Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability | international Master
Graduates of our international top-class master's degree program Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability (CLEWS) will be trained to become experts in the field of climate science research in order to address the consequences of global warming in a science-based manner with regard to research, politics, and the public. On this webpage, you will find all the important informations about our new master's program CLEWS, the application process and the frequently asked questions.
Program content CLEWS
Information about the Master's Program CLEWS by the University of Potsdam's Division of Student Affairs ...
Press Release: CLEWS launched
The University of Potsdam offers for the first time this fall an interdisciplinary master's program that will directly address ...
| Name | Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability |
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Standard period of study | 4 Semesters |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Start of study (1st semester) | Winter semester |
| Campus | Golm |
Modules | Credit points |
|---|
| I. Mandatory Modules | 36 CPs |
| Data Analysis and Management in Earth System Science | 6 CPs |
| Numerical methods (Programming) & Introduction: Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability | 6 CPs |
| Data collection in Earth System Science | 6 CPs |
| Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics | 6 CPs |
| Debating Club (Student seminars) & Research training (Traineeship) | 6 CPs |
Introductory module
Students must take one of the following introductory modules to compensate for the respective lack of specialized knowledge. | |
| Introduction to the Earth System | 6 CPs |
| Mathematics & Physics for Earth Sciences | 6 CPs |
II. Elective Modules
Students must choose and successfully complete 9 modules from 22 areas of study. | 54 CPs |
| II.1 Climate/Atmosphere | |
| Dynamics of the Climate System | 6 CPs |
| Earth’s Climate History | 6 CPs |
| Numerical Models in Climate Science | 6 CPs |
| Atmospheric Science in the Anthropocene | 6 CPs |
| II.2 Earth | |
| Land Use – a Key Control of Earth System Processes | 6 CPs |
| Earth System Science & Anthropocene | 6 CPs |
| The Environmental Modelling Process | 6 CPs |
| II.3 Water | |
| Ocean Dynamics | 6 CPs |
| Ice Dynamics | 6 CPs |
| Terrestrial Hydrosystems | 6 CPs |
| Dryland Hydrology | 6 CPs |
| II.4 Sustainability | |
| Environmental Economics | 6 CPs |
| Economics of Climate Change | 6 CPs |
| Risk Perception, Communication and Adaptive Behavior | 6 CPs |
| Ecosystem Dynamics (Biodiversity) | 6 CPs |
| Recent Advances in CLEWS | 6 CPs |
| Energy Policy and Climate Change | 6 CPs |
| Introduction to Science & Climate Change Communication | 6 CPs |
| Natural Hazards and Risks | 6 CPs |
| Climate Change Adaptation | 6 CPs |
| Risk Analysis, - Assessment and - Reduction | 6 CPs |
| II.5 Research Project | |
| Introductory research project | 6 CPs |
| Master's thesis | 30 CPs |
| Total | 120 CPs |
Application period for 2022
The application period for next winter term 2022/2023 is not yet open. You can apply for CLEWS starting from the 1st April for each winter semester. We recommend applying early to get all VISA permissions in time and the housing situation clarified. More information and the link to apply (once the system is open) you can find on this website: application-master
María García, CLEWS student from Peru:
„Unlike other master programs, this is the one that captivated my attention because it delves into environmental-climate science, which underpins and support many important decisions. In addition, this master program highlights having courses taught by renowned professors, cooperation with research institutions and research opportunities, as well as a modern campus. Clews delivers everything and more I could have imagined. I'm very excited about this great opportunity.“
About the application process...
- In general, the prerequisite for master’s studies at the University of Potsdam is a first academic degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Your first degree should be in a subject relevant to the program - e.g. in Geoecology, Environmental Science or Physics amounting to at least 180 CPs. Or a first undergraduate degree in the natural sciences with evidence of successfully completed modules amounting to at least:
- 12 credit points in physics,
- 12 credit points in earth and environmental sciences,
- 12 credit points in mathematics,
- and another 12 credit points in natural sciences related modules.
- Since this is an English-language degree program, a very good knowledge of English, corresponding at least to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, is expected. Knowledge of the German language is not required.
You can read more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective admission regulations.
You can apply for CLEWS from the 1st April for each winter semester.
As sooner you apply as better are your chances to prepare yourself well for studying in Potsdam. For instance to managed to get a VISA (if needed) and a place to stay in Potsdam/Berlin. More informations about the application period you can find here
No, it is only possible to enrol in the first semester. Because CLEWS will start for the first time this coming winter semester. The application deadline is August 15th.
It is not possible to catch up on content. There are no bridging courses for this master program.
Application is firstly processed by uni-assist e.V. Any documents not submitted via uni-assist will not be considered. Also we cannot afford preliminary evaluations of application documents or transcript of records.
Application is firstly processed by uni-assist e.V. Any documents not submitted via uni-assist will not be considered. Also we cannot afford preliminary evaluations of application documents or transcript of records.
Our faculty can only provide the admission notification sent via mail and e-mail. For further questions please consult your local embassy or contact the friendly staff at the International Office of Uni Potsdam.
If you wish to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Potsdam we highly recommend to follow the Application Guide. A good overview for international applicants can be found here: overview from abroad. Also it might of interest to you to contact: International Office. Note that it is not necessary to provide your Visa status for the enrollment at University of Potsdam.
If you wish to appeal towards the rejection of uni-assist, please contact uni-assist directly. More info here.
For enrolment deadlines, please refer to your admission notification. We recommend to apply for enrollment as early as possible after you received your admission notification. The procedure including the hand in of missing documents takes time. Please find enrollment deadlines here: Dates & Deadlines.
Newly enrolled students will receive their account in PULS (the University of Potsdam’s online platform for study affairs) along with their student ID. There are certain deadlines for course registration and for de-registration usually around mid of November. The current deadline for registration, enrollment, and withdrawal period for courses in Master’s degree programs can be found here.
About living & costs in Potsdam...
There is no tuition fee for the study program CLEWS. However, students have to pay a regular administrative term fee (Semestergebühren) which includes a 6 month ticket for all public transportion in the state of Brandenburg and in Berlin. More details on the composition of those fees can be found here.
Hinweise zum Semesterticket auch auf den Seiten des Allgemeinen Studierendenausschusses (AStA) der Uni Potsdam.
For some students the start at Uni Potsdam is not only a new stage in life but also a big challenge. In order to make the start as convenient and welcome as possible, Uni Potsdam initiated a program to connect international and local students: Buddy–UP.
You can also check out the PANGEA project.
Additionally: If you wish to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Potsdam we highly recommend to follow the Application Guide. A good overview for international applicants can be found here: overview from abroad. Also it might of interest to you to contact: International Office or check out Visa: Welcome Center.
We recommend that you deal with accommodations in a timely manner and that you also consider accommodation in the surroundings of Potsdam. Information is provided hier:
Whenever you start studying at a university, you have to keep an eye on monthly expenses. The costs for studying at the University of Potsdam are comprised of semester fees and the cost of living. Monthly financial expenses vary among students depending upon your personal circumstances and standards. The following page presents a few guidelines that should make financial planning easier for prospective students: Costs at a Glance
The University of Potsdam does not fund your study. You have to pay your own living costs. But there are scholarships you can apply for. Uni Potsdam provides a great overview here: Scholarships or here: Finance. There is also an overview on Jobs and work besides studies here: working student.
Information & Support for our CLEWS students
Welcome Center University of Potsdam
Our welcome center helps you to find your way to settle in Potsdam in any regards like Corona restrictions, VISA, housing, living costs, social activities, authorities, insurances and many more...
International Office
The Interantional Office offer interantional students support for questions regarding generel orientation at the university, university studies, legal information, and personal issues.
MINTernational - Social Events & more
Check out this page to stay informed about offers for international students at the Faculty of Science. We offer nice social activities & more regularly for you...
Important information & dates for our CLEWS students
Current Corona rules at the University of PotsdamCheck our latest updates to the Corona rules at Universit of Potsdam below the subheadline "General information on teaching operations, courses, and examinations"
