Study Program in Exhibition Theory and Practice at the University of Applied Arts Vienna
Submission deadline: February 28, 2026
Program start: October 2026
B2 level in German and English is required.
How can museums change society? What consequences can curatorial actions have? Curators and educators, organizers and designers, artists and scholars today are looking for ways not only to critically analyze existing notions and narratives of exhibition-making but also to intervene in them and reformulate them through curatorial practices.
The /ecm – /educating/curating/making study program in exhibition theory and practice at the University of Applied Arts Vienna is a postgraduate, fee-based course that provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in the expanded field of museums and exhibitions. In collaborative processes, we experiment with different methods of curatorial research, theory and practice. Thus, discourses, ruptures, and horizons emerge that challenge the canon, occupy exhibition spaces and the public sphere, and seek not only to digitise museums and collections but above all to democratise them.
The study program is aimed at a diverse group of up to 25 participants. They may be anchored in institutions or freelancers in the art and culture sector, deal with questions of display and representation, mediation and communication, and have varied educational and professional backgrounds. It takes place over 4 semesters with a total of 22 weekend modules and offers two different paths (a/ and b/). Both paths are conducted simultaneously as a joint program. Noteworthy distinctions exist in the admission requirements and the nature of the academic thesis for each pathway.
a/ an associate Master’s degree program with a Master’s thesis, graduating with the academic title “Master of Arts (Continuing Education)” – abbreviated MA (CE);
b/ a university course with a practice-based research project, graduating with the academic title “Academic Curator”.
Admission requirements
German and English language skills in both written and spoken form;
successful participation in the one-day admission seminar; mandatory enrollment for the entire course;
as well as
a/ the associate Master’s degree program requires a subject-related Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS points and practical experience in the field;
b/ the university course requires several years of relevant professional experience or a completed Bachelor’s degree.
Admission procedure
1. Submission of the application (official form with the following attachments: CV, motivational letter specifying the desired path (a/ or b/), copies of certificates, and written registration for the admission seminar) via mail to ecm@uni-ak.ac.at.
2. Completion of the one-day admission seminar (objective: By solving various course-related tasks – individually and in small groups – motivation, key qualifications and career perspectives of the applicants are closely examined to establish a basis for the decision on admission. During the admission seminar, applicants can gain insights into the content and methods of the course and assess their decision to participate.)
Graduation requirements
Active participation in all course events (maximum absence of 15 teaching units per semester);
a written paper at the end of the first semester;
the conception, organization, implementation and documentation of the /ecm project at the end of the second semester;
as well as for
a/ the associate Master’s degree program, the writing and presentation of a positively evaluated Master’s thesis;
b/ the university course, the conception and presentation of a positively evaluated practice-based research project.
Costs and payment methods
The tuition fee is EUR 14.000,- (VAT exempt, excluding the ÖH contribution, travel, and accommodation costs). The participation fee can be paid in instalments by mutual agreement.
The admission seminar fee is EUR 150,- and will be offset upon acceptance.
Looking forward to your application!
