The specialization Migration and Population Dynamics within the Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformations Master's programme will introduce you to one of today's most pressing issues: the relationship between global change, particularly environmental and climate change, and human mobility. The programme focuses on migration and population dynamics in the context of vulnerability, adaptation and resilience, paying particular attention to the Global South. And with that, you will explore the interdisciplinary nature of this field, examining key theories, conceptual debates and empirical research from geography and the social sciences. Through discussions and case studies, you will have the opportunity to apply these perspectives to real-world contexts and critically engage with current research debates. By the end of the programme, you will be able to analyse the influence of environmental and climate change on human mobility, understand the global development context, and critically reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the Global South. You will also be able to examine relevant issues from a geographical perspective, applying suitable theories and concepts. You have the possiablity to study with one of Europe’s leading research groups in the field of environmental and climate mobilities, which is closely connected to international research networks (e.g. the Environmental and Climate Mobility Network ECMN) and actively engaged in scientific and policy debates. This enables students to develop theses and research projects in connection with ongoing empirical work and policy-relevant research.

Why choose this specialization?

• Strong focus on climate- and environmental mobility as an internationally relevant research field;
• Research-led teaching connected to ongoing empirical projects and policy-oriented work;   
• Integration of population geography, mobility studies, and human-environment research;
• Small-group, high-quality teaching and close interaction with instructors;
• International orientation within a bilingual Master’s programme (English & German);
• Embedding in a high-level transdisciplinary Master program and access to a large variety of courses at University of Vienna.

Career and Testimonials

Who is this specialization for?

This specialization is suited for students with a background in geography or related social sciences who are interested in climate change, environmental transformation, migration, and population dynamics. It is particularly relevant for students who wish to combine theoretical and methodological training with empirical research and policy-relevant perspectives.

What you will learn:

• Key theories, concepts, and debates on population–environment interactions and human mobility
• Analysis of climate- and environment-related migration, displacement, and immobility across scales
• Critically assessing vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience
• Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs in population-environment contexts
• Policy approaches and governance frameworks related to climate mobilities

Language and accessibility

All specialization courses are taught in English. The Master’s programme is bilingual (English & German). Required German language competences (A2) can be completed during the course of studies in Vienna.

How to register and get into contact

Helpful information about the Master program

• General Information 
• Admission procedure 

For general and administrative inquiries about the Master Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformations and the registration process, please contact the StudyServiceCenter Earth Science,Geography and Astronomy.

For specific inquiries about the specialization Migration and Population Dynamics, please contact the working group at population.geographie@univie.ac.at.