How the fees work. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester.
About this programme
Master in Geography is a master’s programme at University of Salzburg in Salzburg, taught in English. It runs for 2 years (4 semesters) and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Salzburg as the campus town. It lists the academic degree as Master of Science, MSc. University of Salzburg is a public university in Salzburg.
How it compares
Master in Geography is one of 8 English-taught Geology programmes at master’s level in the register, offered by 5 institutions. 8 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland; this programme lists EUR 1,453 a year. 8 are at a public university, where EU, EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters.
What you will study
What you study
The MSc Geography at the University of Salzburg looks at the dynamic Earth surface, the people on it, and how societies and their physical environments interact. You can specialise in one of three focus areas: Applied Geomorphology and Natural Hazards, Climate, Ecosystems and Urban Ecology, or Socio-Economic Transformations. The programme mixes physical and human geography. You train in geoinformatics, statistics and remote sensing, and in qualitative social science methods. Field courses and excursions in the Alps and surroundings are an integral part of the curriculum, giving you hands-on experience in real environments. The programme is linked to the pan-European university alliance CIVIS and its Master's programme, Transdisciplinary Studies in Climate, Environment and Energy.
How the programme is organised
The degree runs over four semesters and carries 120 ECTS. It is taught entirely in English, and you need level C1 or equivalent. The programme is run by the Department of Environment & Biodiversity and the Department of Sociology and Human Geography. Teaching is by active scientists in physical and human geography. The focus is on real-world applications, with close collaboration with external experts and institutions. Field courses and excursions in the Alps are built into the curriculum.
Who it suits
This master's suits you if you have a Bachelor's degree in geography or a related field and want to work on interdisciplinary environmental and societal problems. It is for people who like linking natural and social science perspectives and methods. If you enjoy fieldwork in mountain settings and want practical, applied training, Salzburg's Alpine location is a real advantage. The programme prepares you for work across academic, environmental and societal fields.
Admission, language and next steps
You need a Bachelor's degree (or comparable) in an equivalent or related field from an accredited Austrian or foreign higher education institution. Admission is subject to an individual application process. The teaching language is English at level C1 or equivalent. Applications go directly to the University of Salzburg, not through a central portal. Deadlines are 15 June for a winter semester start and 15 October for a summer semester start (which begins in March of the following year). As a public university, EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters; other students pay a fee per semester. Check the university's own page for the application period and details.
What the register says
The master's course in Geography at the University of Salzburg allows students to specialise in one of the following three main areas: In the specialisation in Applied Geomorphology and Alpine Natural Hazards the students will acquire an understanding of processes and problem-solving skills. The students will learn about methods to comprehend and analyse the surface of the earth in the alpine mountains. The specialisation in Geographies of Uneven Development, Economic and Social Geography is orientated towards social sciences and focuses on the processes of social and economic uneven development on different levels. The specialisation in Urban Ecology and the Management of Ecosystems is an integrative course orientated towards planning, which imparts knowledge of the ecological basics of urban and regional ecosystems, spatial development and spatial development planning.
Sprachnachweis Englisch
Text as the Austrian national register publishes it. Some entries are in German. For the current content and structure, use the official programme page.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Consultancy in urban, spatial and regional planning
- Natural hazard management
- Public administration and policy implementation
- NGOs and international organisations focused on social and ecological justice
- Development cooperation and foreign aid
- Policy consulting for sustainable public service delivery and governance
Before you apply
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Salzburg. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). Fees are in euros as the register lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and dates with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Geography taught in English?
Yes. The register’s study finder lists English as the language of instruction at University of Salzburg. Confirm the language of the examinations and the thesis with the institution.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years (4 semesters) of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Salzburg as the campus town for this programme at University of Salzburg.
How do I apply?
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Salzburg. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page.
What does it cost?
EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester. Fees are in euros as the register lists them; confirm the amount for your intake with University of Salzburg.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). The OeAD, the Austrian agency for international education, publishes the official information for international students at studyinaustria.at. The programme page at University of Salzburg is linked from this page so you can compare.
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