Introduction
The English language M.Sc. program “Integrated Climate System Sciences” (ICSS) is part of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS) at the Universität Hamburg. It has been established at the Department of Earth Sciences within the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN) in close collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences.

Structure
The M.Sc. degree program educates students in climate system sciences, integrating elements of atmospheric, hydrospheric, cryospheric and biospheric natural sciences with economics and social sciences. The program has a focus on physics, and offers specialization in four foci: “Physics of the Climate System” (ICSS-P), “Biogeochemistry of the Climate System” (ICSS-B), “Climate-related Economics" (ICSS-E) and "Climate-related Social Sciences” (ICSS-S). The four foci represent core scientific and educational elements, integrating student education with cutting edge research. The focus on modelling is internationally unique.

Objectives
The M.Sc. program ICSS is research oriented and imparts knowledge and skills for climate research. Based on a solid background in climate physics, students will be prepared for a career in an interdisciplinary field of science. This includes the ability to communicate with colleagues from different disciplines, to apply a diverse suite of methods from various subject areas to climate-related research questions, as well as the generation, interpretation and combination of scientific results.

Course of studies
The two-year curriculum is subdivided into nine modules. During the first semester a common foundation (research skills, mathematical and physical basics, functioning and variability of the climate system, principles of economic and social sciences) is established. The second semester is designed to broaden interdisciplinary knowledge; students are free to design their own individual tailor-made study plan. In the last two semesters in-depth knowledge in one of the four foci is acquired. Personalized course guidance and counseling is available throughout the studies. Participation in the orientation unit for first semester students at the beginning of October is strongly recommended.

Perspectives
A master’s degree in “Integrated Climate System Sciences” is the basis for a subsequent career in science and research, continuing with a doctorate program. At the same time, it qualifies for a career as climate science communicator in international organizations, global enterprises and agencies. All courses listed below will be given in English and are in principle open for students of related M.Sc. programs, depending on capacities and schedule - please contact the lecturer if interested.

1st Semester	The Climate System (9 CP)	Climate and Society (12 CP)	Basic Methods in Climate Sciences (9 CP)
2nd Semester	Climate Sciences Specialization (12 CP)	Integrated Climate System Sciences (12 CP)	Advanced Technical Skills (6 CP)
3rd Semester	Advancements in the Climate System Sciences (12 CP)	Climate Study Project (18 CP)
4th Semester	Master’s Thesis (30 CP)

Subject-Specific-Provisions (FSB) and Examination Regulations

The subject-specific provisions (Fachspezifische Bestimmungen, FSB) for the M.Sc. Integrated Climate System Sciences were fundamentally revised in December 2024 and apply to all students who started the program from the Winter Semester 2025/26 onward. The FSB supplement the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences' general Examination Regulations and define the central provisions of the ICSS degree program, including its program structure and examination requirements, modules and ECTS credits, course and examination formats, admission to the Master's thesis, and the calculation of module and overall grades. The FSB also contain the official descriptions of the individual modules.

Please note: The English version is provided for information only. Only the German version is legally valid and enforceable.