This English‑taught, interdisciplinary Master's programme addresses core challenges of the climate and Earth system, the water cycle, and sustainability. It is run from the University of Potsdam’s Bergholz‑Rehbrücke location by the Institute of Environmental Science and Geography together with the Institute of Physics and Astronomy, offering an integrated perspective across environmental science and geophysics.
The curriculum emphasizes quantitative environmental research, drawing on physics, climate science and hydroscience. Students also study complementary topics such as risk analysis, environmental economics, science communication and energy policy. Methodological training concentrates on data analysis, numerical modelling and data acquisition techniques including remote sensing.
The programme has close links with leading German research centres — the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) — providing strong research connections. Graduates leave prepared to work as climate and environmental experts able to contribute to scientific research, inform policy decisions and communicate the consequences of global warming to diverse audiences.
Key facts
All details about the programme’s course organisation and structure are collected in the linked PDF. That document is the authoritative source for the curriculum, so consult it for official module lists, semester plans, credit allocation, and assessment rules.
For international applicants and incoming students, the PDF will be the primary reference for what you will actually study and how the degree is delivered. It should include descriptions of core and elective modules, expected learning outcomes for each component, thesis or capstone requirements, and practical/fieldwork elements — as well as administrative information such as exam formats and contact details for programme coordinators.
When you open the PDF, check for:
If you’d like, paste the PDF text or a link here and I’ll rewrite or summarize the curriculum, highlighting the key modules and the specific learning outcomes for each.
Detailed, up-to-date information about the academic entry criteria for this master's program is provided on the program’s official admission webpage. That page contains the authoritative list of required qualifications, acceptable prior degrees, and any specific course or grade expectations you must meet before applying.
If you are an international applicant, make sure to check how your previous degree is evaluated for recognition, confirm language proficiency expectations, and note document translation/certification rules and application deadlines. If anything on the webpage is unclear, contact the admissions team listed there for guidance.
Winter Semester (International)
All information regarding the application deadlines can be foundhere.
Graduates are trained as experts in climate science and quantitative environmental research and are prepared to address the scientific, political and societal consequences of global warming. The programme explicitly readies students for roles that combine scientific analysis with communication and policy advice.
Typical career paths include positions in research institutes and academia (including pursuing a PhD), governmental and intergovernmental agencies, environmental and climate consultancies, NGOs and think tanks, and industry roles in energy, water management and climate risk assessment. The programme's methodological training (data analysis, numerical modelling, remote sensing) also supports careers in data-driven private-sector roles and interdisciplinary policy advisory positions.