culturally sensitive, and environmentally conscious frameworks. The programme is ideal for those seeking to understand the broader implications of science and technology beyond technical solutions.

science and technology studiesinnovation ethicssocietal impact assessmentmultidisciplinary humanitiestechnology policysustainable technologypublic engagement with sciencetechnology governance

What you'll do

  • Analyse the societal and ethical implications of emerging technologies like social media, robotics, and sustainable energy.
  • Engage in multidisciplinary research combining perspectives from economics, history, politics, and ethics.
  • Develop critical thinking and ethical awareness regarding technological advancements and their unintended consequences.
  • Conduct case studies or research projects that explore the intersection of technology, society, and policy.
  • Participate in discussions and debates on responsible innovation and public responsibility in technological development.
  • Collaborate with peers and faculty to produce research outputs such as essays, reports, or presentations.

Requirements

Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Communication, Arts, or a related field

Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)

Language: English; IELTS overall band 6.5 (with no sub-score below 6.5) or TOEFL iBT 90 (with minimum scores of 20 in reading, 18 in writing, 17 in listening, and 20 in speaking)

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research
  • Proficiency in academic writing and research methodologies
  • Familiarity with ethical frameworks and societal impact analysis
Nice to have
Experience with qualitative research methodsBackground in policy analysis or public engagement with scienceFluency in additional languages beyond English
Eligibility
  • No specific nationality restrictions
  • No residency requirements mentioned
  • No age restrictions
  • No prior work experience requirements

Funding & terms

Type
Unfunded
Amount
—
Duration
1 year (can be extended for the full programme duration)
Programme
—

Programme and admissions

Admissions not verified

A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.

Intake
Not confirmed by the source
Duration
Not confirmed by the source
Teaching language
Not confirmed by the source
Taught / research mode
Not confirmed by the source
Study mode
Not confirmed by the source
Campus
Not confirmed by the source
Prerequisites
Not confirmed by the source
Application instructions
Not confirmed by the source
Tuition
Not confirmed by the source
Funding
Not confirmed by the source

How to apply

Deadline: 2027-05-01

Applicants must submit their application through Maastricht University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal or statement of purpose. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores)
  • Research proposal or statement of purpose
↗Check programme and admissions

Contact

Lab
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Maastricht University
Netherlands
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Check admissions, intake and funding with the official source; a listing does not mean applications are open.