Your perfect choice!

Master Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations

Our world is changing ever faster and in increasingly unpredictable ways. Climate change, globalisation, demographic change and digitalisation are transforming cities and regions, creating new problems and conflicts, but also generating new opportunities. The Master's degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations will teach you to understand and actively shape this change.

Fact Box

Duration:

semesters
ECTS credits:

120

Level of qualification: Master's degree programme
Degree:

Master of Science (MSc)

Prerequisites:

Yes

Special admission procedure:

Language of instruction:

German, some English

Curriculum (PDF)
(German version, legally binding)
Range of courses

Contact

Office of the Programme Director
Website of the Programme Director
E-mail: geo [at] aau [dot] at
Instagram: geostudium_uniklagenfurt
Website: www.aau.at/en/geography-and-regional-studies/

Student Guidance Service
E-mail: studieninfo [at] aau [dot] at

Student Representatives
E-mail: oeh [dot] geo [at] aau [dot] at

Global changes affect our work, our lives and our mobility. Urban centres are expanding and competing with each other on an international scale, while other regions are facing migration and ageing. A growing number of people are moving between different countries, towns and villages.

The Master's degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations conveys the competences to grasp the complex changes of regions. Working in small teams, you investigate social problems, collaborate with regional actors and develop proposals for solutions. You can choose from a wide range of courses across various disciplines and design your personal study plan. This provides you with knowledge relevant to diverse occupational fields.

This is what makes the degree programme so special

Understand and shape regional development!
The Master's degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations offers you the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics in the field of regional development. Together with experts from the research and practice spheres, you will study urban regions, nature conservation areas or technology clusters. You will understand why regions develop differently and what potential there is for sustainable transformations. To this end, you will be introduced to innovative approaches and will be able to develop your own ideas.
Take advantage of the international environment!
There are people from over 200 countries teaching and learning at the University of Klagenfurt. You will be studying in a region nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in the immediate vicinity of Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.
The right method for every challenge!
You will learn the extensive array of tools offered by geographic and social science methods. This gives you the opportunity to try out different research approaches and to apply them to your core topics.
Take new directions!
Sustainability, housing or new forms of work: The degree programme offers you a variety of options for specialisation, for example in the project seminar or in the guided electives.
Study through intensive exchange!
In Klagenfurt, you will study in small groups with lecturers who are available to address your concerns. We will guide and support you on your educational path.

Curious what the Master's degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations is all about?

Term dates & deadlines

Summer semester 2025

General admission period for Master’s degree programmes
07.01. – 31.03.2025

Academic calendar

Winter semester 2025/26

General admission period for Master’s degree programmes
07.07. – 31.10.2025

Luftbildaufnahme der Universität Klagenfurt

How we are seen

We excel in rankings!
The University of Klagenfurt is one of the top 2 % universities worldwide.
(Times Higher Education World University Rankings)
We are distinguished by our students!
The University of Klagenfurt is the only university in the world to win a Global Student Satisfaction Award twice in a row
(Studyportals – the Global Study Choice Platform)

Our study programmes come highly recommended!
The University of Klagenfurt is recommended by 97 % of its students.
(studycheck.de)
Top quality is our standard!
The University of Klagenfurt places high value on comprehensive quality standards. Our quality management is EVALAG-certified,
we maintain the highest environmental standards (EMAS certification) and are a family-friendly university.
(State quality label “hochschuleundfamilie”)

These are the skills you will gain here

Transcending disciplinary boundaries!
From the very beginning, the degree programme is interdisciplinary in nature. Depending on your interests, you can choose from areas such as the Digital Culture, Entrepreneurship, Peace and Conflict Studies, Law or Public Management.
View the world through other lenses!
During your studies, you will become acquainted with different perspectives on the development of cities and regions. You will benefit from internationally oriented research and a wide range of contacts in the region.
Harness creativity and independence!
The degree programme offers you a lot of freedom to develop and further your interests. You discover the areas you want to pursue later in your professional life.
Accept challenges!
The degree programme equips you with the skills needed to develop approaches to various challenges, such as structural or climate change.

Your skills are our mission. This is what we can teach you

Here, you will acquire broad scientific skills and expertise that you can apply in various professional fields. You will be familiar with different subject areas and regional cases, which you can transfer to other contexts.

Teaching – internationally connected and regionally anchored
Our faculty members have extensive international and practical experience. This gives you the opportunity to learn about regional development from different perspectives.
Strong teamwork
We encourage creative and goal-oriented work. Working in small groups, you can plan and implement projects and facilitate exchanges.
More than one option
By selecting your area of specialisation during your studies, you can determine your own career goals. This opens up a wide range of opportunities for you on the labour market.

Have we got what you need?

We will guide you through the first steps of your degree! Via phone or e-mail, or face-to-face over a coffee.

Let’s talk: get in touch now!

Programme structure

In Klagenfurt you can study at your own pace. To help you follow your path with confidence, we keep it clear of (bureaucratic) stumbling blocks and barriers. If you wish to reach your goal quickly and efficiently, we will always be there to support you. Our recommended course of study will guide you through the semesters. You work your way through the curriculum – making the most of opportunities to broaden your horizons and without wasting time. If you would like to know which courses await you before you start, take a look at the wide range of seminars and lectures.

Main areas

Programme structure: a tabular overview

Programme structure: a tabular overview
Subject	Designation	ECTS
Compulsory subjects	Urban and rural transformations	12
	Regional economic transformations	12
	Methods	12
	Project seminar	10
Guided electives	Choice of three subjects for the purpose of specialisation: Environmental Sustainability, Economy and Policy Sustainable Development Public Management Entrepreneurship Law Governance, Innovation and Sustainability Digital Culture Fields and Perspectives of Cultural Analysis Media, Communication and Culture Gender Studies Peace and Conflict Studies Energy Management and Energy Technology Internship	36
Open electives		6
Master's thesis	including seminar accompanying the Master's thesis	30
Final board examination		4
*Total*

Recommended course of study

Recommended course of study: a tabular overview
Subject	1. Semester	2. Semester	3. Semester	4. Semester	ECTS-AP
*Compulsory Subjects 1: Urban and rural transformations*
1.1 Critical Urban and Rural Theory	6				6
1.2 Urban and Regional Governance		6			6
*Compulsory Subjects 2: Regional economic transformations*
2.1 Regionale Ökonomien und sozio-ökonomischer Wandel	6				6
2.2 Regionale Ökonomien und Umweltsysteme		6			6
*Compulsory Subjects 3: Methods*
3.1 Qualitative Methoden	4				4
3.2 Quantitative Methoden	4				4
3.3 Methoden der Gestaltung		4			4
*Compulsory Subjects 4: Project seminar*
4.1 Projektseminar			10		10

Three Guided electives a 12 ECTS-AP	8	12	16		36
Open electives			6		6
Master’s thesis incl. seminar				28+2	30
Final board examination				2	2
*ECTS-AP*	28	28	32	32	*Total: 120*

Curriculum

Range of courses

Geography and much more. This is what we can offer.

Studying at the University of Klagenfurt can offer you many opportunities – even beyond seminars and lectures. Choose from a wide range of offers to enhance your personal development:

The "Build! Entrepreneurship Zertifikat" equips you with the business skills you need to turn your business idea into reality and become your own boss.
Slovene, Italian or Chinese – there are a variety of language courses to suit the university's international environment.
Digitalisation is not just a key area of research at the University of Klagenfurt, but also the subject of numerous courses and further education programmes.

Browse through the list of all possible electives!

Specialist courses & optional subjects

Extension programmes

Would you like some guidance to help you plan your studies?

Admission

Admission to the Master’s Dregree Programme Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations must occur within the admission periods.

Non-EU and non-EEA citizens: The application for admission to a Master’s degree programme must be received in its entirety by 30 June for admission for the winter semester or, respectively, by 30 November for admission for the summer semester.

Important enrollment information

Admission to Master’s degree programmes

Online Registration

Prerequisites

You do not have to go through a special admission procedure to start the Master's degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations in Klagenfurt.

You only have to meet the following conditions, which also apply to all other programmes:

Bachelor's degree in geography or equivalent degree programme completed at another post-secondary educational institution
German language skills at level B2 (CEFR)

Prospective students who apply for admission to a Master's degree programme and whose first language is not the language in which the degree programme is conducted must provide evidence of language proficiency at the required level at the time of application.

Are you uncertain whether your chosen degree programme is a good fit? Call us or write to us! Together we will find a solution for you to study your preferred Master’s degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies.

Find out more now!

The first steps are always … accompanied!

We won’t abandon you, especially at the start of your studies!

Here in Klagenfurt, you will get to know your fellow students during the Welcome Days – and you will make new friends in the very first week; friends you will share memorable experiences with in the years to come.
Our student guidance service is here for you if you need some support as you start your studies. You can reach us via WhatsApp, e-mail, phone or our social media channels.
At the ÖH student union Info Days at the start of each semester experienced students provide advice about your chosen degree programme and share useful insiders’ tips.

Best prospects. Your professional opportunities

Graduates with a degree in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations have an extensive range of specialisations and career opportunities to choose from. Throughout your studies, you can freely choose your areas of specialisation and we will support you in designing your optimal study plan.

Possible occupational fields after graduation include:

Spatial and environmental planning
Economic development and regional marketing
Management consultancy
Public administration
Associations and non-governmental organisations

Stories & news about the degree programme

You’ll soon discover this: There are many interesting facts, stories and news updates regarding this degree programme.

Belonging

Elena Smirnova: „Seeing the world from new angles.“

Looking for guidance and advice?

Are you interested in the Master's degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations?
Are you in need of some personal advice with no strings attached?
Our student guidance service will be happy to advise you!

Go to Student guidance

The world is your own!

There is no place on earth that remains unaffected by the current changes. We offer you the opportunity to get to know the most exciting regions and spaces up close and personal. The university has collaborations with hundreds of universities around the world – from Mexico to Zagreb, from Tokyo to Ireland. We invite you to spend one semester of your Master's degree programme abroad, comprising 30 ECTS credits. Make the most of the chance to discover new spaces for geographical experimentation in other locations and without losing valuable time.

Partner universities

Study abroad

FAQ. Frequently asked questions

Is the Master’s degree in Geography & Regional Studies the right programme for me?

Are you the kind of person who doesn’t shy away from tackling complex problems arising from climate change, digitalisation or globalisation? Someone who can view phenomena from different perspectives and link them to theory and practice? Do you want to make a difference and not just stand by and watch the transformation processes, but actively help to shape them? The Master‘s degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations is designed for just this purpose and offers you a scientifically sound and simultaneously practical education with its finger firmly on the pulse of current developments.

Which Bachelor’s degrees allow me to continue straight onto this Master’s programme?

The Master’s degree programme is open to many and allows for variety. The majority of students can be admitted to the degree programme without any conditions, others may have to make up individual courses or bundles of courses.

The standard route: You have a BSc. degree in Geography and can continue on directly to the Master’s degree programme.
From a BEd. Geography and Economics to an MSc. in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations:
The University of Klagenfurt paves the way for you – with these required courses:
- a. B4.1 Datenanalyse (4 ECTS credits)
- b. B4.5 Grundlagen der Methoden der Humangeographie (4 ECTS credits)
- c. B4.6 Methodenpraxis der Humangeographie (4 ECTS credits)
- d. B6.2 Projektseminar (7 ECTS credits).
You have a degree in Social Sciences, Economics or Cultural Studies. The following conditions apply to you:
- a. 6 ECTS credits in Cartography and/or Geographical Information Systems
- b. 14 ECTS credits in relevant social science and statistical methods
- c. 6 ECTS credits in in foundations of Human Geography or the Social Sciences

If you still have questions about admission, please contact geo [at] aau [dot] at

What is the language of instruction in this Master’s degree programme?

German. Students whose first language is not German must prove knowledge of the German language at level B2.

What are my career prospects after graduating?

Graduates with a degree in Geography & Regional Studies have an extensive range of specialisations and career opportunities to choose from. Throughout your studies, you can freely choose your areas of specialisation and we will support you in designing your optimal study plan.Possible occupational fields after graduation include:

Spatial and environmental planning
Economic development and regional marketing
Management consultancy
Public administration
Associations and non-governmental organisations

Where can I find out if I am eligible for admission?

Please contact the Programme Director by e-mail geo [at] aau [dot] at

Continuing your studies

Once you have completed the Master’s degree programme in Geography & Regional Studies: Regional Transformations you can continue straight on to the following degree programmes:

Doctorate in Natural Sciences

Doctoral Degree Programme

Degree programme

Doctorate in Social and Economic Sciences

Doctoral Degree Programme

Degree programme

Looking for guidance and advice?

Go to Student guidance

This is why the University of Klagenfurt is one of the best young universities in the world …

Top Master’s degree programmes – and what’s more, they’re virtually free!

For most students, a degree programme at an Austrian state university is free. We invest in your education. And you invest your inspiration, your ambition, and your determination to make the world a better place with the help of new knowledge.

You know your professor – and your professor knows you!

One of the features that distinguishes the University of Klagenfurt is the excellent ratio between students and supervising staff. The Master’s degree programmes have been designed to ensure that you are never merely a number; instead you have every opportunity to learn in close exchange with top teachers from the fields of research and practice.

Pursue an international degree with fellow students from all over the world: 11 Master’s degree programmes in English

The following outstanding Master’s degree programmes are taught entirely in English: Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity, Cross-Border Studies, English & American Studies, Games Studies & Engineering, Information & Communications Engineering, Informatics, Information Management, International Management, Mathematics, Media & Convergence Management and Management, Economics, and Data Science.

From studying to entrepreneurial success

As a student at the University of Klagenfurt, you don’t need a garage to set up an internationally successful start-up. Instead, we will provide you with all the infrastructure you need. With Build! Entrepreneurship Center Carinthia, inspire! Labs and FabLab, we can offer you three innovation labs right on campus.

Europe’s largest drone hall

With a floor area measuring up to 150 square metres and a height of ten metres, researchers investigating drones have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure at the University of Klagenfurt. This places the Drone-Hub Klagenfurt firmly among the world leaders in this field. The drone technology refined in Klagenfurt will also be on board NASA‘s Mars mission in 2021 and will be used to explore the Red Planet.

Research laboratory for video streaming

This young, dynamic campus is the starting point for global success stories. The company Bitmovin, which specialises in video streaming services, was founded by graduates of the University of Klagenfurt and has established a strong position on the global market in recent years with investments exceeding 50 million dollars. Today, the company conducts research on campus in the ATHENA laboratory, working in close collaboration with teams from the university.

A springboard to research

Our Master’s graduates are highly sought, not only in industry and business, but also in the academic world. The leap to a PhD position is in easy reach – and with close to 400 cooperation partners across all continents, there is a clear path ahead to further academic success.

As close to the game-changers as you can get

Our graduates make the world a better place, they drive innovation, open up new markets and shape the way we will live together in the future. In this, they are guided by luminaries from all over the world, whose research has had a decisive influence on their respective fields – from psychology to information technology, from cultural studies to economics.

Study in a top location!

Klagenfurt lies in the very southern part of Austria, near the Italian and Slovenian border – the Mediterranean, with its incomparable cultural treasures, is not far at all. The campus is within walking distance of the Wörthersee, one of the most beautiful lakes in existence, crystal clear and with drinking water quality. The charming Renaissance city of Klagenfurt offers an incomparable ambience with many cafés, bars and restaurants.

Study at Austria’s most stunning campus university!

The campus of the University of Klagenfurt was founded in 1970 and is located in the immediate vicinity of the Wörthersee. The distances on campus are short, everything is handily nearby and close together. The University of Klagenfurt is equipped with the most modern infrastructure and also has an excellent library, with a comprehensive range of electronic media. The library is open 24 hours a day, affordable dormitories are located in close proximity to the campus.

Studying at a university of international excellence!

The University of Klagenfurt is one of the top 2 % universities worldwide. (Times Higher Education World University Rankings)