BA and MA in Cross-Disciplinary Strategies

Online submission from January 10–26, 2024.

The Institute of Arts and Society at the University of Applied Arts Vienna invites applicants for “Cross-Disciplinary Strategies. Applied Studies in Art, Science, Philosophy, and Global Challenges” (CDS). The English language programs offer BA and MA students the opportunity to critically engage with contemporary challenges in an interdisciplinary setting, linking the approaches and methodologies of art, science and technology, the humanities, and social sciences. CDS prepares students for critical engagement with the major scientific, technological and social issues arising from an interconnected and complex world.

Interested students can learn more about our program and the application process here.

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Eight semesters, 240 ECTS / English language competence (B2, CEFR) / Application information folder; Curriculum.

The CDS BA program offers a strongly practice-oriented education where students are invited to bridge knowledge and methods from the various range of disciplines taught in individual or group projects. It is structured in three phases: two semesters of introduction, five semesters of application and one semester for the Bachelor Thesis Project.

Annual topics give a focus to the classes taught and the projects conducted in the application phase and create a common ground for exchange among students. Through their applied projects, students learn to implement scientific and artistic works informed by theory, developed with appropriate research methods, and communicated through various formats.

The curriculum is suited for students wishing to learn from individual areas of knowledge and develop a critical approach and collaborative skills. The program aims to support students to develop career possibilities in various fields, including political, scientific, and international institutions where complex problems demand interdisciplinary solutions. BA students from CDS often go on to master’s degrees.

Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
Four semesters, 120 ECTS / English language competence (B2, CEFR) / Application information folder; Curriculum.

The master’s program is centered on trans-disciplinary projects in which students research complex relationships, make these visible, and embed them in cooperative processes. Students learn to situate their topics in a broader societal context and, in addition, to communicate them using a range of methods and artistic strategies. For these projects, dialogue and collaboration with actors of civil society, art, science, politics, and the economy are supported and promoted.

MA courses at CDS are organized into three study areas: Science and Technology, Economics and Politics, and Artistic Strategies. Excursions, workshops, fieldwork, lectures, and close mentorship, prepare the master’s program graduates for an independent role in working within and between interest groups and across different specialist backgrounds.

Apply
Applications for both programs include an online application. After passing the first step, applicants receive a practical task and are invited to a personal interview in Vienna at the end of February 2024.

You can find all relevant information on the application process on our website, and start your online application for both the BA and MA degrees here. In the case of any further questions, we are happy to receive your email to cds [​at​] uni-ak.ac.at!