IMPRS-ESM runs a flexible curriculum. A few principal teaching units are offered repeatedly including two mandatory units (our introduction to Earth system sciences and modelling and the annual retreat) as well as a summer school. The majority of IMPRS-ESM courses are offered according to demand from participants and the interests of the lecturers. Doctoral candidates choose courses based on their own scientific interest and to best complement their personal training scheme. IMPRS-ESM also encourages doctoral candidates to pursue courses offered by the University of Hamburg, and to attend the seminars presented at the KlimaCampus throughout the year. PhD candidates earn a minimum of 12 IMPRS-ESM credit points throughout their term.