MEDIA AND CONVERGENCE
MANAGEMENT
FAQ MCM
Do you have questions about the Master’s Degree Programme Media & Convergence Management at the Alpen-Adria-Universität?
Dear applicants, we regularly update the FAQ and strongly encourage you to read the answers prior to sending any individual inquiries to us. We will not reply if your request is covered within the FAQ. The following FAQ are related to the intake winter semester.
General information on study programme
When does the programme start?
The programme starts each winter term (beginning of October). Application in the summer term is not possible.
What is the language of the programme?
The language of all courses (except language classes) is English. You need to prove your English skills. See section “Admission process and enrolment”. Also the master’s thesis has to be written in English. However, for Options (freie Wahlfächer) also classes held in German can be chosen.
Where are the students coming from participating in the programme?
The country demography of our students is very diverse. Most of the students come from different European countries, however we also have several students from Asia, Africa and America. Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply.
Is there an age limit?
No, applicants of all ages are welcome as long as they conform with all prerequisites.
How many students apply for the programme and how many are selected?
Each year about 100 of students apply. The tendency is rising. Our acceptance rate is about 15%. The final cohort consists of max. 35 students.
Do I have to pay tuition fees?
The tuition fee depends on your nationality and the duration of your studies. In general
- Austrian, EU-students and students from “least developed countries” pay only the student union fee (19.20€ / semester). If you are among these and delay the study for more than 2 semesters (i.e. 4 + 2 semesters) you have to pay 382.56€ / semester incl. student union fee).
- Non EU-students pay 745.92€ / semester incl. student union fee
More information on tuition fees can be found on the page tuition fees</a>”.
Is there a student orientation for the programme?
Yes. At the beginning of every winter semester there are student orientation days for the Media and Convergence Management program. Furthermore, the students can participate in the general student orientation week at the beginning of every semester.
What title will I receive after having completed the programme?
You will receive the academic title Master of Science (M.Sc.).
Is the structure of the MCM programme mandatory to follow?
No. Please regard the structure as a proposal and you could switch classes and courses. However, following the proposal guarantees you to graduate from the university within four semesters.
Does the programme indicate a mandatory semester abroad – where can I go?
No, it doesn’t. Even though it is not mandatory, you are welcome to spend a semester abroad. The recommended semester to spend at a partner university is the 3rd semester.
You can go to any partner university of the AAU. In this case no tuition fees apply for you. Moreover, you can go to any other foreign university (not native to your language) however you would have to organize and cover everything by yourself.
Admission process and enrolment
When can I apply?
The application period starts on 1 March and runs until 15 September. If you are from Non-EU countries, you must apply AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in order to get the visa on time. See exact application dates here.
Am I eligible to apply?
Everybody who fulfils the requirements is encouraged to apply. We do not have any age or nationality limit for the program. Students from universities and the (Austrian) University of Applied Sciences (“Fachhochschule”) are invited to apply.
How can I apply?
You need to register first and then upload all the required documents (i.e. CV, letter of motivation, record of grades, bachelor certificate, proof of English skills, and copy of passport). The detailed steps of online application can be found on our homepage.
Why do you need my Skype-ID for registration?
The Skype ID is essential if you are selected for the interview. The admission committee will use the published Skype ID to conduct with you the interview.
Registration – Application – Enrollment
Registration: Here you create an user account, where you are able to apply for the master programme. All applicants must register for the entrance examination using only the online registration, which is accessible on the website of the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt during the period from the 1st of March to the 31st of August (= application period).
Enrollment in person: Applicants who have successfully completed the entrance examination must enrol in person in the Admission Office by the 30th of November.
Do I need a letter of recommendation (LoR)?
A LoR is not mandatory, however you can attach it to your CV if you like to.
Which Bachelor Degree is necessary prerequisite for programme participation?
Bachelor degrees (at least 180 ETCS) of the following areas are accepted:
- Business Economics
- Business Administration
- Economics (Macroeconomics)
- Economy and Law
- Law
- Philology studies and Linguistics
- Communication and Media
- Information Management and Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Engineering and Management
- History or Political Science
- Sociology
Documentation of 16 ECTS credits in the area media and communication sciences, technical sciences or economic and management sciences at a recognized Austrian or foreign post- secondary educational institution, whereby a minimum of 8 ECTS credits has been acquired in one area. The Program Director then decides on the assignment of complementary subjects depending on applicants’ degree as well as the accreditation of all examinations passed in other Master´s degree programmes.
How can I prove my English skills?
If you are not English native speaker you have several options to prove your English knowledge: GMAT (above the average score in section “Verbal Skills”) or IELTS (band score above 7) or TOEFL (min. 100 scores) or CAE (Cambridge ESOL: min. grade C). Another option to prove your English skills is: Bachelor in English or Anglistic Studies or you prove via report cards you have had at least grade B within your school time and you have attended classes worth at least 15 ECTS at university, meeting the minimum of grade B. If you are English native speaker you need to list English as mother tongue in your CV.
If you want to get IELTS at our University, please check here:
I spent some time abroad and studied in English – how do I know if the English skills are sufficient?
If you are confident in your English skills, we strongly encourage you to apply. The admission committee will review your application. If you are selected for the interview, you will be given further information if your particular proof is sufficient for the admission to the programme.
What happens after I have uploaded all the necessary documents?
After you have uploaded your documents, the admission committee will screen them on rolling basis and you will receive an email from them in a couple of weeks after submission. We kindly ask for your patience as in peak times it might take a little bit longer to get back to you.
What if I still miss a document (e.g. Bachelor certificate still needs to be issued; I need to wait for the TOEFL/IELTS/GMAT results)?
If you are missing a document but you know for sure, it will be available within the deadline for final submission you should upload a note in the respective section with a reasonable explanation. In this vein, the admission committee can further process with your application. If the upload is not complete (e.g. any of the required section is missing a document or note) the application will not be processed.
How long does it take to be informed whether or not I am selected?
The review of the candidates is conducted every month. Approximately 6 candidates will be selected at the end of each month. The interview will take place approximately in the first two weeks of the following month. Applicants are informed about the final admission decision of the committee 4 weeks after the interview (at the latest). However, if you have registered and uploaded all the documents you will definitely hear from us.
Do I need to do the interview?
If you are selected, you will be invited to a personal interview via Skype. The date of the interview will be appointed to you. Therefore, don’t forget to include your Skype User in your CV. The date of the interview will be appointed to you. The interview will take place approximately in the first two weeks of the following month.The interview itself takes about 15minutes. You should be able to present yourself in the interview (brief CV, what you have done in your bachelor studies) including your motivation and priorities for the master programme. If you are not invited to the interview, you will be informed about the rejection.
I will be in Klagenfurt during the application period – can I conduct a personal interview?
No. We conduct the interviews with all selected candidates via Skype. In this vein, all candidates have the same interview method.
How will I know whether or not I was accepted?
Admission and rejection letters will be sent by email. Please note that due to the huge number of applicants, we cannot respond individually to people who want to know the results of the admissions process before we send the acceptance and rejection letters. We regret this, and wish all applicants the best of luck.
I got a positive reply after the interview – what should I do next?
Congratulations. We look forward to welcoming you in Klagenfurt. All the necessary information will be given to you in timely manner via email. Prepare all the required documents in original (some cases might need authentication and translation into English/German) and its copies. You are required to bring them to the University for enrolment in person.
What documents should I bring for the enrolment in person?
You must bring all the documents in original and or authenticated copy, supplemented by the copies. The list of required documents can be found here. Documents in foreign languages shall be accompanied by German or English translations. Documents from countries which do not have bilateral agreement with Austria are required legalization. For authentications and translations of documents, please go to this page.
I got a rejection – can I re-apply?
Yes, if the rejection letter states an invitation to re-apply. However, you should demonstrate improvement by e.g. taking the required economics courses, continuing work on your language skills, living (working, volunteering, studying, etc.) abroad or obtaining work experience related to your interest area of international affairs.
I have technical problems with the application process – whom should I contact?
If you have technical problems with the registration or application, kindly check if your browser is updated or change your browser. If problems remain, you should make a screenshot of the specific issue, send it with a detailed description of your request to <a href=”mailto:mcm [at] aau [dot] at”>mcm [at] aau [dot] at</a> and we will forward it to the IT department.
None of the answers in FAQ relates to my issue – can I contact you via Skype or by mail?
Skype is used only for the interview among selected candidates. If your request is not covered in the FAQ section, nor you can find the information on our homepage, then you can send us an email mcm [at] aau [dot] at
Arriving and living at AAU in Klagenfurt
When should I arrive at the AAU?
The programme starts on 1st October. Some courses require mandatory attendance.
Where is Klagenfurt? What can I do in Klagenfurt?
Klagenfurt is the capital of the federal state of Carinthia in the southern part of Austria. With its almost 120,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area it is a vibrant city and offers culture as well as activities in the nature. For more information please have a look at the following links:
Where is Carinthia? What can I do in Carinthia? How can I travel in/to/from Carinthia?
Carinthia is in the most southern part of Austria and famous for its lakes and mountains. Please get some more information on the links below.
Carinthia (English) and Kärnten (Deutsch)
Klagenfurt Airport
Train
Bus
How can I find the university?
Where can I stay during my studies?
You can either live in dorms or look for your own flat/apartment. Follow the link to find a place to stay.
Can I work while I am studying IM at Klagenfurt?
Students that are enrolled in the master programme are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week (depending on the type of visa/residence permit). A higher amount of working hours may be possible on application. Non-EU nationals with student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. You still have to keep in mind that this is a full-time programme. For detailed information, please check the Entry and Residence Guide.
Average cost of living for students in Austria
The following chart is meant to give you a rough overview about the average costs that are likely to arise when studying in Austria:
- Accommodation from € 280
- Food from € 250
- Personal expenses from € 250
- Monthly expenses from € 780
The figures may vary considerably depending on your personal lifestyle and should only be taken as a guideline.
Do I need a visa?
If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa. Depending on your nationality and your citizenship you will have to get different visa. Please have a closer look at the Entry and Residence Guide.
Is there any financial aid available?
Financial aid can be found either in your home country or in Austria. Information can be obtained here. Useful websites for scholarships and grants:
None of the answers in FAQ relates to your issue?
You can check the university FAQ which may cover your questions. Go to university FAQs
Quicklinks
Information for
Address
University of Klagenfurt
Universitätsstraße 65-67
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Austria
+43 463 2700
uni [at] aau [dot] at
www.aau.at
Campus Plan
Universitätsstraße 65-67
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Austria
+43 463 2700
uni [at] aau [dot] at
www.aau.at
Campus Plan
