21 Social Science MA Degree Programs in Austria

Two-year MA program in Sociology and Social Anthropology with optional specialization in Global and Urban Studies. The Two-Year MA requires that students take a total of 62 credits, of these 48 credits in coursework. (14 credits for the Thesis Consultation and Defense are not included in the required 62 credits!) In the first year, a minimum of 30 credits is to be undertaken. A further 18 credits may be taken in the second year.

Globalisation, extremism, new forms of communication – our society is constantly changing, and this inevitably brings new challenges. It is important to react to these challenges with flexibility as well as creativity with solution-oriented approaches. Become a specialist and executive in the social sector with our Master's degree in Social Innovation and actively shape the social future!

The Two Year MA aims to present students with a wide range of theories and methods in sociology and social anthropology while examining their interaction and integration in the study of globalization and urban studies. The study of globalization and urban studies is conceived in the department as both a material and a formal object.

The one-year MA program builds on the strong tradition of international relations scholarship in North America, the UK, and Western Europe. The program aims to enable students to both explain and understand the material, military, economic as well as ideational factors for continuity and change in the international political system.

The course provides in-depth scientific and professional training with particular emphasis on (post-)migration social differences. This focus of study was chosen against the background of Austria's population structure being shaped by migration. People with migration experience can now be found in all areas of social work.

The MA degree in Critical Gender Studies is designed to educate and train future generations of gender specialists in a variety of fields and professions that address the many gendered political, cultural and social challenges of contemporary society. These fields include education, academic research, social services, non-governmental organizations, policy, social change advocacy, government advising and applied research, journalism, as well as jobs that entail various kinds of artistic production.

Master of Arts in International Relations (2 years) The program is intended for students who have graduated from a three-year undergraduate program and would like to proceed with their studies more thoroughly, possibly to prepare themselves for a doctoral degree. The program offers an innovative, dynamic learning environment with relatively small class sizes and an interdisciplinary curriculum. It is accredited in both the US and Austria. 

The one-year MA Program in Political Science offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum in theory and research methods in contemporary political science. US standards in research and teaching are combined with the varied requirements of an international student body. The program is aimed at students who have graduated from a four-year BA degree.

GEMMA (Erasmus Mundus Master’s Degree in Women's and Gender Studies) is a two-year Postgraduate interdisciplinary study programme that provides high-quality education and professional competencies for personnel working or intending to work in the areas of Women's Studies, Gender Studies and Equal Opportunities across Europe and beyond.

The MA in Human Rights Program combines social science, and policy-based approaches with legal science and aims to provide theoretical and practical training in human rights for students who do not have a legal background. The problem-focused curriculum and the strong interdisciplinary and comparative approach offer students ample opportunities to understand the theoretical and legal foundations of human rights and engage with challenges to human rights protection in an age of scepticism and populism.

The MA in Economics, Data, and Policy will equip you with a solid foundation in economics and quantitative methodology and the ability to interpret data and link them to economic and social processes. The skills you gain will enable you to pursue a variety of exciting careers. In recent years, graduating students have Continued their studies in highly ranked PhD programs: Boston University, Duke University, CEU, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Switzerland), University of California at San Diego, University of California at Santa Barbara, and University of Michigan.

Master of Arts in Gender Studies The one-year MA program offers a condensed grounding in interdisciplinary gender studies for students with substantial previous background in gender studies or a related field (a minimum of a four-year BA is required). Applicants are asked to demonstrate their formal or informal exposure to some aspect of gender studies, along with evidence of initial thinking about a broad area of research.

The Master of Arts in Economics, Data, and Policy (1 year) will equip you with a solid foundation in economics and quantitative methodology and the ability to interpret data and link them to economic and social processes. The skills you gain will enable you to pursue a variety of exciting careers. In recent years, graduating students have continued their studies in highly ranked PhD programs: Boston University, Duke University, CEU, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Switzerland), University of California at San Diego, University of California at Santa Barbara, and University of Michigan.

The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary and holistic program that will not only broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability, and diplomacy but it will also equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise. It is offered both online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica. During this program, students will analyze the different dimensions of development including, environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century. Students will also attend skills development sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.

The practice-oriented master's program offers specialized general management training for nonprofit organizations and public institutions. Through projects and elective modules, students acquire sound skills and develop a holistic understanding of management that prepares them for future leadership roles.