Climate change is one of the most important and current social challenges with potentially dramatic consequences for future generations. The need for change towards an emission-free and climate-resilient society is becoming increasingly clear. Solving the associated problems requires both an understanding of the climate system and knowledge of economic and social relationships, processes and dynamics. Interdisciplinary cooperation between the disciplines involved is essential. This is precisely where our MSc program Climate Change and Transformation Science comes in: Students can specialize in either the physical climate sciences or the social sciences, but also learn the fundamentals of the other discipline. In interdisciplinary modules and practical projects, students work together and learn from each other, just like in real life. Graduates are well equipped for a career both in science and in implementing solutions to the climate crisis.
The program is taught entirely in English by leading international experts in their field. It is mainly run by the Wegener Center, but also offers links to other institutes, faculties and institutions.
Virtual Open Day on 26 June, 14:00-16:00 CEST
The Wegener Center will hold a virtual open day to present the new MSc "Climate Change and Transformation Science". The open day comprises
- A presentation of the MSc "Climate Change and Transformation Science"
- A Question and Answers session with teaching staff
- The possibility to chat with current students
Find access information here.
![Sujet for the CCTS info event](https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/1/csm_202406_CCTS-info_eventliste_36fe6db037.png)
What makes the programme special?
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.
Your study programme
Interdisciplinary Foundations
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.
Climate Science
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.
Transformation Science
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.
Interdisciplinary Climate Science
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.
Electives and free electives
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.
![Karriere nach dem Studium Climate Change and Transformation Science ©Studio Romantic - stock.adobe.com Students stand in a row in graduation robes and symbolize the career opportunities with the study of climate change (Climate Change and Transformation Science) ©Studio Romantic - stock.adobe.com](https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmin/_processed_/5/d/csm_uni-graz-wegcenter-studienabschluss_f548adeed8.jpg)
Your career options
Thanks to your in-depth knowledge in the fields of climate and transformation sciences, your repertoire of systems science and theoretical methods, and your ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, as a graduate of the programme you are perfectly qualified to contribute to the solution of these problems across a wide range of professional contexts.
Graduates of the programme typically find employment in academic, private, public and semi-public sectors:
- teaching and research at university level,
- development of climate services in the public sector at municipality, state, national and international level, in international organisations, NGOs and in the private sector,
- development of strategies and measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and for coping with loss and damage due to climate change and its impacts,
- development and implementation of sustainability-related strategies and measures in the public sector,
- development and implementation of strategies in the public and private sector on the path towards a greenhouse gas emission free economy and society,
- environmental consulting and supervision of environmental protection facilities.
Graz is a laid back city of 300,000 people in the southern Alpine foothills, just a short drive fromcskiing resorts and hiking treks, and a three hours drive from the Adriatic sea. The medieval, renaissance and baroque old town is UNESCO World heritage. The city was European Capital of Culture 2003 and hosts an Opera, theatres, various museums and many festivals such as the Austrian film festival, the mountain film festival and several music festivals. Graz is a UNESCO city of design and a European human rights city. The people from Graz enjoy good food and the wine from the rolling vineyards in "Styrian Tuscany" south of the city. The Alps are just a stone's throw away, and you can go hiking, climbing and skiing.