Master in Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge at University of Bologna
Two-year English-taught LM-43-R master at the University of Bologna that applies digital technologies to cultural heritage and humanities research. Open access, with entry needing 24 credits in computing and humanities areas, English at B2 and a remote interview.
Master
2 years
Bologna
English
University of Bologna
Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge (DHDK) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-43-R) taught in English at the University of Bologna. Entry needs a recognised bachelor's with at least 24 ECTS in computing, linguistics, library science or related humanities areas, 6 of them in computing, plus English at B2 and a remote interview. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Bologna's Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge master asks for a recognised bachelor's with at least 24 ECTS in computing, linguistics, philosophy of language, library or archival science, palaeography, museology or Italian literature, including 6 ECTS in computing, plus English at B2 and a pass in a remote interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree and the 24-credit rule
A qualification obtained abroad must be recognised as suitable under Italian rules and give access to a similar second-cycle programme in the country that issued it. For Italian degrees, the notice lists classes such as cultural heritage, humanities, philosophy, modern languages, communication, history, computer science and information technology engineering. [1]
In addition, you need at least 24 ECTS in these subject areas: [1]
- Computer science, or data processing systems
- Museology and art and restoration criticism
- Italian literature, contemporary Italian literature or philology of Italian literature
- Glottology and linguistics
- Philosophy and theory of language
- Archival, bibliography and library science
- Palaeography
Within those 24 ECTS, at least 6 ECTS must be in computer science or data processing systems. If you do not meet all the curricular requirements, you cannot register. [1]
What this means for your transcript
The 24 ECTS are counted by subject, so the titles of your courses matter more than the name of your degree. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BCA, a B.Sc. in Computer Science or a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or IT, because computing credits count towards the whole 24 ECTS block, including the 6 in computing.
- Check carefully: a BA in Linguistics, Philosophy or Fine Arts, or a Bachelor of Library and Information Science. Linguistics, philosophy of language, library and archival science and museology count, but you also need 6 ECTS in computing. English or other literature courses are not on the list.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA, or a B.Sc. or BA with no computing, linguistics or library science courses.
English
English at CEFR B2 or higher, proven at the application stage in one of three ways: [1][2]
- A certificate stating that your bachelor's or master's degree was taught in English
- A recognised certificate obtained from 1 January 2023, such as IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge First (FCE), Trinity ISE 2 or the Oxford Test of English at B2
- A self-declaration that you are a native English speaker
Interview
Admission depends on passing an interview held remotely. You must be online at the start of your session, use a computer and share your screen. Questions cover your previous experience in digital humanities and your reading and understanding of the compulsory and suggested readings listed on the call page. [1]
If you do not pass the interview, you cannot register. A committee chaired by Prof. Silvio Peroni checks both the requirements and the interview, and applicants not admitted in one intake cannot take part in later intakes. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, the notice set three intakes, with the same dates for all applicants: [1]
- Intake 1: applications 11 March to 2 April 2026, interviews 20 April to 8 May 2026
- Intake 2: applications 27 April to 28 May 2026, interviews 15 June to 3 July 2026
- Intake 3: applications 10 August to 3 September 2026, interviews 17 to 25 September 2026
Matriculation for all intakes is open until 19 November 2026. Final-year students could apply with at least 150 credits, provided they graduate by 31 December 2026. The 2027/28 notice will set new dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
You apply on Studenti Online and upload, in PDF: [1]
- Your qualification, or for a foreign degree a copy translated into Italian or English with your transcript and Diploma Supplement where available (the list of exams taken if you have not yet graduated)
- A valid identity document, or your passport
- A CV in English, used only after admission to the interview and not for evaluation
- Proof of English at B2
Missing or partly uploaded mandatory documents at the deadline mean your application is not considered, and documents cannot be sent by post or email. [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad also pre-enrol on Universitaly and apply for a study visa. After admission you matriculate online, pay the first instalment and upload your foreign qualification and visa. Your documents must be translated and their authenticity and value verified where required, and the International Student Administration Office checks the originals after you arrive. Your career must be activated by 26 February 2027. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Bologna, Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies. Admission notice for the Second Cycle Degree Programme in Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge (DHDK), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna, Second Cycle Degree in Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge. English language requirement for admission, list of recognised certificates, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna, Second Cycle Degree in Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge programme page (degree class, language, access and director), undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna. Tuition fees and exemptions, and documentation for students with income and assets abroad, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge, known as DHDK, is a two-year second cycle degree (laurea magistrale) in class LM-43-R, Information technology methods for the humanities. It is taught entirely in English in Bologna by the Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies (FICLIT), is worth 120 ECTS and has open access. Its director is Silvio Peroni.
The university presents DHDK as an international master's degree built to foster close connections between the humanities and the sciences of representing and processing information. Its theme is managing and communicating culture in the digital age. It suits humanities graduates who want technical skills, and technical graduates drawn to cultural heritage.
What you will study
DHDK applies digital technologies to two goals named by the university: the enhancement of cultural heritage and humanistic research, bringing the methods used to represent and process information to humanities material. The degree also runs crash courses on foundational concepts, announced for 2026/27 on the degree website. The full list of course units, with credits and teaching periods, is in the course structure diagram on the degree website; we check the 2027/28 version before you apply.
Career paths
The degree prepares graduates to manage and communicate culture in the digital age, applying digital technologies to the enhancement of cultural heritage and to humanities research, where the humanities meet information technology. A laurea magistrale also gives access to PhD programmes. The university's job placement service publishes job offers and organises career events for students and graduates.
Fees and scholarships
DHDK is in the university's higher fee band for 2026/27, and fees follow family income (ISEE). With a family ISEE up to €27,000 this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. Income abroad is declared through ER.GO, the regional right-to-study body that awards scholarships. [4] Non-OECD citizens with income only abroad can pick a reduced flat fee instead.
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications are made on Studenti Online, and with open access there is no cap on places. For 2026/27 the admission notice ran three intakes: 11 March to 2 April, 27 April to 28 May, and 10 August to 3 September 2026. Each intake checks your documents and then holds a remote interview, and if you are not admitted in one intake you cannot try again in a later one. The 2027/28 notice will set new dates. [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a study visa. Admitted students matriculate online and pay the first instalment: for 2026/27, matriculation is open until 19 November 2026. After arrival, the International Student Administration Office checks your original documents, and your career must be activated by 26 February 2027. [1]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Bologna's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Studenti Online application, interview preparation and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Bologna's Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge master?
A recognised bachelor's that gives access to master's study, with at least 24 ECTS in computing, linguistics, philosophy of language, library or archival science, palaeography, museology or Italian literature. At least 6 of those ECTS must be in computer science or data processing. [1]
I have a BCA or a BA in English. Can I apply?
A BCA usually meets the credit rule, because computing courses count towards the whole 24 ECTS block. A BA in English needs care: literature in English is not a listed area, so you would need linguistics or similar courses plus at least 6 ECTS in computing. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. Admission depends on passing a remote interview, held with screen sharing, on your experience in digital humanities and on the compulsory and suggested readings listed on the call page. If you do not pass, you cannot register. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2. IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge First and other recognised certificates obtained from 1 January 2023 are accepted, as is a degree taught in English or a native-speaker self-declaration. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27 there were three intakes with the same dates for everyone, the last closing on 3 September 2026. Non-EU applicants also need time for Universitaly pre-enrolment and the visa, so we aim for an early intake. The 2027/28 notice will set new dates. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you already have at least 150 credits. For 2026/27, admitted students who have not yet graduated must complete their degree by 31 December 2026, or their registration is cancelled. [1]
If I am not admitted in one intake, can I try again later?
Not in the same year. Under the 2026/27 notice, applicants who take part in an intake and are not admitted cannot take part in later intakes, so we prepare your file and interview carefully before you apply. [1]
Is there a limit on places?
No. DHDK has open access, with no maximum number of enrolments. You still need to meet the curricular and English requirements and pass the interview to register. [1][3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge at Bologna?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bologna's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge?
A recognised Indian bachelor's can qualify if your transcript shows at least 24 ECTS in computing, linguistics, philosophy of language, library or archival science, palaeography, museology or Italian literature, with 6 in computing. A BCA or B.Sc. in Computer Science usually fits, while a BA needs computing courses. You also need English at B2. The steps are the Studenti Online application, the online interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Studenti Online application, the online interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Studenti Online application, the online interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: Studenti Online application, the online interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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