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Universität Hamburg
Master English Mathematics & Natural Sciences

Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS)

Master

Universität Hamburg Hamburg · Hamburg

About the Program

The MSc in Integrated Climate System Sciences (ICSS) combines all sciences concerned with the climate system. These include natural sciences and climate-relevant aspects of social and economic sciences. This interdisciplinary approach will enable you to understand the processes of climate variability and climate change and their consequences for societies, including how they respond to these. The curriculum focuses on environmental Earth sciences, considering natural processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. To describe the Earth system and its intricacies, you will mainly use mathematical and numerical modelling. Observation and monitoring data are used to validate the models. Another focus is on the climate-relevant aspects of social and economic sciences. These give insight into the political and social processes and conflicts which cause or arise from climate change. This approach enables you to develop an understanding of the past, current and future climate variability of the Earth system. You will learn to see and understand the Earth as an integrated system. The MSc ICSS programme gives students a strong background in natural sciences and modelling skills, and an understanding of the climate-relevant aspects of social and economic sciences. ICSS will stimulate you to look beyond your own discipline. You will become both an expert in your specific field and a driver of interdisciplinary thinking. Based on this sound scientific education, the MSc ICSS programme offers three tracks: Physics of the Climate System Biogeochemistry of the Climate System Climate-Related Economics and Social Sciences Students study all three tracks during the 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.
▶ Show the original English text
The MSc in Integrated Climate System Sciences (ICSS) combines all sciences concerned with the climate system. These include natural sciences and climate-relevant aspects of social and economic sciences. This interdisciplinary approach will enable you to understand the processes of climate variability and climate change and their consequences for societies, including how they respond to these. The curriculum focuses on environmental Earth sciences, considering natural processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. To describe the Earth system and its intricacies, you will mainly use mathematical and numerical modelling. Observation and monitoring data are used to validate the models. Another focus is on the climate-relevant aspects of social and economic sciences. These give insight into the political and social processes and conflicts which cause or arise from climate change. This approach enables you to develop an understanding of the past, current and future climate variability of the Earth system. You will learn to see and understand the Earth as an integrated system. The MSc ICSS programme gives students a strong background in natural sciences and modelling skills, and an understanding of the climate-relevant aspects of social and economic sciences. ICSS will stimulate you to look beyond your own discipline. You will become both an expert in your specific field and a driver of interdisciplinary thinking. Based on this sound scientific education, the MSc ICSS programme offers three tracks: Physics of the Climate System Biogeochemistry of the Climate System Climate-Related Economics and Social Sciences Students study all three tracks during the 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.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Mathematics & Natural Sciences professions "Physical Geography"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Physical Geography

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How do I apply to Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS) at Universität Hamburg?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS) at Universität Hamburg

Is Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS) at Universität Hamburg taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS) programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS) at Universität Hamburg? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Master of Science in Integrated Climate System Sciences (MSc ICSS)? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Hamburg — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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