Why study Earth System Physics at the University of Hamburg?
Hamburg is a leading hub for teaching and research in Earth System sciences. At the heart of this academic environment is the Bachelor’s program Earth System Physics (BSc), which plays a central role in the University of Hamburg’s research focus on “Climate, Earth, Environment.” The program is taught primarily by faculty from the Department of Earth System Sciences, which offers a broad and interdisciplinary education spanning physical Earth sciences—such as geophysics, meteorology, and oceanography—as well as geology, soil science, and geography. Thanks to a strong student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from close personal mentorship, ensuring high-quality education and consistently excellent satisfaction ratings in teaching evaluations and alumni surveys.
What sets this program apart is its strong integration with world-class research. Students have the opportunity to engage with the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS), a collaborative network of 12 premier climate research institutions in Hamburg. Teaching and research are conducted in close cooperation with key partners such as the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI‑M), Hereon, and the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ). This partnership provides access to top-tier expertise, fosters interdisciplinary learning, and opens doors to international academic and research networks—making Hamburg an outstanding place to begin your journey in Earth system sciences.
Video: The University of Excellence briefly explained
The following videos and blog posts give a brief insight into the worlds of geophysics, oceanography and meteorology:
Blog post: Sun, sand, and SST at the seagoing course 2021
Blog post: On the trail of the breakthrough - Marine Excursion 2022
Blog post: With Ludwig Prandtl in Jade Bight
Documentary on UHH research cruise "The Changing Currents Of The North Atlantic"
Youtube-Video: Forschungsschwerpunkt „Klima, Erde, Umwelt“ (German only)
https://www.cen.uni-hamburg.de/en/about-cen/news/07-news-2024/2024–07-12-meteor.html
https://www.cen.uni-hamburg.de/en/about-cen/news/07-news-2024/2024–03-12-hunga-tonga-hovarth.html
https://pdvideosdaserste‑a.akamaihd.net/int/2020/11/09/de53d616-a738-42fe-86c9-d000a5b45f6b/1280–1_781247.mp4 (German only)
Why move to the city of Hamburg?
If you study here, you will be studying at a University of Excellence in the world’s most beautiful city! Hamburg is a pulsing city, surrounded by water. There is plenty to do and discover, you won’t get bored! The University of Hamburg offers excellent conditions for studying and an active Campus life. Visit for more: UHH > Studying at the University of Hamburg.
Another more general resource about Hamburg as a city including all it has to offer you can find here: About Hamburg