Shape Digital
Europe
The digital transformation affects all of us. But it’s your choice to either stand by and watch or take an active role in shaping the digital future. At ENS, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an architect of digital change - with excellent career opportunities in various fields of science, politics, civil society and economics.
Our Master of Digital Entrepreneurship (MoDE) program is based on the idea of knowledge entrepreneurship. We believe in a close cooperation between students and academic staff in teaching, team-based projects and everyday working life. You will have access to our very own Coworking Space which is the central meeting spot at ENS. Both academic and non-academic mentors will help you to plan and realize your project ideas and support you in developing your personal network of partners from business, politics and civil society.
Master of
Digital Entrepreneurship
Degree
Duration
Language
Disciplines
Project-Based
Costs
You have a plan on how to confront the challenges of the digital world but don’t know where and how to start? The ENS Master of Digital Entrepreneurship (MoDE) will provide you with the knowledge to implement your own digital project!
Starting from understanding the challenges and prospects of the digital society, you will gather a skillset ranging from developing and reflecting on your very own entrepreneurial solutions to the great questions of the digital transformation in Europe.
The MoDE is a transdisciplinary, international double-degree program offered by the European University Viadrina (Germany) and the Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (Poland). It combines the Viadrina’s strengths in entrepreneurship and social analysis with the Adam Mickiewicz University’s renowned expertise in science and technology studies. You have the chance to receive a master's degree from both the European University Viadrina (EUV) and the Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) Poznan. After being accepted to the program, you have to enroll at both universities (see more information below). By taking courses from both universities, completing an internship in the field of digital technologies and submitting a master’s thesis co-supervised by professors from both sides you will be eligible to get the Master of Digital Entrepreneurship double degree, recognized throughout Europe.
Jasmin from Germany
Interview: Jasmin from Germany, MoDE Student since October 2020
My name is Jasmin and I finished my undergraduate studies in Cultural and Social Sciences at Viadrina University in 2018. I am originally from Darmstadt, Germany, but have lived in Berlin for 7 years now and am still living here. Once the pandemic is over, I will continue living in Berlin because I also work part-time here. I will commute to Frankfurt (Oder) as I have already done that during my Bachelor’s.
How did you find out about the new Master’s program?
I found out about it on Social Media, I don’t remember which platform though, probably Facebook. There was just one week left to apply, so I had to rush to get all my documents together and apply. And, fortunately, it worked out!
Why did and do you want to participate in the program?
Before I decided that I want to do a Master’s degree, I worked full-time in PR and Campaigning for an NGO for nearly two years. I gained valuable work experience and got lots of ideas in my head about projects I wanted to do, but somehow felt I was lacking some necessary skills to further pursue my ideas. These ideas also included founding my own company. I hoped the MoDE as an interdisciplinary program would help me get my head around what exactly I want to do and how. I am now working in a start-up where I can use my gained knowledge hands-on.
How do you like it so far? In which way did the corona crisis affect you?
As the program is still quite new, it is full of opportunities. Because structures are still being built, we can be part of designing them in the first place. Apart from that, I think all teaching staff are trying their best and quickly adapted to teaching online. Nevertheless, it is very sad I have only been able to meet with fellow students occasionally, but not on campus to exchange ideas and get to know the whole group properly. I hope to meet people in person again when it is allowed, but at the same time I have come to appreciate the benefits of hybrid teaching and being able to attend classes remotely.
Do you have any professional ideas and notion that you would like to fulfill with the Master’s? If so, feel free to describe your project in more detail.
I aim at founding my own company and am currently sharpening my ideas. I have several, so it remains to be seen what exactly I will do. I would like to start applying for scholarships/funding soon and see where this journey takes me. I think it is a great opportunity to found a company whilst studying because there is a lot of help available - workshops, networking, funding, consulting etc. Also, I have nothing to lose - if it doesn’t work out, there is no shame in that - I'll just start all over again! My ideas revolve mainly about social entrepreneurship, so I would definitely like to do something with social impact.
What’s your favourite MoDE module or lecture so far, and why?
I really like the format of the Managing Digital Transformation course. It is great to apply theory to a concrete project, even if everything is fictional. I feel this is where my ideas most progressed. But, basically, any seminar where we could advance a project either individually or in a group was useful and I learned a lot.
What’s special about the MoDE and how would you describe it to potential students?
It’s a course where you and your ideas are taken seriously - your input is valuable, as are your ideas. Because we are only a small group of students, there is something like a “class feeling” - at least I feel like I am part of a community already. Many people in the MoDE have concrete projects they are working on, but it is also okay if you don't. We can learn a lot from each other, thanks to our different backgrounds and experiences.
What was your favourite ENS moment so far, and what made it special?
I actually really like these informal get-togethers where people are just chatting - it doesn’t feel like university at all! Obviously, because of COVID, most teaching took place online, but the summer party on the rooftop terrace was definitely one of the best experiences with the ENS.
Maria from Poland
Interview: Maria from Poland, MoDE Student since October 2020
My name is Maria, I grew up in the suburbs of Warsaw- but I’ve been living in Germany for about 7 years now. I completed my bachelor's degree in international business economics at Viadrina University. I spent my undergraduate in Frankfurt (Oder), but I’m currently living in Berlin.
Why did and do you want to participate in the new studies?
I wasn’t planning on continuing with my studies after my BA, to be honest – I felt like there was nothing out there I’m really interested in that could bring me closer to where I want to go. When I found out about the European New School, I knew this program was “the one”.
The ENS offers many subjects that are very relevant in today's job market - from privacy policy topics to the digitalization of businesses. Besides that, the university gives you the opportunity to connect with like-minded people, working on their individual fascinating projects – which make the experience so much more exciting.
How do you like it so far? In which way did the corona crisis affect you?
I really enjoy studying at ENS thus far – attending classes online was definitely a steep learning curve for all of us (both students and teachers), but now I feel like it has become a “new normal”.
Do you have any professional ideas and notion that you would like to fulfil with the Master’s? If so, feel free to describe your project in more detail.
In 2019, I started my own company (http://www.good-socks.de) with the idea of supporting homeless people on the streets of Berlin. The idea is very simple: with every pair of socks sold, one is donated to a homeless person. Although the project is very small right now, the mission and vision of the company is to build a new way of distributing resources - building a world, where charity is not an act of heroism but part of our daily routine.
What’s your favorite MoDE module or lecture so far, and why?
"Managing Digital Transformation" - this subject helped me theoretically understand the entrepreneurial process.
What’s special about the MoDE and how would you describe it to potential students?
People. Both students and academic staff. It’s a rare privilege to be surrounded by so many driven and interesting people. Moreover, it’s internationality makes it unique: in my generation, there are students from 19 different countries all over the world – so intercultural exchange is part of our daily studies as well!
The pandemic has strongly affected the way we teach and study at ENS with most activities and contacts taking place online. What is the (online) community like at ENS; have you made new friends?
Technology made it pretty easy to make friends among other ENS students – obviously it’s not the same as if we had “traditional” on-site classes, but, given the current situation, I’m surprised how many friends I’ve made.
Did anything surprise you?
I was surprised by how open professors are when it comes to discussing and consulting on my individual project – despite their busy schedules. That’s really awesome!
Any tips you would like to give future students?
If you feel like the program is right for you, just go for it - I would be happy to see you next semester!
Isaac from Mexico
Interview: Isaac from Mexico, MoDE Student since October 2020
My name is Isaac Arturo Dávila Hernández, I am a citizen of Mexico residing in Germany. When applying for the MoDE Master’s program, I held a bachelor’s degree in law.
How did you find out about the new Master’s program?
I found it browsing through the European University Viadrina’s Master’s catalog.
Why did and do you want to participate in the new studies?
First off, from a very young age, I wanted to acquire enough knowledge and practice to become an international lawyer supporting society’s most vulnerable groups. Then, the world is constantly facing situations of massive development at a dizzying pace, such as the use of technologies and globalization. The mixture of both pushed me to consider digital transformation as a viable area to provide legal aid to as many people as possible.
How do you like it so far? In which way did the corona crisis affect you?
It has been a very good experience so far. I am impressed by how all people at ENS collaborate to make the MoDE program bigger and better. The mixture of people with different professional backgrounds coming from all over the world has built a great community.
Unfortunately, the Corona pandemic triggered specific problems for me, especially at the beginning when trying to obtain and extend residence permits to remain in Europe. It was hard not to be able to travel anywhere, including my birth country.
Do you have any professional ideas and notion that you would like to fulfil with the Masters? If so, feel free to describe your project in more detail.
An ideal goal is to build a company by ourselves, maybe with external parties, or with peers/ colleagues from the MoDE program. The areas that the program is targeting are so diverse that we, as students, might take very different directions of specialization to create new companies or to make existing ideas and models bigger and better.
What’s your favorite MoDE module or lecture so far, and why?
All the courses I picked for the first semester were great, very useful in different academic and practical aspects. However, being trained as a lawyer I was most impressed by those with a legal and social basis. My favorites have thus been the introduction to the law and ethics of the digital economy, digital sociology, as well as science & technology studies.
What’s special about the MoDE and how would you describe it to potential students?
Everything is so unique about this program, I don’t know where to start. The courses, professors, colleagues, location, potential, dynamics… Long story short, the students are collectively building the program together with the admin and academic boards and I think I have not seen this level of attention to the students’ voices in any other program.
What was your favorite ENS moment so far, and what made it special?
It is hard to pick one, but if I have to, the open discussions during the seminars are my favorite part. Moreover, the participation of special guests such as Professor Sandra Wachter and Professor Stephan Breidenbach were highlights of my first semester that I will remember for a long time. There are some topics we have discussed during the semester that I haven’t stopped thinking about ever since.
The pandemic has strongly affected the way we teach and study at ENS with most activities and contacts taking place online. What is the (online) community like at ENS; have you made new friends?
Keeping all interactions online is hard, and even well-working video conferences are simply not the same as having direct interaction with the interlocutors. I hope this pandemic will be over soon.
However, I think we have built such good relations between ENS participants that whenever we will be able to see each other in person we will transform from good colleagues to friends instantly.
As a graduate of the MoDE, you will have a firm foundation in ethics and the know-how to organize, plan and run a business, both profit and non-profit. You will learn how to analyze markets and to establish an economically sustainable unit that integrates the promises of democracy and human rights with digital technologies.
The ideal project for applying for the MoDE is digital, creative and promises to contribute to making the world a better place. It puts you in the driver’s seat of a non-profit, not-for-profit or profit-oriented entrepreneurship. Your project could be a platform offering services, a tool for solving real-world problems, an algorithm fostering a fair distribution of a scarce resource, or any other entity that is worth working on. You do not need to have a proper business plan, well-reasoned ideas about your entity’s legal set-up or a team that is capable of implementing it. Although it is no mistake to have thought about these issues (even less so to have answers and to report them), we do not require them. We will help you develop them during your stay at ENS. It is more important for us that you have an innovative entrepreneurial idea and that you believe enough in it to convince us of its merits. We are looking forward to learning from you and to offering our help in realizing your ideas!
The MoDE has a modular structure enabling you to choose from a variety of topics according to your individual aims and profile:
The first part of your studies will comprise a basic introduction to the theoretical and methodological fundamentals of digitalization from the different scientific perspectives involved. Moreover, you will acquire practical skills in technical topics, project management, law and business while already starting to work on your individual specialization.
The second part of your studies will give you the chance to focus on your individual or group project, complete an internship and work on your master's thesis.
Examples of courses:
- Digital Law and Ethics
- Theories of Management in the Digital World
- Sociology of Technology and Digital Society
- Managing Emerging Technologies in Entrepreneurial Contexts
- Computer Science in Management
- Entrepreneurship in Action
- Web Design
- Sociology of Technology
curious to hear more? Send us an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or come for a visit!
Applying
The Master of Digital Entrepreneurship (MoDE) is a double-degree program offered by the European University Viadrina (Germany) and the Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (Poland).
In order to complete the application process, students have to enroll at both universities.
Who can apply
You may apply to the MoDE if you:
- Have a Bachelor’s Degree or a comparable undergraduate academic degree
- Have collected 10 ECTS in two of the major subjects of the MoDE (economics, law, sociology, political science, informatics, interdisciplinary digital studies. Please note: 10 of the 20 ECTS can be acquired until the start of the 3rd semester.)
- Speak and write fluently in English (level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
When to apply
You can apply for the MoDE from 01 - 31 May 2024.
How to apply
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION PROCESS at Viadrina, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US!
General information
- If you have a German academic degree and/ or German citizenship, please apply through the online admission system at Viadrina and go this way.
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If you have an international academic degree, please read this guide. International applications for the MoDE are processed by uni-assist. Please submit the required documents online.
Certificates
- Your Bachelor’s Degree, including the respective Transcript of Records
- Your certificate of language proficiency in English (can also be presented upon enrollment).
Please click here for a list of accepted certificates.
LIST OF ACCEPTED CERTIFICATES
As admission prerequisite, applicants must proof that they have fluency in written and spoken English corresponding to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted as proof of English language proficiency:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (A)
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 points minimum
- TOEFL (iBT) incl. TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 95 points minimum
- TOEIC: 945 points minimum (listening/reading), 180 points minimum (speaking), 180 points minimum (writing)
- Certificate UNIcert III
- viadrina Dialog und Transfer gmbh placement test
Please note:
1. We do not accept any language certificate besides the above mentioned.
2. Original certificates must at the latest be presented at the time of enrollment.
3. Please arrange for the language certificate to be sent directly from the test institute to the admissions office.
Copies – notarized or not – will not be accepted.
4. The language certificate may not be older than three years.
5. Students, who have successfully completed a Bachelor or Master in English at a German, UK or US university worldwide, do not need to provide a proof of English language knowledge.
6. Students, who have successfully completed a Bachelor or Master in English at a university located in one of the following countries, do not need to provide a proof of English language knowledge:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada (except Québec)
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Project Outline
Motivation Letter
Portfolio
Please outline special professional achievements (academic, personal, experiential, etc.) in the form of a portfolio and - if available - corresponding testimonials or certificates that show your individual eligibility for the study program. This could, for example, include an academic reflection on the digital society, internships, business start-ups or work in civil society initiatives.
What´s next?
Enrollment
... you have been accepted for the Master of Digital Entrepreneurship?
Congratulations! Please complete the enrollment process at European University Viadrina as advised. To enroll at Adam Mickiewicz University, you have to create an account here and submit the requested documents by 26 September.
After Admission
Arrival
You have been accepted to study at ENS? Congratulations! It is now time to prepare for your life here in Frankfurt (Oder) / Slubice. To get the most out of your time at ENS, some of our MoDE students have gathered some very practical and recent information for arriving and staying in Germany as an international student.
Survival Guide for International Students (2023)
The International Office at the European University Viadrina has published various information for incoming students on their website, too. Here, you find many relevant topics including your journey, visa, accommodation, further administrative processes and general information on our university and city.
When planning your journey and accommodation, please do not confuse Frankfurt (Oder) and Frankfurt (Main)!
Additional information on general issues regarding your stay in Germany and Poland can be found on the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
You are finished with the paperwork but don’t know where to stay in Frankfurt (Oder) / Slubice or where to get a proper beer? Check out our guideline on and Student Life. Any other questions? We are glad to
Please note: If you decide to move to Slubice instead of Frankfurt (Oder), you will live within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Poland. Therefore, you will have to deal with the immigration processes with the Polish administration and apply according to their regulations.
If you need support with this, we will gladly support you! Don’t hesitate to
Housing
In Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice everything is close by and living is affordable. Limited housing capacity, unaffordable rents, people camping on the streets while desperately seeking for an accommodation – this is the reality in many university towns across Europe, but not here! Frankfurt (Oder) is one of the cities with the lowest rental costs in Germany. The twin town Frankfurt (Oder)/Slubice offers many possibilities for single or shared housing and all offers are within reasonable price ranges.
Student dormitories
Both Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice offer a great variety of student dormitories. The Studentenwerk runs six different dorms in Frankfurt (Oder) with single-room apartments or beds in apartments up to five rooms. In shared apartments, tenants are always provided a private single bedroom. The monthly rent ranges from 190 EUR to 275 EUR (all expenses included). Click here for the application form.
You can find a brand new dormitory in the heart of Frankfurt (Oder), where you can chose between single or shared apartments with up to 3 students per flat. Prices are all the same at 320 EUR per month. Further information can be found at the official website of the “Ferdinandshöfe”.
In Slubice, there are 5 dormitories on one campus offering single and double rooms with or without private bathroom and access to a shared kitchen, as well as single and double rooms with or without private bathroom in units with 4 to 6 people and a shared kitchen. The monthly rent varies between PLN 370 to PLN 730 (expenses included, approx. 90 to 170 EUR). You can find further information on the dormitories in Slubice here. For the price list and contact details, click here.
Hint: The dormitories in Slubice and “Große Oderstraße” in Frankfurt are both within a five to ten minute walking distance from the Collegium Polonicum, the location of the ENS.
Shared Flats
Shared Flats are among the most popular ways of living for students in Germany. The rental prices in Frankfurt (Oder) are affordable, a room in a shared flat will cost you around 300€/month. If you are looking for a flat community, check out the free platform www.wg-gesucht.de. Important: There is another city in Germany called Frankfurt – Frankfurt (Main). Be careful not to confuse these two. The ENS is located in Frankfurt (Oder).
Student Communities
Frankfurt (Oder) has awesome students! In 2006, some of them have founded an international housing project called “Verbündungshaus Fforst”. If you are eager to get to know fantastic people and live together in a vivid environment, you should definitely get in touch with them.
Further Options
If you prefer to live alone in a regular apartment or need support with your decision, you can find more information here or
You found your flat but are looking for a place to meet nice people? Check out our guide on Student Life!
Student Life
Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice – the twin towns bridging the Oder river, which also denotes the Polish-German border is less than an hour away from the German capital of Berlin and just two hours away from the Polish city of Poznan. The unique location between two countries is just one reason, why Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice is a place worth studying at.
Unfortunately, this unique location has gone rather unnoticed by many students – which is, at the same time, a huge potential for you as a student at ENS to contribute to the life and the events that shape both towns and ENS. Studying and living at the river banks of the Oder does not mean attending the same events, the same parties and the same routine over and over again. It means that you have a major influence on your individual life here and an impact on the progress of the region. There is a lot of space for you to create and shape – both at the Viadrina University and in the city of Frankfurt (Oder) as well as in Slubice and at the Collegium Polonicum.
Location, location, location
Did you know that the world`s first and only monument in tribute to Wikipedia is located in Slubice? This and many other extraordinary sites in Frankfurt and Slubice are waiting to be explored! Discover hidden beautiful places and your personal favorite spots, which you don’t have to share with shoals of tourists. Party hard or enjoy the silence at Ziegenwerder Island right at the riverside, spend your leisure time bouldering or on the beach of lake Helenesee - it’s your choice!
Frankfurt (Oder) has several theatres, museums and cultural highlights such as the concert hall "Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach", home of the state orchestra of Brandenburg. Famous personalities, such as Alexander von Humboldt or Heinrich von Kleist have left their marks in the city. Annual events like the students’ theatre festival "Unithea" or the city festival are an integral part of the city’s characteristics.
If you seek even more action it is good to know that Berlin is just a one-hour train ride away. With your included student’s ticket, you can go there as often as you want (without additional costs) and spent unforgettable weekends in one of the most fascinating capitals of Europe.
Make an impact!
Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice are great places to develop yourself and Viadrina University as well as Collegium Polonicum provide the perfect opportunity to get involved in student life. The General Students’ Committee (AStA), the Students’ Parliament and other committes offer the chance to represent the interests of other students and to stand up for your ideas. Dozens of students’ societies assist you with developing a versatile skillset beyond your curriculum. You find a students’ consulting group as well as a students’ consulting group as well as a UNO society, a university sports club and many more. If you have an idea for something different – just start a new group! Both the university and the students’ community will support you, which is why there is hardly any better place to make your own idea come true.