Master’s theses in the specialization - research topics and supervision

Master’s theses are supervised and supported through preparatory and accompanying Master’s seminars, where students receive guidance on research design, theoretical and methodological choices, data collection and analysis, academic writing, and practical issues of organization and funding. Theses are typically based on independent research projects but also linked to ongoing research activities of the working group. 

Theses supervised within the working group mostly address population dynamics, environmental and climate change, and human mobility from empirical and policy-oriented perspectives. Have a look at the selection of completed and ongoing theses below to get an impression what students are working on!

Ongoing Master’s theses

  • Climate Resilient and Migrant Friendly Cities in Bangladesh (Marny Krabel)
  • Who benefits from the transition to zero-carbon homes? The socio-spatial impact of Passivhaus estate regeneration projects in the Greater London Area (Nadia Ismail)
  • Migrans and Urban Heat (Gregory Manni)
  • Climate Mobilities in Kyrgyztan (Samira Peter)
  • Place Attachment & Adaptation Cape Town (Marlena Niedl)
  • Migration Aspiration and Return Migration in Bamahu, Ghana (Sarah Konieczka)

Current Master’s theses reflect ongoing research priorities and emerging student interests within the working group. 

Possible Master’s thesis topics

  • Understanding Climate-Related Displacement through IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix in Iraq: A Critical Assessment of Methodology and Data Usefulness (data and document analysis, methodological assessment)
  • Migration, financial and social remittances, and their outcomes on differential vulnerability and vulnerability drivers in Thailand (survey data analysis)
  • Climate migration of the super-wealthy - just a sensational topic, or an important trend?
  • At Risk in Motion – Climate-Induced Migration, Disaster Displacement, and Human Trafficking (scoping or systematic review)
  • Off the Record? Informal and Unrecorded Remittances in Global Development (systematic review)
  • Migrants and Mangroves – The Impact of Migration and Other Forms of Human Mobility on Marine and Coastal Resources (scoping review and/or expert interviews)
  • Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Future Habitability and Outmigration in Austrias Ski tourism places
  • Habitability changes, and the role of the state (Review)
  • Making Remittances Work for Development and Adaptation? Policy Approaches in Moldova and Mexico (review, document analysis, expert interviews)
  • The MECC (Migration, Environmental and Climate Change) nexus in international development policy and practice (document analysis, expert interviews)
  • Green Jobs, Migrant Labor – The Role of Migrants in Austria’s Green Transition (expert interviews and policy review)
  • Too young to make an impact? The involvement of youth in global climate policy and action (document analysis and interviews)
  • The Kampala Declaration - from a regional agreement to a continental policy? (document analysis and expert interviews)

Registration of the Master’s Thesis

Before you begin your Master’s thesis, you must officially register your topic. The prerequisite for registration is the successful completion of the course “Accompanying Master’s Thesis Seminar” (M6) and the approval of the topic and supervision by the legally responsible academic body, in this case, through the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy.

For registration you need:

  • a topic proposal form with a working title and short description (Note: A short outline of your planned research project, about 1–2 pages)
  • the approval of your supervisor
  • your own signature

 

 

1. Choosing a Topic

The topic of your Master’s thesis must come from the field of your chosen specialization.If you choose a topic from another field, the SSC will decide on its admissibility.A short project outline (1–2 pages) is useful for discussing the topic with potential supervisors in advance.

 

2. Supervision

Master’s theses in the program “Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformations” may be supervised by habilitated or doctoral-level lecturers at the University of Vienna, working in Geography or a related discipline.Possible supervisors include:

  • Marion Borderon
  • Patrick Sakdapolrak
  • Simon Bunchuay-Peth
  • Lucy Szaboova Mannell

A second supervisor or a cooperation with external research institutions or NGOs is also possible, but this must be approved by the SSC.

We encourage you to send an email with your master thesis proposal to: population.geographie@univie.ac.at

 

3. Accompanying Master’s Thesis Seminar (M6)

To support you during your Master’s thesis, we offer Module M6 (5 ECTS).In this module, you will work on topic development, methodology, and the theoretical framework of your thesis. You will receive feedback, present your progress, and learn to engage in academic discussions.

Course Type

ECTS

Contact Hours (SSt)

PS/SE Preparatory Master’s Seminar

3

2

PS/SE Accompanying Master’s Seminar

2

2

Total

5

 

4. Master’s Examination (Defensio)

After your Master’s thesis has been positively evaluated, you proceed to the Master’s Examination (Defensio), worth 2 ECTS.
The exam consists of:

  • Defending your Master’s thesis
  • An oral examination on the scientific context of your work

The Master’s Examination is conducted before an examination board and graded according to the University of Vienna’s regulations.

Requirements for admission to the Master’s Examination:

  • Completion of all modules
  • Positive evaluation of the Master’s thesis