Climate Change and Transformation Science

There are many interdisciplinary programmes on climate change offered at major universities. Our curriculum is exceptional in one important respect.

After graduation, you will likely be studying either the natural science of climate change or the social and economic science of societal impacts, mitigation, adaptation or transformation. Many degree programs cover all of these aspects broadly, but you may not learn about any of the disciplines in depth. More specialized programs teach the disciplines broadly, but may not expose students to the transdisciplinary context in which climate change science operates. Our program equips you for the field by taking an alternative approach: You will specialize in either the natural or social sciences, while also learning the core concepts, current knowledge and current research questions of the other field. In interdisciplinary modules, you will work together with other students on real-life problems. Just like in the real world that awaits you after university, physical climate scientists work with social scientists, and scientists work with stakeholders from outside academia.

By the end of the program, you'll have both in-depth disciplinary knowledge and the transdisciplinary understanding you need to navigate the complex reality of our changing world.

In a foundational module you will study overarching concepts of systems sciences. In an onboarding module, you will learn about the foundations of all involved disciplines other than your main background at an introductory level: climate system, social sciences and economics. You will understand the research questions, challenges and approaches used in these disciplines. 

When choosing the physical science track, you will study climate and atmospheric dynamics, paleo climate, radiation, climate monitoring, climate modelling and climate analysis methods. In hands-on sessions you can gain experience in working with climate models and analysing big data. 

When choosing the social science track, you will learn about socio-ecological systems, climate economics, resilience and critical transitions, distribution, equity inequality issues, and mathematical modelling and transdisciplinary methods. In hands-on sessions and projects you will apply the theoretical concepts. 

In a cross cutting module, you will learn about the interplay of climate and societal change with a focus on climate risks. A separate module is dedicated to interdisciplinary hands-on work. Here you will collaborate with other students on solving real world problems.  

The programme offers you a lot of freedom to sharpen your own profile. You can further specialise in one of the two tracks or broaden your expertise in other fields such as glaciology, ecology and biodiversity, law, philosophy, or participate in excursions.  Additionally, you can, for instance, develop your transferable skills, do an internship, or study abroad.

During your 6-months master thesis you will apply your knowledge and work on a research project in one of the research groups contributing to the programme. Your thesis needs to be linked to one of the modules, and can therefore cover physical climate or transformation science aspects as well as cross cutting aspects. You can also write your thesis in collaboration with external agencies, NGOs or at a different international research institution.  The thesis can address foundational research questions, but also be very applied and of very practical relevance.