The curriculum of lecture courses is structured in a general introductory course held at the very beginning, fundamental courses to be held in semesters 1 and 2 and specialised courses in following semesters. The fundamental courses will create a broad common knowledge base across the interdisciplinary research field of this School. This is a very important aspect because of the traditionally disciplinary university education. The specialised courses will allow students to obtain a deeper knowledge in selected areas.

The programme of lectures to be proposed to the students will be multi-disciplinary and broad enough to cover physical, chemical, biological and socio-economic aspects of Earth system science. In most cases, the lectures and seminars will be designed specifically for the students of the School, but will also be open to other students, staff members and visitors of the participating institutions. The possibility to follow courses at the University of Hamburg will also be given.

Before students submit their doctoral thesis, they will have to follow a number of lectures so that they obtain a total number of 12 credit points. For most courses 2 credit points are awarded. In the very beginning after joining the School, everyone follows the course ‘Introduction to the Earth System Sciences and Modelling’ offered by the CESR at the University of Kassel. This course is mandatory for all doctoral students and usually takes place in May. 

To benefit from university courses not listed in the curriculum of the School, these courses will have to be approved by the Executive Committee of the School.

Most of the teaching is held in English, and will be provided by the members of the IMPRS-ESM (see lecturers).