Master in Applied Physical Geography and Mountain Research

Master in Applied Physical Geography and Mountain Research 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.

This master's programme at the University of Graz looks at how human society and the environment interact in mountain regions. It takes a scientific approach, with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods. The programme is taught in English and runs full-time over four semesters (120 ECTS), leading to a Master of Science (MSc).

What you study

You work through the core geographical disciplines of geomorphology, climatology and hydrology, and learn how they connect. The programme calls this integrative geography. Quantitative methods run through the whole degree: monitoring, modelling and geospatial technologies. The page describes the programme as a mix of theoretical and field work, and says that combination is a distinctive feature.

How the programme is organised

It is a full-time degree of 120 ECTS across four semesters. The page lists the start of studies as summer term 2027. Teaching is in English. The programme sits in the Faculty of Environmental, Regional and Educational Sciences, and the page groups it under Data Science and Climate and Sustainability. Theory and practice are balanced, and you investigate processes in sensitive mountain regions and sustainable development in urban areas and other regions. Practical methods and skills are part of the training, with examples given from geotechnics and from participation and communication.

Who it suits

You should be curious about scientific research into how the relationship between society and the environment is changing. Advanced skills in geospatial technologies are a definite advantage. You also need a relevant first degree. The programme is interdisciplinary, sitting at the interface of natural and social sciences, so it suits people who want to work across that boundary rather than stay in one discipline.

Admission, language and next steps

Anyone who is not a graduate of the subject-relevant bachelor's programme at the University of Graz has to apply for admission to the master's programme. Full details of admissions procedures and current deadlines are on the university's main admissions page, so check there before you plan. The teaching language is English. If you want to continue in research, the Doctoral Programme of Natural Sciences at the same faculty lets you develop your own research interests and methodological skills.

In this degree programme, students will learn about relevant aspects of the specialist geographical disciplines of geomorphology, climatology and hydrology and how they are interconnected (integrative geography). There is a strong emphasis on quantitative methods (monitoring, modelling, geospatial technologies).

There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Graz. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entrance examination, as the register states it: No. 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.