Applied Meteorology and Climate

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:2 or above) in a mathematical/physical science or a closely related subject. Prior knowledge of meteorology is not necessary. A degree in environmental/agricultural sciences or geography may be acceptable if maths and physics have been studied to A level or equivalent.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

Prepare for your master's course

For this degree you are required to have a good knowledge of physics and mathematics.

• Check the list of topics we recommend you to familiarise with

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop expertise in atmospheric physics, forecasting, and meteorological and climate data analysis on our MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate.

This course will prepare you for a career in meteorology-related science and research, with a focus on the use and interpretation of meteorological data and forecasts. Whether you want to find new ways to study our natural world, mitigate the economic impact of hazardous weather, or even look further afield and forecast space weather – or focus your efforts elsewhere within meteorology and climate science – we will help you develop the practical and analytical skills you need.

Choosing MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate means you will join our world-class Department of Meteorology – the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the world for Atmospheric Science (ShanghaiRanking 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects).

This course is approved by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) and is your first step towards becoming professionally accredited as either a Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet).

As you develop your skills in forecasting, weather analysis and statistics, your learning will be supported by:

• our on-campus instrumentation lab and atmospheric observatory. In addition to field trip opportunities, access to these facilities allows you to improve your practical skills.
• weather and climate discussions. These weekly sessions give you an insight into current UK and global weather and climate events and incorporate our real-time meteorological data.
• small class sizes. Our enviable staff-to-student ratio means you will receive individual support from academics. You will also be fully supported as you work on your final master’s project – our academics typically oversee no more than one student dissertation each year.
• professionally relevant academic content. Our teaching is aligned with the World Meteorological Organization Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (BIP-M) and Meteorological Technicians (BIP-MT). This means that what you learn will be relevant to the field and of the highest quality.

You will be taught by academics who are leaders in their fields. They will draw on their research experience to give you unique scientific perspectives into environmental issues that affect our world. Our Department is home to five Fellows of the Royal Society, as well as climate experts who contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Collaborate on a research project

In addition to completing your master’s dissertation, you may also have the opportunity to work on a research project in collaboration with one of our industry partners.

Collaborating on a research project allows you to:

• apply your learning in the industry and gain insight into the field
• contribute to our understanding of meteorological issues, and deepen your own understanding of the natural world
• network and enhance your employability.

We are proud of our long-established relationships with more than 30 organisations in the meteorological, climate and related sectors. These include:

• UK Met Office
• Environment Agency
• NASA
• European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
• World Meteorological Organisation
• European Space Agency

Participate in field work

As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to participate in field work that focuses on observing and predicting typical weather systems in the mid-latitudes.

Over the course of a weekend, you will understand how and why the weather varies in a particular region by building a coherent picture of its evolution. You will do this by:

• plotting and analysing special radiosonde ascents
• collecting data from an instrumented mast
• collecting data from instrumented walks
• monitoring official analysis and forecast products.

Build on your scientific knowledge

This master’s course is ideal if you want to pursue a career in forecasting or applications of meteorology, weather and climate. It has been designed for graduates with maths or physics backgrounds, or graduates who have studied subjects such as chemistry or computer science.

It is also suitable for people who are already working as weather forecasters and want to extend their knowledge and skills.

Flexible study options for MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate students

You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years.

Fees and funding

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,550

New international students: £26,950

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.