The Departments of Communication, Media and Culture (CMC) and International and European Studies (IES) of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences jointly announce the admission of forty (40) students to the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program “MA in Digital Transformation: e-Diplomacy, e-Campaigning & Digital Law” for the academic year 2025–2026, following a decision by the Study Program Committee and in line with the revised constitutive act of the MA. An additional five (5) places are reserved for judicial officers, diplomatic staff, and communication advisors. The program requires a minimum of 5 students per specialization and allows for a maximum of 15. It commences in late September – early October 2025 and, after successful completion of three semesters (90 ECTS), participants will be awarded the degree:”MA in Digital Transformation” with a reference to their chosen Specialization.
The objective and purpose of the Program is to enable participants to broaden and deepen their knowledge through a combination of theoretical instruction and empirical study, interactive co-creation and innovation workshops. The program offers a broad overview of interconnected cutting-edge fields at the European and international level, as well as specialized interdisciplinary knowledge, advanced techniques, and critical skills. Students of the program will have the opportunity to experiment with the development of innovative applications in the fields of the digital economy, digital public diplomacy, digital and immersive communication campaigns, and digital justice, addressing real-world challenges proposed by collaborating institutions from Greece and abroad, coming from the research, public, and private sectors.
DATES AND DEADLINES
The application process will be conducted from Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 at 00:01 to Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at 23:59 (EEST) for early birds and from Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at 00:01 to Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 23:59 (EEST) for late birds. Third country nationals (from non-EU countries) are encouraged to apply during the early bird period. Early bird applications will be given priority consideration.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. Graduates of Greek and foreign Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are accepted into the Master’s Program, provided their degrees fall within the broader fields of Social, Political, and Economic Sciences, and more specifically in the areas of International Relations, Law, Political Science, Economics, Communication and Media, Diplomacy, as well asInformation and Technology Sciences.
2. Professionals with proven work experience in one of the three Specializations of the program may also be admitted, regardless of their undergraduate degree.
3. Required qualifications: a) Online application: Candidates must complete and submit an application via the program’s official website, during the period and in the manner specified in this call. b) Detailed curriculum vitae (CV). c) Degree or certificate of completion of studies from a Greek or foreign higher education institution. d) Certificate of English language proficiency at a minimum level of C1: Acceptable certificates are specified in this call and must not be more than ten years old. Exempt from this requirement are candidates who have completed part or all of their secondary and/or higher education in an English-speaking institution, have professional experience and/or publications in English, or have English as their native language. If the above conditions are not met or if the certificate is older than ten years, candidates may request to participate in an online language proficiency assessment. e) Names of two (2) university faculty members and/or employers who can provide references for the applicant and may be contacted by the Selection Committee.
4. Desirable qualifications: a) Relevant academic background: a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the fields of communication, political science, diplomacy, law, or digital technologies. b) Relevant (professional) experience: work, internship, or volunteer experience in the fields of communication, politics, diplomacy, law, or digital technologies. c) Relevant academic research and/or publications: research papers and original publications in the fields of communication, politics, diplomacy, law, or digital technologies. d) Language proficiency certificates in languages other than English and Greek.
5. All documents must be scanned in PDF, DOC, or JPG format. They must be written in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, or Greek—if written in any other language, they must be translated into English.
ADMISSION PROCESS
1. A three-member Selection Committee is responsible for selecting the candidates.
2. Selection criteria to be evaluated: a) Undergraduate degree grade b) Relevance of undergraduate degree c) Grade and relevance of postgraduate degree (if applicable)d) Responses in the online application form e) Foreign languages other than English and Greek f) Relevant academic research and/or publications g) Online interview. The specific selection criteria and their grading scale are described in more detail and/or adjusted in the annual call for applications.
3. First phase: The Selection Committee examines whether the applicants meet the necessary admission requirements and evaluates their application files based on the selection criteria. The grading scale ranges from 0 to 70. The passing score ranges from 35 (minimum) to 70. Applicants who receive a score of 35/70 or higher are invited to the second phase. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates may request a score report indicating the grade they received in the first phase.
4. Second phase: Candidates who achieve at least 35/70 in the first phase are invited to an online interview with the Selection Committee. The Committee scores candidates on a scale from 0 to 30. The passing range is from 15 (minimum) to 30. Candidates who achieve 15/30 or higher are considered successful. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates may request a score report with their final evaluation score.
5. A request for re-evaluation may be submitted to the Program Director within three (3) days from the notification of the score report to the candidate. The request may include objections only regarding the Committee’s misinterpretation or failure to consider specific documents submitted by the candidate—not regarding the Committee’s substantive evaluation.
6. The Selection Committee issues the final list of successful candidates (selected and shortlisted).Up to forty-five (45) students may be admitted. The remaining successful candidates are shortlisted, in order to fill any potential vacancies. The decision is ratified by the Study Program Committee, following a recommendation from the Steering Committee.
7. Selected candidates will be required to submit a registration form, a passport or ID, and—within a specified deadline—proof of payment for the first installment of tuition fees to the following bank account: ELKE Panteion – MA in Digital Transformation: e-Diplomacy, e-Campaigning & Digital Law. If the deadline passes without action, shortlisted candidates will be invited in order of ranking.
8. Selected candidates who wish to apply for full or partial tuition fee exemption will be required to indicate this on the registration form and submit a tuition exemption application along with the necessary supporting documents, without paying the first installment of tuition fees.
9. The final list of admitted students is approved by the Study Program Committee, following a recommendation from the Steering Committee, and is published on the Program’s website.
DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF STUDIES
1. The duration of studies for the award of the Master’s Degree is set at eighteen (18) months and includes two (2) academic semesters and a third semester dedicated to the completion and defense of a master’s dissertation, participation in a project, or completion of an internship.
2. The program begins in the fall semester and follows a dynamic modular structure.
3. The first semester includes core courses common to all students. The program welcomes students with an autumn research and co-creation Bootcamp in the fields of digital transformation in diplomacy, communication, and law, continues with an intensive methodology seminar, and then introduces students to topics of digital innovation, algorithmic thinking, and the dilemmas that arise in governance, economy, communication, law, and citizenship.
4. In the second semester, students choose one of the three Specializations: 1. e-Diplomacy;
2. e-Campaigning; 3. Digital Law. The second semester concludes with a Hackathon focused on digital innovation and creation, aimed at developing innovative digital solutions to key challenges in the fields of digital transformation of diplomacy, communication, and law. This is carried out in collaboration with social partners from the relevant fields and the broader digital innovation ecosystem in Greece and the international/European ecosystem.
5. In the third semester, students choose one of the following three assignments: 1. Writing a master’s dissertation; 2. Carrying out an internship in a public, private, or non-profit organization; 3. Participating in a project of a public, private, or non-profit organization.
ATTENDANCE
1. With the exception of the two in-person educational events—the Bootcamp and the Hackathon—which take place in Athens or other locations in Greece, the core of the teaching and mentoring is conducted remotely and/or in hybrid format. Online classes are primarily held in the evening, between 18:00–21:00 EET/EEST.
2. The Master’s Program is a full-time program. Part-time enrollment is not available.
3. The Steering Committee may grant a temporary suspension of studies for up to two consecutive semesters, for significant reasons. Such a request can be submitted by the student after the successful completion of the first semester.
4. The language of instruction of the Master’s Program is English.
5. Physical presence in the two in situ events is absolutely necessary. Enrolled students who fail to show up in the two events will be discontinued from the program, and no refund of fees paid will be possible.
CURRICULUM
The Master’s Program is structured as follows:
1st semester: Core courses common to all students:
Digital Innovation Era: Algorithmic Disruptions – Governance & Citizenship Transformations
1. Bootcamp: Intro to the Digital Era & Digital Skills and Abilities
2. Compact Seminar: Research Methods & Αcademic Writing
3. Digital Society & Network Citizenship
4. Governance of Cyberspace
5. Economy 4.0
6. Digital Transformation in Public Administration & Public Policy
2nd semester: selection of one of the three Specializations:
E-Diplomacy Specialization
1. Digital Innovations in Cyber & Algorithmic Diplomacy
2. Crisis, Conflict Transformation & Digital Mediation
3. Global Trade & New Organizational Ecologies for Digital Services
4. DigiDiplo in Action: Engagement & Impact
5. Hackathon
E-Campaigning Specialization
1. Advocacy & Social Change
2. Crisis, Conflict Transformation & Digital Mediation
3. E-Politics
4. Digital Strategic Design Communications
5. Hackathon
Digital-Law Specialization
1. Regulating Cybersecurity & Cybercrime
2. Competition Law & Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Era
3. Global Trade & New Organizational Ecologies for Digital Services
4. Digital Law Addressing Sustainable Development Goals
5. Hackathon
3rd semester: selection of one of the three assignments:
1. Dissertation
2. Project
3. Internship
Course outlines:
BOOTCAMP: INTRO TO THE DIGITAL ERA & RESEARCH METHODS: This intensive introductory educational event aims to align students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds on core issues of digital transformation. It prepares them for the first semester by immersing them in innovative and human-centered research methodologies such as Art of Hosting, Design Thinking, Co-Creation, UX Research, Social Media & Data Research Methods, Crisis Simulations and Decision-Making Games, Digital Futures Scenario Design, and Ethical AI-Driven Research.
Physical presence of all enrolled students is absolutely necessary at the bootcamp; failing such presence, students will be discontinued from the MA DigiDCL and won’t be able to claim any refund.
COMPACT SEMINAR: RESEARCH METHODS & ACADEMIC WRITING: This intensive seminar covers methodologies for academic and project-based research, the use of sources, referencing and citation practices, and the development of digital research skills with a focus on the field of digital transformation. Upon completion of the seminar, students will be able to apply theoretical models, methodological and technical tools with academic integrity, both in written presentation and oral defense of a topic, while demonstrating scientific originality and critical thinking.
DIGITAL SOCIETY & NETWORK CITIZENSHIP: This course explores the multifaceted social, political, legal, and technological forces driving digitalization and their impact on everyday life. It addresses key issues such as digital access, user experience, usability, and inclusion, as well as media and data literacy, civic participation, rights and responsibilities, privacy, security, consumer awareness, and digital ethics. Furthermore, it critically examines the tensions and power dynamics among major technology companies, international institutions, states, and non-state actors, shedding light on how these shape our digital realities and influence our ability to participate as engaged citizens.
GOVERNANCE OF CYBERSPACE: This course delves into the issues and challenges posed by digital transformation in international relations and international law during peacetime. It explores topics such as cyber espionage, the use of force, crises, and security threats through both state-centric and human-centric lenses. Special focus is placed on how law regulates emerging technologies in cyberspace—particularly in contexts like elections, crises, and armed conflicts—and examines the responses of governments and international organizations. Students will engage with key concepts in cyber warfare and cybersecurity, including principles of offensive and defensive cyber operations and the implications of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) in armed conflict. The course also covers core elements of internet governance, ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, and the emergence of digital humanitarian frameworks.
ECONOMY 4.0: This course explores the political economy of the internet, the startup ecosystem (including incubators, accelerators, and venture capital), and the Blockchain economy. The course examines how technology reshapes traditional models of economic behavior and markets, online business models, and typical regulatory or legislative interventions. It also covers the strategic framework of startups in dynamic environments, offering hands-on experience with methodologies and tools for developing entrepreneurial ideas and digital business models. Students gain insights into the behaviors required to scale such ventures. Further topics include the emerging world of encrypted finance, Blockchain technology, its legal implications, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC POLICY: This course explores how digital technologies reshape the public sector and contribute to advancing key public values such as democracy, efficiency, fairness, accountability, inclusion, the rule of law, and social justice. The course equips students with the knowledge and tools to navigate digital transformation challenges at both national and international levels, fostering the ability to design innovative solutions and address complex policy issues through advanced problem-solving methodologies.
DIGITAL INNOVATIONS IN CYBER & ALGORITHMIC DIPLOMACY: This course delves into the evolving landscape of cyber and digital diplomacy, examining key ethical, technical, political, and security-related issues shaping the global conversation on digital governance. Students explore the transformation of diplomatic practices in the digital age, gaining the ability to map emerging knowledge fields and understand the regulatory challenges posed by technological innovation. Emphasis is placed on the need for new normative frameworks and the protection of what the UN refers to as the “Digital Commons.”
DIGI-DIPLO IN ACTION: ENGAGEMENT & IMPACT: This course introduces students to the core concepts, strategies, and initiatives of digital diplomacy in the realms of business, culture, and education, with a special focus on city-level diplomacy. Through the analysis of case studies and impact reports, students gain insight into real-world applications and are encouraged to design effective strategies and solutions. The course also explores how think tanks and public institutions communicate key messages, ideas, and policy initiatives using digital platforms, AI-driven narratives, and data-based storytelling. Students will engage in project-based learning, tackling real-world challenges to develop digital diplomacy initiatives focused on engagement, impact, and strategic communication.
CRISIS, CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION & DIGITAL MEDIATION: Upon completing this course, students will have developed hands-on experience with conflict resolution and transformation methodologies through simulations and serious games. They will learn how to diagnose, manage, and resolve crises, assess their impact on organizations, communities, and stakeholders, and address issues such as reputation and credibility management, strategic crisis communication, and digital mediation. The course also explores online dispute resolution, mediation in cyberspace and armed conflict, humanitarian negotiation, peace processes, and the evolving role of AI and big data in shaping international affairs, diplomacy, and journalism.
E-POLITICS: This course explores the role of digital media in the political arena and election campaigns. It evaluates how digital platforms are used for political representation, public mobilization, coordination, and the organization of political action. It also addresses the evolving nature of political communication within digital contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to assess the impact of digitalization on various political processes, analyze strategic political communication practices (such as public opinion shaping and political marketing) across hybrid media channels, and evaluate the role and effectiveness of social media in political campaigning. Additionally, they will critically engage with major issues and challenges in the digital political landscape, including propaganda, disinformation, echo chambers, and hate speech.
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL CHANGE: This course explores the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of advocacy and social change within the context of contemporary media culture. Students examine the evolving relationship between civil society and the public sphere in the digital age, as well as the differing forms and legal frameworks of advocacy depending on the context—whether humanitarian crisis or long-term development. The course investigates how various actors interact during periods of crisis, and how alternative media and activist practices function as tools for promoting social change. Special focus is given to the transformative potential of digital technologies in advancing inclusion, justice, and resistance.
DIGITAL STRATEGIC DESIGN COMMUNICATIONS: This course introduces students to the principles and practices of building brand identity, value, and visibility in the digital space. It explores how to effectively engage target audiences, drive desired actions (such as sales or participation), and communicate an organization’s core values and messages with clarity and credibility. Students will gain hands-on experience with key components of strategic communication, including: a) Market research and audience analysis b) Crafting communication strategies for digital and hybrid platforms c) Designing and managing integrated digital campaigns d) Implementing real-world digital communication initiatives e) Measuring campaign effectiveness through performance indicators and assessing social and environmental impact.
REGULATING CYBERCRIME & CYBERSECURITY: This course focuses on the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity and cybercrime, while also addressing the implications for human rights. Students become familiar with multilateral approaches and digital innovations in cybersecurity regulation, including the policies developed by the United Nations, the European Union, and the Council of Europe. The course provides an in-depth exploration of cybercrime, covering topics such as cyberbullying, online fraud, and cyber intrusions and attacks. Additionally, it includes a thorough analysis of the Budapest Convention, its protocols, and relevant legislative frameworks.
GLOBAL TRADE & NEW ORGANIZATIONAL ECOLOGIES FOR DIGITAL SERVICES: This course explores trade dynamics at both European and global levels, focusing on how digital technologies are transforming international commerce. It approaches the subject from the perspective of both nation-states and international organizations. Specifically, students will: a) understand the fundamental terminology and key concepts of trade law; b) identify the primary drivers behind trade liberalization; c) evaluate the concept of digital ecologies and ecosystems in the global context; d) analyze the role of major international organizations in the digital transformation of trade; e) assess key scenarios for the evolution of global digital commerce; f) gain insight into how digital transformation both shapes and is shaped by geopolitical developments.
COMPETITION LAW & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE DIGITAL ERA: This course focuses on a range of challenges and opportunities related to the evolution of competition law within the EU, the regulatory response to dominant platforms such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple, and the impact of digital transformation on intellectual property rights. It explores the objectives of competition law and policy in the context of a globalized digital economy, with an emphasis on the EU and major tech companies. Key topics include technological factors driving changes in competition law and policy, the paradigm shift in intellectual property triggered by the digital transformation of the economy and society, and the effects of emerging digital technologies and applications on intellectual property frameworks.
DIGITAL LAW ADDRESSING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the connection between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International and European Law, and the broader digital transformation agenda. The course explores how the implementation of SDGs at global, regional, and national levels can contribute to achieving international and European climate objectives. Students will also gain insights into how digital transformation can support: a) the transition to sustainability—particularly the EU’s shift toward climate neutrality—and identify areas where sustainability and digital transitions may conflict; b) a just transition through the upskilling and reskilling of workers, especially in carbon-intensive industries such as coal, enabling equitable participation in a greener digital economy.
HACKATHON: The Hackathon is a digital innovation competition focused on developing prototype digital solutions for real-world challenges and datasets, provided in collaboration with stakeholders from Greece’s broader innovation ecosystem and through international partnerships. Through an immersive, hands-on experience, students work in teams to design innovative digital products, services, or applications using advanced technologies. They receive expert mentoring and academic guidance throughout the process. During the Hackathon, participants co-design and prototype a digital solution that addresses a real-world challenge in fields such as digital diplomacy, digital campaigns, or digital law. The process culminates in a storytelling pitch presentation. By the end of the Hackathon, students are equipped to bridge the digital, hybrid, and physical realms—creating original solutions and applications at the intersection of diplomacy, integrated digital communication strategy, digital advertising and public relations, media, journalism, and law.
Physical presence of all enrolled students is absolutely necessary at the Hackathon; failing such presence, students will be discontinued from the MA DigiDCL and won’t be able to claim any refund.
DISSERTATION: The aim of the Master’s Dissertation is to enhance postgraduate students’ critical thinking through research on topics directly related to the scientific field of the Program. This research is to be articulated in a written academic paper under faculty supervision. Having consolidated their theoretical knowledge related to the subject(s) of the Program, students are expected to conduct an in-depth analysis of a chosen topic—reviewing relevant literature, identifying an existing or emerging issue or phenomenon of academic interest, and carrying out research on it. Through the dissertation process, postgraduate students have the opportunity to advance knowledge in specific areas within the broader field of Digital Transformation. Students may carry out part of their dissertation research abroad through Erasmus+. The mobility period lasts three months and must take place at a partner Higher Education Institution.
PROJECT: Students engage in a learning experience based on the implementation of a project, either individually or in a small group, focusing on their area of specialization. This is carried out in collaboration with a private, public, or non-profit organization based in Greece or abroad, under the supervision of an academic advisor and in coordination/co-creation with a representative of the partner organization acting as a professional mentor. Through a problem-based learning approach, students will have the opportunity to bridge theory and practice in issues directly related to the field of the Master’s program. They will define specific problems, design research strategies, identify and evaluate options, formulate actionable proposals, develop solutions to real-world challenges, and contribute new knowledge in the field of digital transformation. The collaboration with the host organization should last between 3 and 4 months. Project participation will take place between July and December of the year following initial enrollment and may be conducted in person, remotely, or in a hybrid format.
INTERNSHIP: Students have the opportunity to engage in a professional learning experience in their field of specialization by completing an internship at a private, public, or non-profit organization, under the supervision of an academic advisor. During this supervised learning process, students may participate in a variety of projects within an organization, allowing them to develop a broad range of skills. Through this experience, they gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s functions, processes, and internal dynamics, thereby enhancing their adaptability. Students will be exposed to both familiar and emerging challenges in the fields of digital diplomacy, digital communication, and digital law, and encouraged to propose innovative perspectives in the most appropriate and effective manner. The Internship can be conducted in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format, in Greece or abroad. Internships can also be conducted under the Erasmus+ Placement Program. Graduate students may complete their internship at foreign institutions, including: research centers, laboratories, companies, government agencies, museums, non-governmental organizations, and universities.
TUITION FEES
1. The tuition fees for the program are set at €3,500 for Greek nationals and citizens of EU/EEA member states, and at €5,500 for non-EU citizens. Tuition fees may be paid by the student directly or by a third party (individual or legal entity) on behalf of the student. Fees are paid in two equal installments: one upon registration and the second at the beginning of the second semester. All payments must be made via bank transfer to the designated account of the program held in Alpha Bank, BIC/SWIFT: CRBAGRAA, IBAN: GR69 0140 1490 1490 0200 1001 462 (ELKE Panteion – MA in Digital Transformation: e-Diplomacy, e-Campaigning & Digital Law).The financial management of the program’s resources is carried out by ELKE of Panteion University. Tuition fees already paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.
2. Student Support Measures include: a) A 6% discount is granted in cases where the full tuition amount is paid in a single installment. b) Up to 30% of Greek students may be fully or partially exempted from tuition fees based on financial and social criteria, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions. c) For foreign students, partial fee waivers may be granted for well-documented academic, social, or financial reasons, following a decision by the Study Program Committee. d) Tuition fees may be covered by employers, partners of the program, or other sponsors.
3. Tuition fees do not cover individual travel, accommodation or other expenses related to the in-person educational events (Bootcamp and Hackathon).
4. Tuition fees, once paid, may not be refunded for any reason.
