Organizational & Human Resources Development

The basis of the training is systemic coaching. In addition, to promote an eclectic understanding of coaching, elements of various psychology directions, e.g. of Humanistic Psychology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming are included.

The goal is both the development and consolidation of coaching skills as well as one’s own personality development. The focus is on the experienced and reflected process.

In the training we work in professional contexts, that means that issues are addressed which arise in collaboration in organizations (versus private issues, such as family or private relationships).

After completing the coaching training at FHWien der WKW, it is possible to work in-house as a Coach.

If you want to coach independently or commercially in Austria it is necessary to receive a business license for management consultation (possibly with limitations on coaching) or life and social consultation. Both trades have access restrictions consisting of proof of professional qualifications and a defined amount of experience. Information can be obtained from the WKO founder service. For the proof required to apply for the business license for management consultation, graduating with a Master’s in Personnel and Organization Development as well as the Coaching Certification are conditions. However, further proof may be required. This is not within the sphere of influence of FHWien der WKW.

For any international activity, international certification, such as the International Coach Federation (www.coachfederation.org ) or the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (www.emccouncil.org ) may be useful. This requires proof of coaching training in a certain amount of hours, which is provided with the coaching certificate of FHWien der WKW. There usually are other conditions, such as proof of coaching sessions held, as well as the passing of an exam. Further information can be found on the respective websites. We cannot assume any liability for any changes.

The Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development enables our graduates to advise and support people and companies during times of change. Whether in management, consulting or coaching, they help shape change processes.

The study program focuses on the following topics:

• Organizational Development & Organizational Culture
• Strategic and International Human Resource Development, HRM
• Strategic Management and Sustainability
• Coaching, Consulting and Change Management
• Coaching or Law in HRM (specialization starting in the third semester)

Highlights include the opportunity to earn certificates alongside your studies (coaching certificate and certification as an “Expert in Labor Law in Human Resource Management” in cooperation with Austrian Standards) and to participate in exciting practical projects with top companies (e.g. kununu, hokify, TUI, ÖBB, Magenta).

The Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development is taught in German. Only individual modules are held in English.

At FHWien der WKW, you study real business. All study programs have a high practical relevance. Two-thirds of our lecturers come directly from the business world and pass on their specialist knowledge and professional experience to our students. This enables our students to establish valuable contacts while still studying. Of course, scientific principles and theories are also taught.

Exciting practical projects with cooperation partners from the business world as well as integrated courses, workshops, business games, exercises etc. round off the practical training. Here you can see a video of a course.

The Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development is suitable for individuals who aspire to a specialist or management position in the field of organizational and human resources development and would like to apply their expertise and skills in large and medium-sized companies or in an internal or external consulting role.

The Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development lasts a total of 4 semesters.

The Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development is offered exclusively on a part-time basis.

30 to 40 % of the courses are held online. On-campus classes are held four days a week during the semester, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., on Fridays from 2:50 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is also an organizational laboratory in the 4^th semester.

For the Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development, you should plan for an average weekly time commitment of approximately 30 hours (including lectures/courses, preparation and follow-up work for courses and self-study).

The part-time program is designed to enable working professionals to efficiently combine their careers and studies. It is structured in such a way that you only need to take vacation or compensatory time off in exceptional cases. We recommend a working time of up to 30 hours per week.

No, proof of employment is not required. Due to the flexible schedule, part-time study programs give working professionals the opportunity to efficiently combine their career and studies. However, employment is not mandatory.

A semester abroad is optional in the part-time Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development and can be completed at partner universities – or also as a summer school.

A semester abroad is an unforgettable experience and offers a unique opportunity to get to know foreign cultures, improve foreign language skills and make international friends. It is also a great asset on your resume.

FHWien der WKW cooperates with approximately 160 partner universities worldwide. An overview of our partner universities can be found here. Please note that not every partner institution is suitable for every study program. You can use the map to filter which partner universities are suitable for your study program.

No, you do not have to complete a professional internship in the Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development.

Upon completion of the Master’s program in Organizational & Human Resources Development, you will be awarded the academic degree Master of Arts in Business (MA).

Thanks to our practical training, our graduates are highly sought after on the job market. Our alumni are experts in organizational and human resources development and work in roles such as:

• Human resources development expert/manager
• Organizational development expert/manager
• Change manager
• External and internal consultant in the above-mentioned fields

Their tasks include, for example:

• Development and introduction of personnel development concepts (personnel diagnostics, recruiting, talent management, career management, competence management, performance management, further education, training, coaching)
• Initiating and supporting change processes
• Developing strategies, structures, processes and corporate culture
• Promoting learning and innovation within the company
• Change communication within the framework of change and organizational development projects
• Management functions in human resources departments, human resources and organizational development

Here you can find a video (in German) from our graduate David Strodl.

FHWien der WKW has its own job platform for students and graduates. In the Career Center, you will find exciting jobs and internships from companies in various industries. The platform also provides helpful career and application tips.

Once a year in fall, FHWien der WKW also holds its Career Day. This career fair offers a free CV check and an application photo shoot. You can also get in touch with exciting companies and find out about current job vacancies.

Tuition fees amount to € 363.36 per semester for EU and EEA citizens, Swiss citizens and third-country nationals with exceptional circumstances. Third-country nationals who do not qualify for exceptional circumstances are required to pay different tuition fees.

In addition to the tuition fees, the ÖH contribution and the special contribution of € 25.20 per semester must be paid.

A detailed list of costs and exceptions for third-country nationals can be found here.

(As of August 2025)

Under certain conditions, students are entitled to various forms of financial support (e.g. study grants, travel allowances, insurance contributions, childcare allowances) and scholarships (e.g. graduation scholarships, self-support scholarships). The ÖH FHWien is available to answer any questions you may have.

In accordance with the Study Grant Act (Studienförderungsgesetz), merit-based scholarships are also awarded each year for outstanding achievements in the previous academic year. The amount of each scholarship is determined annually by the Federal Ministry of Science and Research and ranges from EUR 726.72 (double tuition fees) to EUR 1,500.00. You will be informed annually about the application and award process by mail.

(As of August 2025)

All information on admission requirements, the admissions procedure, dates and deadlines, as well as helpful downloads, instructions and FAQ can be found here.

The study program begins each year in the fall semester in September.

There is a kick-off event for first-semester students, where you can meet the Head of Program and lecturers as well as your fellow students and receive important initial information about the university and your study program.