MSc/PG Diploma Applied Meteorology

Full-time 12 months

The programme aims to provide a rigorous and quantitative scientific background for work in all branches of applied meteorology and to show how this background can be used in a variety of contexts.
Advanced Course Studentships are available for suitably qualified UK/EU students.

Programme Content

The programme starts in October with introductory lectures, including Introduction to Weather systems, Atmospheric Physics, Introduction to Computing, Forecasting Systems and Applications, and Measurements and Instrumentation. A two-day field course is included in Term 1. In Term 2 students choose from a selection of advanced modules. Boundary Layer Meteorology is a compulsory module. Options include Vegetation, Agriculture and the Atmosphere, Hydrology and Global Environmental Change, Remote Sensing, Climate Change and Tropical Weather Systems. Other course elements in the second term include a team project lasting one week and a module on 'Applications of Meteorology', that involves trips to employers including the Met Office, presentations by employed Reading Meteorology graduates and attending meetings of the Royal Met Society.
In the third term there is an intensive 4-day course in weather forecasting run by the UK Met Office. The remainder of the course is largely devoted to the preparation of a dissertation on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with members of staff. The final dissertation report must be submitted by mid-August.

Examinations are held in December/January and in April/ May. Many modules also include a continuously assessed component. An oral examination may also be held at the end of the programme.

An MSc is awarded on successful completion of 180 credits worth of material. A PG Diploma may be awarded on successful completion of 120 credits.