What the Master’s Programme in Computational Social Systems at the University of Graz offers you
Ongoing digitalisation processes and new technologies offer new possibilities as well as challenges for humans and their societies. Already living in a world structured by digitalisation and technologies, the large amount of generated data can offer a lens to understand and gain an insight in different aspects of society. Further digital and technological transformation are raising questions about our present lives as well as possible futures and how they might get shaped by them.
This Master’s Programme offers the possibility to engage with the impact of digitalisation and technology in all areas of human life. It further equips students with the skills necessary to handle, responsibly take care and gain insight and knowledge form large amount of data as well as offers divers and critical perspectives on digitalisation and technologies.
The English language Master’s Programme is a cooperation between the University of Graz and the Technical University Graz. The Master’s Programme CSS is aimed at students from the following fields of studies: Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology, Law or Computer Science.
Based on the respective prior field of study, the students deepen their knowledge in one of the following four specialisations:
Business Analytics on the intersection between Computer Sciences and Business Administration.
Societies, Technologies and Social Research merges Sociology with Computer Sciences.
Human Factors represents the junction between Psychology and Computer Sciences.
Law and Computer Science combines Law with Computer Sciences.
Students must indicate their choice of specialisation using the form. The same form is used to change the choice of specialisation.
The form must be submitted to css(at)uni-graz.at.
The CSS Master’s Programme is comprised of three main components:
In the first part you will receive an introduction to the subject areas of Computational Social Systems and become familiar with various research methods used to analyse computational social systems. You will also learn how to use technologies and statistical methods to process, evaluate and interpret (big) data.
In the second part you will deepen your knowledge in your chosen specialisation:
Business Analytics
Societies, Technologies and Social Research
Human Factors
Law and Computer Science
You can find more information about each of the specialisations on the respective websites.
In the third and last part of the Master’s Programme you will write a Master’s Thesis on a topic within your chosen specialisation. For more information, see Master’s Thesis Submission and Master’s Degree Exam.
Admission
The admission procedure applies to all applicants who wish to enroll in the Master's program in Computational Social Systems (CSS) for the academic year 2026/27. Exceptions to the admission procedure apply to the following individuals:
- Students participating in temporary, transnational EU, state, or university mobility programs who apply for a temporary admission.
- Students who have previously been admitted to the Master's program in CSS.
- Students who have completed a relevant qualifying program as per § 2 (1) and (2) of the CSS curriculum at a recognized post-secondary educational institution in the EEA, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
The number of available study places is limited to 30 per academic year.
The application must be submitted in writing and electronically, including the following documents:
- Proof of academic qualification:
- Evidence of a completed relevant Bachelor's degree or an equivalent program.
- If the degree is not yet completed: Proof of at least 120 ECTS credits (Transcript of Records) and the corresponding curriculum. Additionally, completed coursework must be mapped to the subject areas specified in the CSS curriculum (form required).
- Certifications, if necessary.
- Motivation letter:
- Explanation of the reasons for applying (in English, max. 2 A4 pages).
- Curriculum vitae (CV):
- Overview of relevant professional experience and extracurricular activities (in English, max. 3 A4 pages).
- Proof of identity:
- Copy of passport or ID card.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application period: Applications must be submitted between October 15 and December 15.
Decision notification: Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the admission procedure by March 1 at the latest.
