Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy, STUDY TRACK in Climate Change Science
Climate Change Science equips students with an in-depth understanding of the climate system and its variability, combining natural science perspectives with insights into policy and sustainability. The track highlights the interplay between atmospheric phenomena, ecosystem dynamics, and socio-economic impacts, emphasising interdisciplinary learning. Ideal for students keen on bridging climate science and societal impact, this track emphasises interdisciplinary learning.
This study track is one of nine available. To learn more about all the study tracks, visit: Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
What to expect
Students will explore:
- Scientific foundations: Detailed knowledge of climate variability, ecosystem responses, and geophysical processes.
- Technological applications: Training in remote sensing and climate modelling techniques.
- Sustainability perspectives: Insights into the socio-political dimensions of climate policies.
Core modules include Principles of Remote Sensing, Science and Sustainability, and Climate Diplomacy. Students will also participate in research internships and fieldwork.
Participating universities
This track is a collaborative effort among three leading universities:
- Stockholm University (SU, Sweden): Laying the foundation with a transdisciplinary perspective on climate, energy, and environment.
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA, Greece): Offering expertise in climate variability and change as well as climate policies and diplomacy.
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (UT, Germany): Specialising in Earth surface processes and climate modelling.
This unique combination ensures students acquire the skills and knowledge to lead in research and policy-making for climate resilience.
The Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy (TRACEE programme) is a two-year Master's Programme, meaning 4 semesters and totally 120 ECTS.
After the first common semester you continue on your selected study track. Students choose from nine specialised tracks (60 ECTS) offered across the 11 CIVIS member universities. Read more about the programme and all the nine study tracks on the main programme page here. This page describes track 1 out of 9.
In study track Climate Change Science, the student will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the climate system, including past and present climate variability as well as ongoing climate change. They will gain focussed knowledge about how climate is studied using remote sensing atmospheric and climate science and geophysics, ecosystem responses and feedbacks, as well as vegetation and soils in the climate system. Extending beyond the natural sciences, students will learn about sustainability in its broader sense (including renewable energies), and about climate policies. Students will apply the multi-disciplinary skills they have learned about in the study track by conducting a research internship projects in climate science.
Successful students will be awarded multiple or joint degrees from the partner universities (SU, NKUA, UT).
Semester 1, Stockholm University (SU)
In your first semester at Stockholm University, you’ll develop foundational skills through the course Climate, Energy, and Environment – a Transdisciplinary Perspective (30 ECTS). Read more on the course page.
Semester 2, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
- Climate, Climate Variability and Climate Change (9 ECTS)
- Energy and Climate Change (9 ECTS)
- Conditionally Elective courses (2 among the list below, 12 ECTS):
- Earth Observation for Climate Change (6 ECTS)
- Design, Development and Implementation of a research project in GIS environment (6 ECTS)
- Science, Technology, Society: Environment and Sustainability (6 ECTS)
- Climate Policies and Diplomacy (6 ECTS)
Semester 3, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (UT)
- Physics of the Earth's Surface (6 ECTS)
- Modeling of Sustainable River Management (6 ECTS)
- Conditionally Elective courses (3 among the list below, 18 ECTS):
- Data Analysis and Modeling Methods in Geoscience and Environmental Science (6 ECTS)
- Physical Properties of Earth Materials (6 ECTS)
- Advanced Geophysics (6 ECTS)
- Glaciology (6 ECTS)
- Inter- and Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Climate and the Environment (6 ECTS)
Semester 4, Master Thesis Project at SU, NKUA or UB
The fourth and last semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis project (30 ECTS). It is registered at SU, NKUA or UT.
Continuous transdisciplinary stream
An extra-curricular transdisciplinary stream runs through the entire programme. The stream will be offered on site during the first semester in Stockholm, and thereafter online. The purpose of the stream is to engage students in learning about transdisciplinarity, and offer support and checkpoints for development of independent projects. It also offers a meeting point for the whole student group throughout the programme.
Ready to start your journey? Download the TRACEE handbook and prepare your application today!
Key dates for the 2026 intake
14 November 2025 | |
15 January 2026 | Application closes |
2 February 2026 | Last day to submit application documents |
2 February 2026 | Final day to pay the application fee / provide proof of fee exemption |
10 April 2026 | Admission results are published |
15 May 2026 | Final day for students admitted to semester 1 to pay the participation cost |
31 August 2026 | Autumn 2026 term start |
Application is done through universityadmissions.se.
Entry requirements: Study Track 6 is intended for students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering, including at least 6 ECTS in Physics, 6 ECTS in Geology and 6 ECTS in Mathematics or Statistics, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English proficiency.
Please note that you need to apply to specific study tracks (you can apply to several but have to rank your choices as you will be admitted to only one). Read about all the study tracks at the programme page.
Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
Participation cost for the programme:
- EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €9000 for the full programme (€2250/semester)
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €18,000/year for the full programme (€4500/semester)
This is the participation cost for the Master's Programme, regardless of chosen study track. The cost is tailored by the unique collaboration that is the CIVIS alliance.
Please note that the information regarding Stockholm University tuition fee does not apply here (nor does the link "More information on tuition fees").
FAQ
We have collected the most common questions students have about the TRACEE Master Programme and the answers to them on this site:
Study Coordinators
Couldn't find the answer to your question?
For questions about the TRACEE master programme, please contact our study coordinators.
Email: tracee@aces.su.se
