Business Development & Management - MA
Do you want to advance your career in a targeted way and play an active role in shaping the future of businesses? The Master’s degree program in Business Development & Management at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences equips you with the skills to successfully guide companies through economic, digital, and sustainable changes. The program centers on one key question: How can long-term growth and sustainable business development be ensured?
The answers lie in innovative business models, agile growth strategies, and the intelligent use of digitalization and artificial intelligence. In this program, you’ll learn:
- how to develop and implement agile and sustainable growth strategies as well as innovative business models
- to identify and systematically tap into new markets and business opportunities
- to actively drive corporate development in areas such as Marketing & Sales, Controlling & Finance, and Human Resources & Organization
- prepare yourself specifically for challenging specialist and leadership positions
The master’s program combines in-depth business knowledge with hands-on teaching formats that allow you to apply your skills directly. Through personalized course options, you can tailor your studies to your specific professional interests.
Who is this degree program intended for?
This program is a good fit for you if you're interested in strategic corporate development, innovative business models, and economic change processes, and if you want to play an active role in shaping companies.
How can you balance your studies with work and family life?
The master's program is designed to be compatible with a career. The well-coordinated schedule allows you to effectively balance your studies, career, and family obligations.
What career opportunities does this degree program offer?
Our graduates pursue a variety of career paths. They hold entry-level, management, and executive positions in fields such as business development, marketing, HR, finance, controlling, and project and process management.
Are you ready to play an active role in shaping the future of businesses?
9 + 2 Reasons
to study “Business Development & Management” at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
Unique in Austria
Study Business Development & Management in a master’s program—the only one of its kind in Austria—that focuses on the development and implementation of growth strategies and new business models.
Sustainability, Digitalization, and Agility
Learn about and apply the latest developments, methods, and tools in the areas of sustainability, digitalization, and agility.
Learning Paths for Your Personal Competency Profile
Enhance your personalskill set through customized learning paths in the core disciplines:
- Sustainability
- Controlling & Finance
- Strategic Management
- Organizational Sustainability
- Digitalization
- Brand Management
Brand Management
Specialize in brand management and develop innovative and agile brand strategies for business practice at theBrand Lab.
Mindset & Leadership
In the “Sustainable Organizations” specialization, gain up-to-date expertise on the topics of learning and knowledge management, as well as mindset and leadership.
Personal Development Program
Discover your potential in the “Personal Development Program,” define your personal purpose, and strengthen your personal and professional skills in a targeted way.
Current Case Studies
Work on current case studies and consulting projects for companies and benefit from the practical knowledge of experienced experts.
Building Networks
Expand your professional network and work in small groups with personalized guidance from experienced instructors.
Online and In-Person
Take advantage of a modern study program that effectively combines online learning with in-person sessions.
Work-Friendly
Combine work and school through a program that is consistently designed to accommodate working students.
Studying Abroad
Take advantage of the opportunity to spend an optional semester abroad at one of our many partner universities around the world.
Details about the program
Info Box
Level of qualification
Master
ECTS credits
120
Tuition fees*
€ 363.36 / Semester
ÖH (Austrian Student Union) fee
€ 26.20 / Semester
Qualification awarded
Master of Arts in Business
Duration of study
4 Semester
Language of instruction
German
CU Campus
Villach
Dates Info Box
Winterterm 202
Period I: 01.11.-15.03.
Period II: 16.03.-31.05.
Period III: 01.06.-31.07.*
Please note the guidelines for applications from outside Western, Central and Southeast Europe.
*We reserve the right to close this period early.
The semester starts in October - we only offer intake in winterterm!
The start of lectures can be found in the individual timetable which is available after enrollment.
Wed and Thu from 16.50 h - Online
3 Fridays per month from 13.30 h (on Campus)
One week on campus at the beginning of every semester
An overview on our upcoming events can be found here.
You are interested in a personal (online) study consultation or would like to receive more information on the degree program? Click on the buttons below this checkbox to learn more.
Language of Instruction: German (min B2)
Application essentials:
More information on the application process, admission requirements and necessary documents can be found here.
* Tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens: €500 + €26.20 ÖH fee (per semester)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Master’s Degree Program in
“Business Development & Management”
What is business development?
Business Development identifies and taps into new growth opportunities for companies. These include new customer groups, markets, products, sales channels, and business models.
What does a business developer do?
Business developers analyze markets, identify opportunities, and develop new business opportunities for companies.
What requirements do I need to meet?
A relevant bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent college degree is required. Suitability is assessed during the admissions process.
Insights into the program
Students, graduates, and faculty members share first-hand accounts of the Bachelor’s degree program in Business Development & Management, daily life as a student, and their experiences at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
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.

Prof. Dr. Alexander Schwarz-Musch, FH
Program Director
+43 5 90500 2424
a.schwarz-musch(at)cuas.at
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact

Evelyn Eigner
Administration
+43 5 90500 2405
e.eigner(at)cuas.at
On foot
From the Villach Seebach train station, you can reach the campus in about 20 minutes on foot (1.6 km). The route follows the Drau River to the campus.
By public transportation
The campus is directly accessible from Villach Central Station via bus lines 3 and 8 to the “Technologiepark” stop. From the Villach Seebach train station, you can also reach the campus by taking bus line 8 to the “Technologiepark” stop. The Villach city bus schedules are coordinated with the ÖBB schedules.
By car
Coming from Klagenfurt/Vienna, take the A2 Südautobahn to the Wernberg exit. From there, follow the B83 Kärntner Straße toward Villach for about 2 km, then follow the signs toward Magdalenen See or Technologiepark.
Coming from Salzburg/Munich via the A10 Tauern Autobahn, take the Villach/Ossiacher See exit and follow the B33 Kärntner Straße for about 2 km toward Wernberg/Klagenfurt. Then turn toward Magdalenen See and follow the road to the Technology Park.
There are several free parking spaces right in front of the building, and additional paid parking spaces are available in the surrounding area.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 30-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1-hour drive
- Graz: approx. 2-hour drive
- Salzburg: approx. 2-hour drive
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): about 2 to 3 hours by car
- Vienna: about a 4-hour drive
- Munich: approx. 4-hour drive
From there, you can continue your journey to the Villach campus by train, bus, taxi, or car.






