Structured PhD Programme in the Graduate School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS)

Structured interdisciplinary doctoral programme in climate and earth system sciences with compulsory research-training elements, annual retreats, and advisory-panel supervision for doctoral researchers at the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability.

Academic requirements

The topic of the doctoral thesis must focus on climate and earth system sciences.

Minimum GPA

No fixed minimum GPA is published on the current official programme page.

German requirements

German language skills are helpful.

Accepted bachelor fields

Applicants must already be working on a doctoral project in earth or climate system sciences or a related field, and the project must address the guiding question and research priorities of the Cluster of Excellence CLICCS II. The reviewed SICSS membership page also requires secured funding for the full planned doctoral period and an academic home at Universität Hamburg or a partner institution.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

EUR 384.00 per semester (Summer Semester 2026 standard semester contribution).

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: EUR 384.00 per semester (Summer Semester 2026 standard semester contribution).

The official SICSS pages describe the programme as building the research and transferable skills needed for long-term careers in earth and climate system sciences in academia and beyond.

• 1

  Applied Sustainable Engineering

  Ansbach University of Applied Sciences

  Ansbach · Bachelor of Engineering · German, English

• 2

  Management of Smart and Sustainable Energy Systems

  Ruhr-Universität Bochum

  Düsseldorf · Master of Science · English

• 3

  Control of Renewable Energy Systems

  Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

  Cottbus · Master of Science · English

• 4

  MSc Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region (REMENA)

  University of Kassel

  Kassel · Master of Science · English

• 5

  Energy Science and Technology

  Ulm University

  Ulm · Master of Science · English