16 Humanities Degree Programs in Austria

The PhD in Comparative Gender Studies is a 4-6 year program for students with substantial MA-level background in gender studies theory and methodologies who wish to specialize in interdisciplinary research and teaching in an academic setting. Accredited in both the US and Austria, the program combines elements of North American and European style degrees with coursework, research proposal development, and a Comprehensive Exam in the first year, followed by research and dissertation writing alongside professional development in subsequent years.

The two-year master’s degree in Museum Studies is a unique cooperation between Central European University and the Wien Museum, providing students with rigorous academic training in historical studies combined with practical, hands-on museum experience. It combines opportunities for experiential learning at Europe’s leading museums with both foundational coursework in the history and theory of museums, and the multidisciplinary study of the past.

The PhD in Comparative History offers doctoral education matching the highest international standards for prospective scholars and teachers. A particular - indeed unique - feature of the program is that it focuses on the comparison, interconnectedness, and entanglements of distinct geo-cultural regions: Central, Southeastern, and Eastern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean, in close relation to the history of other historical regions, most notably with Western Europe and the Middle East. 

Master of Arts in Historical Studies (1 year) as an international faculty and student body, we strive to think about the past not only within but also across historical periods, world regions, national boundaries, and academic disciplines to avoid academic insularity and to keep in mind both the distinctiveness and interconnectedness of historical trajectories.

Master of Arts in Historical Studies (2 years) The program provides a systematic introduction to theories, methods, and research skills (including source language training) in a variety of historical disciplines. The program’s location in Vienna and its international faculty provide students with an inspiring setting to study historical change in action and conduct their research on a topic of their choice. Successful graduates will write and defend a thesis of original research based on methodologically rigorous employment of primary sources.

The PhD program in Network Science is a research-oriented program that provides the only PhD degree in this field in Europe. Network science provides essential tools to study complex systems including society online and offline, the economy or urban traffic. Accordingly, the program provides hands-on experience with large datasets characterizing those systems and the skills needed to analyze them.

The PhD in Late Antique, Medieval and Early Modern Studies has earned international recognition for its methodological richness and the application of innovative research tools; the curriculum stresses the interconnectedness of various disciplines, emphasizing multi- and interdisciplinary comparative research. Our departmental faculty of recognized experts in their respective fields provides students with supervision and guidance not only to help them accomplish the immediate goal of submitting their dissertations successfully within four years but also to assist them with regard to their future careers.

History in the Public Sphere is a two-year master's program, run by Central European University and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. It focuses on the ways the past is represented, contested, and negotiated in the public sphere, exploring various contexts from the early modern period to the present in a comparative and transnational way.

Interdisciplinary Computing is the first interdisciplinary technical master’s program at IT:U. Its educational approach is deeply rooted in project-based, personalized learning. As a student, you will study at the intersection of computing and various disciplines. You develop your knowledge and skills in a vibrant, international environment, whilst learning in small groups to gain the experience for a future job in industry or to follow an academic career.

Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Science The Department of Cognitive Science offers a PhD program in Cognitive Science. This research-based, interdisciplinary program offers specialization in the fields of social cognition, cognitive development, and formal and biological models of perception and learning. Students may take courses in cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, cognitive anthropology, visual perception and computational modelling.

Information security is essential in today's digital landscape. The master's program "Information Security Management" offers practical training for experienced professionals, based on international standards and many years of expertise in the field of IT security.

The PhD program in economics prepares you to conduct cutting-edge original research addressing the fundamental economic questions of our time.  Learn the skills of leading economists, choose from many specializations, and develop your research program.  You can utilize your knowledge in faculty positions in academia, in governmental organizations, as well as in the private sector.

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy at CEU are fully funded study program with a standard duration of 4 years that awards a US and an Austrian degree. The Department of Philosophy offers a Doctoral Program in a variety of areas, for instance, Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind and Cognition, History of Philosophy, and Moral and Political Philosophy.

The Department of Philosophy offers two MA programs in Philosophy: a two-year program and a one-year program. Holders of at least a four-year degree in philosophy may apply for both the two-year and one-year MA programs. Holders of a three-year bachelor’s degree in philosophy should, as a rule, apply for the two-year MA program rather than the one-year program.

In CEU’s bachelor’s degree program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, you will study with peers from around the world, address some of the key questions for humanity today from several perspectives, learn to present your ideas and knowledge effectively and prepare for exciting careers, all in beautiful Vienna.