CLEWS has partnerships with 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).
English only
You can find more information on our website: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/umwelt/clews-masters-program.
15 August
The University of Potsdam offers this interdisciplinary Master's programme that directly addresses the most pressing issues related to the climate and Earth system, the water cycle, and sustainability. The Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability (or CLEWS for short) English language programme is led by the Institute of Environmental Science and Geography and the Institute of Physics and Astronomy. The programme has partnerships with 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).
CLEWS focuses on quantitative environmental research, physics, climate, and hydroscience. In addition, it covers important aspects of risk analysis, environmental economics, communication, and energy policy. Methodologically, the focus is on methods of data analysis, numerical modelling, and data acquisition using remote sensing. Graduates of our internationally renowned Master's degree programme are equipped with the necessary skills to become experts in the field of climate science research. Their training enables them to address the consequences of global warming in a scientifically grounded manner with regard to research, political considerations, and public awareness.
The CLEWS programme will be taught in English. Interested students can apply by 15 August to commence their studies in each winter semester.
No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee of currently 292 EUR. This semester contribution includes the "Deutschland-Semester-Ticket" entitling you to free use of local public transport all over Germany
The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 935 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.
In general, to pursue Master's studies at the University of Potsdam, a prerequisite is obtaining a first academic degree, such as a Bachelor's degree. The undergraduate degree should be in a subject relevant to the programme, such as Geoecology, Environmental Science, or Physics, comprising a minimum of 180 CPs (credit points). Alternatively, applicants can hold an first undergraduate degree in the natural sciences and demonstrate evidence of successfully completed modules amounting to at least:
Note: In total, you should have earned at least 48 CP together in these four fields.
Since this is an English language degree programme, very good knowledge of English, corresponding to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, is expected. Knowledge of the German language is not required.
15 August
Please submit your online application via the University of Potsdam Admission Portal:
Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.
There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.
For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.
The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.
CLEWS is a well-organised, highly esteemed Master's programme that provides several additional services, such its own programme coordinator and student tutors.
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