Processes in the Earth's environment occur within a complex framework. Population growth, climate change, land use as well as food production and food security all play a vital part. The programme in Earth System Science is both interdisciplinary and research-oriented. Aspects of natural sciences are linked to topics in the agricultural and business sciences. The students acquire an understanding of the key processes in the Earth system including human activities. They are able to assess the Earth system's current status through the analysis of various indicators. The graduates are able to simulate Earth system components (e.g. the regional climate) particularly over the land surface with a focus on land use and land management as well as agricultural activities. This fundamental knowledge is essential for end users and decision makers in the era of climate change. The master's programme "Earth System Science" was conceived at the University of Hohenheim in order to accommodate such wide-ranging and complex demands. It is the only one of its kind in Germany. The course of study is coordinated and coupled with ongoing international programmes in the field of weather, climate and Earth system research.

In the future, graduates educated on these areas will become the experts in developing concepts of sustainability aimed at protecting the Earth environment, for steering its development and for providing guidances for the general public, end users and decision makers. The University of Hohenheim has an excellent long-term record concerning corresponding education and research.

The graduates are able to make their own contributions to Earth system analyses and research as well as to ecologically-sustainable developments in society. They stand out through their interdisciplinary thinking and flexibility when it comes to applying scientific methodologies in their project work. They are capable of objectively assessing their own methods and results and presenting them factually and clearly. Career perspectives are foreseen in the following areas:

- Research activities in the field of Earth System Science (meteorology, environmental physics, geoscience, etc.)
- Consultancy in the public service, private business sector, and non-governmental organisations
- Occupations in international and bilateral organisations working in the field of development assistance
- Science writing