GEOGRAPHY, MSC
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Course Duration / ECTS | 4 semesters / 120 ECTS |
University degree | Master of Science (MSc) |
Admission Requirements and Curriculum | · Applications holding a Bachelor’s degree (or comparable degree) in an equivalent or related field from an accredited Austrian or foreign institute of higher education. · Admission is subject to an individual application process. See details here · Curriculum |
Language | English (Level C1 or equivalent) |
Dates and Deadlines | · Deadline for winter semester start: June 15th · Deadline for summer semester start: October 15th (start in March of the following year). |
Information on the department and departmental student representatives | Department of Environment & Biodiversity Department of Sociology and Human Geography |

What will I learn?
The dynamic Earth surface, the people living on it and the complex relationships between human societies and their physical environments are the prime focus of Geography. Geographers investigate and analyse the dynamics of these interactions from spatial and multi-scalar perspectives, addressing key 21st-century challenges. Geography's ability to integrate and bridge natural and social sciences through diverse perspectives and methods is a key strength of the subject and professional field. At the University of Salzburg, the MSc in Geography allows students to specialize in one of three focus areas: (1) Applied Geomorphology and Natural Hazards (2) Climate, Ecosystems and Urban Ecology (3) Socio-Economic Transformations The Master's programme in Geography integrates knowledge and skills from physical and human geography, it trains techniques from geoinformatics, statistics and remote sensing, as well as qualitative, social science methods. Its interdisciplinary approach will help students developing the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to tackle the 21century problems for both, environment and society.

What makes Salzburg so special as a place to study?
The MSc Geography at the University of Salzburg is taught by active scientists in both, physical and human geography. It is designed to educate students with essential skills to prepare them for work on interdisciplinary topics across academic, environmental and societal fields. Studying in Salzburg also means taking full advantage of its spectacular Alpine setting. Field courses and excursion in the Alps and surroundings form an integral part of the curriculum, offering students practical, hands-on experience in real-world environments. The Master programme in Geography is focussed on real world applications, linking state-of-the-art theoretical content with practical skills through close collaboration with external experts and institutions. It is also highly international, through linkages to the pan-European university alliance CIVIS and its Master programme, 'Transdisciplinary Studies in Climate, Environment and Energy'.

Which career opportunities do I have?
Geographers are sought-after problem solvers in our complex world – their expertise is crucial for building a sustainable future. Graduates of the Geography Master from the University of Salzburg are well-prepared for a wide range of exciting and impactful professional fields/career paths, including: o Consultancy: Contribute as a specialist in urban, spatial, and regional planning or natural hazard management. o Public Sector: Help shape the future communities as part of the public administration and policy implementation. o Non-profit and International Organizations: Get involved in NGOs or international organisations focused on social and ecological justice, development cooperation and foreign aid. o Policy Consulting: Advocate for sustainable solutions by advising and improving the processes and outcomes of public service delivery and governance.
Postgraduate degree:
Doctoral Programme at the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences
Photographs: © Luigi Caputo (1-3)