15 – 17 June 2026 | New Bulgarian University, Sofia
New Bulgarian University announces a three days ERUA intensive course: The Digital Democracy & Leadership Lab: Democracy, digital presence, and digital leadership. The course will take place between 15th and 17th of June 2026 on-site at NBU.
This intensive, interdisciplinary course explores the intersection of democracy, digital presence, and leadership in the 21st century. Participants will examine how digital technologies are reshaping civic participation, develop their own digital identity and leadership style, and co-create innovative solutions for inclusive, democratic engagement online. Combining political science, media studies, technology, law, and communication, the course empowers students and early-career professionals to become ethical, digitally fluent leaders across diverse European contexts.
Who Can Apply
The course is open to Bachelor and Master students, particularly those with backgrounds or interests in:
- Political Science and Public Administration / Policy;
- Communication and Media Studies;
- Sociology and Cultural Studies;
- Law and Data Ethics.
A total of 15 places are available for ERUA students.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Critically analyse how digital technologies reshape democratic governance and civic participation;
- Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives (political science, media studies, technology, law, and communication) to analyse challenges and opportunities in the digital democratic space;
- Assess ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges related to digital platforms, data protection, and digital rights;
- Develop and articulate your own coherent professional digital identity;
- Demonstrate principles of ethical, inclusive, and responsible digital leadership;
- Apply digital fluency in professional, civic, and academic contexts.
Assessment and Credits
The course awards 3 ECTS, based on:
- Active participation in sessions and discussions (30%)
- Short group presentation on a selected case (40%)
- Reflective report (800 – 1000 words), submitted one week after the course (30%)
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 15 March 2026
- Course dates: 15 – 17 June 2026
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit to the course coordinator e-mail:
- Short motivation letter (max. 200 words)
- Confirmation of student status
- Optional: short CV
ERUA students can receive travelling and accommodation funding from their home universities! For more information related to traveling and funding opportunities contact your local ERUA coordinator.
Course Coordination
Course Coordinator: Associated Professor, Justine Toms, PhD
Department of Media and Communication, New Bulgarian University
Email: jtoms@nbu.bg
