Applied Studies in Art, Science, Philosophy, and Global Challenges
Application deadline: January 22, 2026, 7am
Vienna Europe 1010
Austria
The Department of Cross-Disciplinary Strategies (CDS) invites applicants for the practice-based BA and MA study programme (English language) of the academic year 2026/27.
At CDS, students, artists, scholars, and civil communities work together to create an open space in which experimental projects and research come to life.
CDS engages in artistic, academic, and social conversations on complex and interconnected problems, including the climate catastrophe, digitalisation, inequality, and entangled transformations. Through this engagement, graduates gain the skills of developing and articulating their critical perspective and responding to the positions of others. CDS creates the opportunity to work on current societal concerns in a multidisciplinary degree program, linking approaches and methodologies of the arts, the humanities, IT, and social sciences.
Cross-Disciplinary Strategies allows students to work on global challenges by interweaving perspectives from three study areas: (i) artistic strategies and art perception, (ii) science and technology, and (iii) economics and politics. CDS understands this collaboration as a basic precondition to finding practical solutions. In this way, CDS emphasises the intellectual practice of cross-disciplinarity and the transformative potential of engaging across different positions with diverse stakeholders.
How to apply
The entrance exam consists of two parts, a written application and an interview in combination with a practical test. A positive evaluation in the first part is the prerequisite for admission to the second one. The application process offers potential students the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness and capacity to work in a cross-disciplinary field spanning the arts, sciences and humanities. Applicants must demonstrate their qualification as well as visual, technical and linguistic competence to complete the program.
After applicants have passed the entrance exam, all certificates will be examined by the Office of Student and Academic Affairs. An Austrian Higher School Certificate (Maturazeugnis) or an equivalent from another country is the precondition for admission to the CDS program. The examinations of the certificates will take place in the month prior to the commencement of studies (usually September). All CDS courses are held in English, B2 level (CEFR) is required.
