Integrated Climate System Sciences

Integrated Climate System Sciences is a comprehensive interdisciplinary master's program offered by the University of Hamburg that aims to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex processes and interactions within Earth's climate system. The program combines elements of atmospheric sciences, oceanography, cryosphere studies, biosphere interactions, and climate modeling to provide a holistic view of climate dynamics. Students will engage with advanced scientific concepts, quantitative methods, and state-of-the-art research tools necessary to analyze and interpret climate data. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, including climate modeling, data analysis, and risk assessment, preparing graduates for careers in research, environmental consulting, policy advising, or further academic pursuits.

Throughout the program, students will participate in interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on research projects, often collaborating with leading climate scientists and institutions. They will develop skills in climate modeling, remote sensing, statistical analysis, and environmental management, enabling them to understand past climate variability, predict future climate change, and contribute to sustainable solutions. The program also fosters critical thinking about the societal, economic, and political implications of climate change, emphasizing responsible and innovative approaches to climate challenges.

Situated within the University of Hamburg’s renowned climate research community, students benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories, climate data repositories, and participation in national and international research networks. The program’s structure, combining core modules, electives, and thesis research, allows for specialization in areas such as climate physics, ocean-atmosphere interactions, or climate policy. Graduates are well-prepared to address pressing global issues related to climate change and environmental sustainability, making meaningful contributions to scientific, governmental, or private sector initiatives dedicated to mitigating and adapting to climate impacts.

Educational organisation

The curriculum for the two-year ICSS MSc programme is divided into four semesters, with mandatory courses, elective courses for specialisation, and preparation of the Master's thesis. Your studies will cover 30 credit points in each semester (120 credit points for the whole MSc programme including your Master's thesis).

In the first semester, you will start your studies with an orientation week for all new MSc students at SICSS (School of Integrated Climate System Sciences). During the first lecture week of the semester, you will attend the "SICSS Introductory Course". The course will provide you with an overview of your study programme. Then your curriculum starts with mandatory courses in research skills, as well as natural and social science foundation courses in climate system sciences. You may also choose two specific elective courses, depending on your personal interests. These could be an "Introduction to Social Sciences" or a specialisation course such as "Chemistry of Natural Waters" or "Sea Ice". During the semester break, you will take your exams and courses from the technical skills module, for example, scientific programming or visualisation of climate data.

The main goal of the second semester is to broaden your knowledge across the climate science disciplines. You will choose courses from at least two of the three possible programme tracks: "Physics of the Climate System", "Biogeochemistry of the Climate System", and "Climate-related Economics and Social Sciences". You have the opportunity to give your studies either an in-depth or an interdisciplinary focus, depending on your personal interests and your desired professional career. In the lecture-free period you will take your exams, and, in addition, you will have time to attend workshops or summer schools, complete internships, or just use the time to travel.

The third semester features the Climate Study Project, which is an individual research study in preparation for your Master's thesis. During the lecture period you will implement a project idea related to Integrated Climate System Sciences together with your personal adviser and a CliSAP research group. This study includes a report about your research and findings. You will also write an extended abstract about your Climate Study Project in preparation for the Integrated Climate System Science Seminar (ICSS Seminar), which is given in the lecture-free period. Every third-semester student presents her/his Climate Study Project during this seminar. Your abstract is an exercise for the scientific writing training which follows the ICSS Seminar. We will guide every student step by step in drawing up a properly structured scientific abstract.

The fourth and final semester is reserved for the Master's thesis. For the compilation of data and information, you will work in close cooperation with your research group. The Master's thesis consists of your written thesis and the thesis defence with your supervisors.

A fast track to PhD degree option is offered for gifted BSc holders: the fast track aims at completion of the Master's and doctoral degrees within four years. It comprises a tailor-made coursework phase of up to three semesters within the ICSS MSc programme, a qualifying exam, a comprehensive research plan - accepted as a Master's thesis, and a doctoral phase of a maximum of three years.

Forms of assessment

Examinations are completed during the course of studies and are often organised as so-called "module examinations". A module combines several courses from an overarching topic. As opposed to course examinations, module examinations integrate topics of two or more courses. As a consequence, students have to sit fewer examinations per semester.
Types of examination vary. The most common are end-of-semester assessments, such as written or oral exams. However, students may also be obliged to prepare exercises/practicals, reports or presentations.

Course objectives

Specific objectives:

• to foster education of excellent national and international graduate students in climate system sciences
• to improve multidisciplinary and research-driven graduate education in climate research
• to connect scientists from the field of earth system sciences
• to integrate the state-of-the-art knowledge on case study and modelling approaches
• to strengthen interdisciplinary research in Hamburg

Language requirements

Proficiency in English is essential for the MSc programme. Applicants whose previous education has been in a language other than English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. Adequate test scores of TOEFL (78 Internet-based) or IELTS (band score 6.0), an English BSc degree or a six-month stay in an English-speaking country will be accepted. Other evidence may also be accepted.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree in natural sciences such as meteorology, physical oceanography or environmental physics with a strong focus on maths and physics, documented by your study results (credit points). Non-native English speakers must demonstrate fluency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing the English language. Your complete application should include a letter of motivation and a CV as well as copies of both your university entrance certificate and your BSc degree certificate. All applications are considered individually on merit.

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Generally, students who enrol in a full-time programme will only have limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html.

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

SICSS is well equipped to support you in all matters concerning visa, travel, and accommodation, thus ensuring that you will enjoy a smooth and successful start in Hamburg.
Detailed information for new MSc ICSS students will help you organise your stay in Hamburg.
As an incoming MSc student, you will receive support from a personal buddy, who is one of the second-year SICSS MSc students. This personal buddy will get in touch with you prior to your arrival, pick you up at the airport and accompany you during your first days in Hamburg.

Services and support for international students

SICSS offers an annual orientation week for new MSc students at the beginning of October. You will get to know your fellow students and all the details about your study programme and your study environment. The Orientation Week also includes cross-cultural training for our new students, to ensure that you settle into your life in Germany as easily as possible.
Universität Hamburg organises an International Welcome Week for new students with a lot of practical information about language learning, university sports, and guided campus and city tours. The Office of International Affairs offers cultural events and workshops for German and international students throughout the semester.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please refer to: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.