Why study a master's with us?

• The University has been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize in recognition of our world-leading research, teaching, stewardship and outreach on climate change.
• We are ranked 2nd in the world for research in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences in the latest World University Rankings by Subject (Center for World University Rankings, 2017).
• We are ranked 4th in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Research Fortnight's Analysis Power Rankings, 2014, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework, 2014).
• We are ranked 7th in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (Guardian University Guide, 2022).
• The University of Reading is the most represented organisation in the UK on the Reuters Hot List of the world’s top climate scientists 2021.
• Our climate scientists played a leading role in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which warns that damaging effects of climate change are already being seen across the globe.
• We gave the world climate stripes. Designed by Professor Ed Hawkins, the climate stripes present a compelling visualisation of how global temperatures have risen since the mid-19th century due to human-caused climate change. The stripes have been shared by the likes of Greta Thunberg and the United Nations, as well as thousands of others around the world.

The Department of Meteorology is a dynamic environment, where you can learn from and work with internationally-recognised research and teaching staff, including five Fellows of the Royal Society and climate experts who contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Our excellent staff-to-student ratio enables us to take a personalised approach to your educational development. You'll be part of a supportive and collaborative community of students, staff and alumni, where you will have regular opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research.

Learn more about how you will study

Our MSc Applied Meteorology and MSc Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate courses are approved by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Meteorologist (CMet).

Graduating from one of our RMetS-accredited courses is the first step towards becoming professionally accredited as either a Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet).

The Department of Meteorology has excellent relationships with governmental and commercial organisations within the meteorological, climate and related sectors.

Some of our master's modules are delivered in collaboration with our industry partners, enabling you to learn from professionals in the field and explore sectors or organisations you would like to go into after you graduate. For your dissertation, you may be able to produce a research project in collaboration with one of our many industrial partners.

A master's degree in meteorology from the University of Reading will prepare you for your chosen career, or for doctoral study. Studying in our world-leading Department will greatly enhance your career potential and help you stand out in the job market.

"The MSc in Applied Meteorology was a clear winner above the other options I considered. I came to Reading wanting a challenge; it's no exaggeration to say that doing so has completely changed my career direction."

Emma Hopkin, MSc Applied Meterology

Our graduates have been recruited by the Met Office, MeteoGroup, Fugro GEOS, Arup, AIR and RMS. Others have pursued associated careers in environmental measurement, risk management and policy development.

Opportunities outside of the meteorological world include careers in insurance, finance, utilities, transport, space, education, agriculture and health sectors.

91% of graduates from the Department of Meteorology are in work and/or study 15 months after graduating. Of those who reported their main activity to be full-time employment, 100% were in graduate-level roles (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) responders from Meteorology).

Read the Royal Meteorological Society's careers brochure (PDF)