Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society* MSc. - Master's Degree Program
An aging society needs new solutions. Demographic change is fundamentally transforming our society–from health and care to housing and mobility, and on to the economy, technology, and politics. In the international Joint Master’s program in Active Ageing and Age-friendly Society (EMMA), you’ll work alongside students and faculty from across Europe to develop solutions to these challenges.
This English-language program combines health, social, economic, and technical sciences and equips you with the skills to develop innovative concepts for active aging and an age-friendly society. As a joint program offered by five European universities, you’ll benefit from international perspectives, a flexible online learning structure, and a Europe-wide network.
The tuition fee for the 2026/2027 academic year is €13,255 and covers participation in the international joint master’s program and its delivery by the five partner universities.
The development of the Joint Program was co-funded by the European Union from 2020 to 2023 as part of the Erasmus+ project “EMMA.”
* Subject to accreditation by AQ Austria.
Promoting Active Aging
To help people live independently and in good health well into old age.
Rethinking Living Spaces
Develop age-friendly approaches for communities, cities, and service systems.
Shaping the Future Together
Understanding and helping to shape demographic change from international and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Ready to help shape the society of tomorrow?
Work with an international network to develop solutions for the challenges of demographic change and play an active role in shaping an age-friendly future.
Special features of the program
Joint Master's Programs in Europe
EMMA is a joint master’s degree program offered by five renowned European universities. You’ll study within an international network, benefit from diverse academic perspectives, and collaborate with faculty members from various countries.
Partner universities:
- CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria) – coordinating institution
- The University of Lisbon (Portugal)
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece)
- University College Cork (Ireland)
- Karelia University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Demographic change affects far more than just the healthcare sector. That’s why EMMA brings together content from the fields of health, social sciences, economics, and technology. You’ll learn to examine complex challenges from different perspectives and to develop innovative solutions in collaboration with experts from various disciplines.
Study Flexibly Online
The program is taught entirely in English and is 100% online. Synchronous and asynchronous courses offer you a high degree of flexibility. The program is complemented by an intensive international week at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, where you’ll get to know your classmates and instructors in person.
Setting Individual Priorities
In addition to the core curriculum, you’ll choose modules that align with your personal areas of interest from a variety of specialization and elective options. Whether it’s technology, health promotion, sustainability, business, the social dimensions of aging, or research—you’ll shape your skill set to match your career goals.
Details about the program
Info Box
Level of Qualification
2. Cycle (Master)
ECTS Credits
120
Tuition Fees
€13,255 for the
2026–2027 academic year
ÖH Fee
€26.20 per semester
Info Box
Academic Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Duration of Study
4 semesters
Language of Instruction
English
Location
Online, with one intensive week of in-person classes in the 3rd semester
Dates Info Box
Winter Semester 2026
Period I: Nov. 1–Mar. 15, 2026
Period II: Mar. 16–May 15, 2026
Period III: May 16–July 15, 2026
Period IV: July 16–August 31, 26*
*Please note: This period may close early.
Starts in the winter semester.
100% online with synchronous and asynchronous components.
An intensive on-campus week during the 3rd semester at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
Supervision by an international team of professors and supporting student peer groups
You can find an overview of our upcoming events here.
Are you interested in a personal (online) academic advising session, or would you like more information about the degree program? Schedule an appointment at the Info Center.
Language of Instruction: English (at least B2)
Important Information About Applying:
For more information on the application process, admission requirements, and required documents, see "What You Need to Know About Applying."
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Master’s Degree Program in
“Active Ageing and Age-Friendly Society”
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is designed for graduates in the fields of health, social sciences, engineering, sports, and business, as well as related disciplines. A minimum B2 level of English proficiency is required.
How much does it cost to attend university?
The tuition for the 2026/2027 academic year is €13,255. It covers participation in the international joint master’s program and its delivery by the five partner universities.
Why is there a tuition fee for the program?
Tuition fees help fund the joint degree program offered by five European universities.
The Joint Master's Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Societies offers a unique international learning environment for addressing the opportunities and challenges of demographic change. By combining academic excellence, international collaboration, and practical relevance, the program empowers students to become future experts and change-makers in the field of aging and age-friendly societies.
At the heart of EMMA is student-centered learning. We encourage students to think critically, co-create knowledge, and become active contributors to the development of age-friendly communities and services.
Book an online information session
During the online information sessions, the program directors or academic directors provide detailed information about the program. Topics include course content, internships, admission requirements, and potential career prospects.
Dr. Christine Dullnig-Pichler, B.A., M.A.
Head of: Joint Master’s Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA) and the IARA Department ISAC – Intergenerational Solidarity, Activity, and Civil Society
+43 5 90500 3326
C.Dullnig-Pichler(at)cuas.at
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact
Dr. Christine Dullnig-Pichler, B.A., M.A.
Head of: Joint Master’s Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA) and the IARA Department ISAC – Intergenerational Solidarity, Activity, and Civil Society
+43 5 90500 3326
C.Dullnig-Pichler(at)cuas.at
On foot
From Klagenfurt Central Station, you can reach the campus in about 20 minutes on foot (1.7 km). The route takes you east along Bahnstraße and then along Gerberweg to the campus.
By public transportation
From Klagenfurt Central Station, take Line A to the “FH Kärnten” stop operated by Stadtwerke Klagenfurt. From the station building, turn left toward the bus station.
By car
Coming from the west—for example, via the A10 Tauern Autobahn or A11 Karawanken Autobahn—take the A2 Südautobahn to the Klagenfurt/Wörthersee exit. Then follow the Südring for about 7 km and turn toward the city center at the Südring/Gerberweg intersection. After about 150 m, turn right toward the campus.
If you’re coming from the east, take the Klagenfurt-Ost exit on the A2 Südautobahn. Then drive toward Klagenfurt-Zentrum, continue along Völkermarkter Straße, and then turn left onto the Südring. At the Südring/Gerberweg intersection, turn toward the city center and, after about 150 m, turn right toward the campus.
Coming from the south, you can reach the campus via the B91 Rosentaler Straße. At the Rosentaler Straße/Südring intersection, turn onto the Südring and follow it for about 2.5 km to the Südring/Gerberweg intersection. There, turn toward the city center and, after about 150 m, turn right toward the campus.
Coming from the north, drive toward the city center on the B83 St. Veiter Straße until you reach the St. Veiter Straße/St. Veiter Ring intersection. Then follow St. Veiter Ring, then Völkermarkter Ring, and continue on Lastenstraße until you reach Gerberweg. After about 750 m, turn left toward the campus.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area to choose from:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 15-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car
- Graz: about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
- Salzburg: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes by car
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): approx. 2 to 3 hours’ drive
- Vienna: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes drive
- Munich: approx. 4 hours 15 minutes travel time
The rest of the journey to the Klagenfurt Primoschgasse campus can then be completed by train, bus, taxi, or car.