Study content and requirements
Active Ageing & Age-Friendly Society degree program
Here's what you'll learn during your studies
In the Joint Master's Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA), you will explore the societal impacts of demographic change and develop innovative concepts for an age-friendly society. In doing so, you’ll combine scientific insights with real-world issues and learn to develop solutions for healthy and active aging across various areas of life.
Among other topics, you’ll explore active aging, public health, the social and economic aspects of aging, age-appropriate technology, and scientific research methods. Through elective and specialization modules, you can tailor your program to your individual needs and focus on areas that align with your interests. As part of your master’s thesis, you will address current issues related to demographic change and develop scientifically sound solutions.
What You Should Bring
This program is right for you if you …
- have completed a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, social sciences, engineering, sports science, business, or a related field.
- are interested in the societal impacts of demographic change.
- want to analyze and solve complex problems using an interdisciplinary approach.
- want to conduct research and develop innovative concepts.
- feel comfortable in an international, English-speaking academic environment.
Here's How the Application Process Works
Applications are submitted online via the CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences application portal. For admission, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, as well as English proficiency at least at the B2 level. After reviewing your documents and your statement of purpose, the EMMA Scientific Board will decide on your admission. You can find all information regarding application deadlines, required documents, and the application process under “What You Need to Know About Applying.”
Further Studies
Upon successful completion of the Joint Master's Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA), you will be awarded the academic degree ofMaster of Science (M.Sc.). In accordance with Section 6(4) of the Austrian University of Applied Sciences Act (FHStG), this degree qualifies you to pursue doctoral studies.
General Information About the Program
For more information on admission requirements, the training contract, nostrification and recognition, the admissions process, examination regulations and grading, ECTS credits, and the academic calendar, please refer to the General Study Information.
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.
Curriculum Content
The Joint Master’s Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA) comprises 120 ECTS credits and is divided into four areas. In addition to shared foundational modules, the program offers you numerous elective options, allowing you to tailor your skill set to your interests and career goals.
Core Modules (60 ECTS)
In the Core Modules, you will develop the academic and methodological foundations of the program. The focus is on transdisciplinary approaches in the field of active aging, research methods, and the master’s thesis—including the Master’s Thesis Seminar and the thesis defense.
Core Elective Modules (15 ECTS)
Depending on your previous coursework, you will choose three out of four specialization modules. The options are:
- Physical, Psychological, and Cognitive Aging Processes
- Social Dimensions of Active Aging
- Promoting Healthy and Active Aging
- Technology for Active and Healthy Aging
Elective Modules (45 ECTS)
In addition, you can tailor your degree program to your personal interests by choosing three elective modules. The options include:
- Advanced Technology and Aging
- Advanced Skills in Research and Entrepreneurship
- Ecological Sustainability and Aging
- Advanced Health Promotion
- Economics and Aging
- Advanced Social Dimensions of Active Aging
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.
Multiple Degree Program
Active Ageing and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA*)
The Joint Master's Degree Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA) focuses on the societal impacts of demographic change. This interdisciplinary and international program equips you to develop and implement innovative concepts for active aging and to play an active role in shaping an age-friendly society. The English-language program comprises 120 ECTS credits.
You will study at five partner universities in Europe:
- CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria, coordinator of the joint EMMA program
- The University of Lisbon (UniLisbon), Portugal
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Greece
- University College Cork (UCC), Ireland
- Karelia University of Applied Sciences (KareliaUAS), Finland
This will give you diverse perspectives, international experience, and a strong network.
* Subject to accreditation by AQ Austria.
Details about the Multiple Degree Program
at the School of Health and Social Sciences
DEGREES
Master of Science (M.Sc.), awarded by five European universities (The conditions for awarding the degree in this joint degree program are set forth in the training and education agreement).
PREREQUISITES
- A completed bachelor's degree in social sciences, health sciences, engineering, sports science, economics, or related fields
- Equivalent qualification at ECTS Level 6
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- A compelling statement of purpose for the EMMA Master’s program
- Online application with upload of the required documents
APPLICATION
The following documents are required for the application:
- Passport photo (.jpeg)
- Resume
- Passport or proof of citizenship
- High school diploma (Matura, college entrance qualification, etc.)
- Proof of academic performance or transcript
- Degree documents
- Proof of English proficiency (at least B2)
- Other
- Letter of motivation
PROCEDURE
60 ECTS Core Modules:
- Transdisciplinarity in Active Aging
- Research Methodology in Active Aging
- Dissertation/Master’s Thesis, Master’s Thesis Seminar, and Defense
15 ECTS core modules to choose from (three out of four, depending on prior education):
- Physical, Psychological, and Cognitive Aging Processes
- Social Dimensions of Active Aging
- Promoting Healthy and Active Aging
- Technology for active and healthy aging
45 ECTS elective modules (three out of six):
- Advanced Technology and Aging
- Advanced Skills in Research and Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Sustainability and Aging
- Advanced Health Promotion
- Economics and Aging
- Advanced Social Dimensions of Active Aging
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
Jobs & Careers
The Joint Master’s Degree Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA) equips you to actively shape demographic change. You’ll develop innovative concepts for healthy and active aging, combine scientific insights with practical solutions, and work at the intersection of health, society, business, and technology. Thanks to the program’s international and interdisciplinary focus, you’ll have a wide range of career opportunities in various professional fields.
You can work in these areas
After completing your degree, a wide range of career opportunities will be open to you in both national and international settings.
- Healthcare & Public Health
You’ll develop strategies and programs that promote healthy aging, support organizations in designing age-friendly services, and work on the further development of health and care systems.
- Politics, Administration & Society
You’ll work on developing and implementing concepts for an age-friendly society—for example, in public institutions, municipalities, advocacy groups, or international organizations. In doing so, you’ll incorporate scientific findings into political and societal decision-making processes.
- Business, Innovation & Technology
: You’ll assist companies in developing age-appropriate products, services, and technologies and work on innovative solutions to the challenges of an aging society.
Here are the tasks you can expect
You will analyze the impacts of demographic change, develop evidence-based strategies, and coordinate projects that promote healthy and active aging. In doing so, you will collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner with experts from various fields and develop sustainable solutions for society, the economy, and health.
In addition, you will plan and oversee research and development projects, conduct scientific assessments of societal challenges, and translate international findings into concrete measures for an age-friendly society.
Your growth continues
Upon successful completion of the Joint Master’s Program in Active Aging and Age-Friendly Society (EMMA), you will be qualified for positions of responsibility in academia, research, public administration, business, and the health and social services sectors. At the same time, this degree opens the door for you to pursue doctoral studies and continue your academic career.