Program Overview

M.Sc. Integrated Climate System Sciences

The M.Sc. program in Integrated Climate System Sciences (ICSS) is a study program that teaches across all subjects involved in climate research in order to provide a holistic picture of the climate system. With this interdisciplinary approach, you will understand the processes of climate variability and climate change, as well as how a society's response can affect them.

Why ICSS?

Because of the pressure to adapt to climate change, there is an increasing demand for interdisciplinary scientists and climate experts. Our interdisciplinary claim challenges the traditional subject-related teaching. The M.Sc. ICSS has developed special interdisciplinary courses and enables study projects, theses, and mentoring in a cross-curricular and research-oriented context.

Why SICSS?

This approach and the imparting of interdisciplinary competences are some of SICSS' M.Sc. ICSS' unique characteristics. The location in Hamburg with access to Germany's hub for Climate research offers ideal study conditions. Furthermore, you can also enjoy the opportunity to spend time abroad in one of our partner programs in your third semester.

Study Tracks

The Master of Science program in Integrated Climate System Sciences offers three study tracks:

• Physics of the Climate System
• Biogeochemistry of the Climate System
• Climate-Related Economics and Social Sciences

You will study all three tracks during your first semester. After the second semester, you can give your personal curriculum either an in-depth focus on one of the three tracks, or an interdisciplinary approach whereby you combine various courses from the three tracks.

Technical Skills Elective Courses

Additionally, the ICSS program also offers many technical skills elective courses, which provide you with working knowledge in tools used for scientific programming and data analysis or software development. Some of these courses are:

• Scientific Programming in Python
• MATLAB in Earth System Science
• Generalized Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS)
• Agent-based Modeling
• Scientific Visualization Course

Program Details

• Two-year program
• Taught in English
• No tuition fees
• Application possible between February 15 and March 31 every year
• Unique approach: students gain comprehensive understanding of the climate system, including economics, social science, and climate communication issues
• International: 75% students with an international background
• Excellent career prospects: more than 80% of our graduates go into academia, NGOs, or consulting within less than 6 months of graduating
• Access to an international research environment at Germany’s climate research network

Useful Resources

• Application Guidelines
• Letter of Motivation template
• Examination Regulations and Subject-specific provisions

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