BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement Year

With BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement Year you will develop your knowledge of mathematics within an environmental context and improve your employability with a year in industry.

Modern weather forecasting and climate prediction rely upon accurate numerical modelling of the atmosphere and oceans. This course will enable you to develop your mathematics skills whilst gaining a broad knowledge of meteorology and environmental physical science. You will spend roughly equal amounts of time studying each subject and will gain valuable industry experience through a year-long work placement. This degree is ideal if you are considering a career applying mathematical techniques to environmental problems.

In mathematics you will study the theory and application of differential equations, underpinned by a knowledge of calculus, analysis and linear algebra. You will be given plenty of support to help you get the most out of your studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, you can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In meteorology you will explore the inner workings of weather systems from a physical and dynamic viewpoint. The course is theory-based and will cover subjects such as atmospheric physics, numerical methods, climate change, and weather and climate fundamentals. In the second year you will also take a skills module, which is designed to improve your transferable skills and enhance your employability.

Many of our excellent teaching staff are world leaders in their fields and a number are Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) authors and Fellows of the Royal Society. We also have a Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science. The University is one of only 19 institutes in the UK to have been awarded one of these prestigious positions by Her Majesty the Queen.

In the final year of the degree you can develop your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. Half of the modules in this year are optional and include subjects from both areas of the course such as water waves, fluid mechanics and oceanography. During this year you will complete either a meteorological or mathematical research project.

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.

It is also 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). 

Placement

Between your second and final year you will carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting around 12 months. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and occasionally take place abroad.

You could take on a wide variety of roles such as statistician, analyst, actuarial intern and radiation protection scientist. You will also have the chance to work for a range of national and international organisations such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP or the NHS.

You will be given advice and support for finding the ideal placement, as well writing a CV and interview skills, by the Mathematics Department's dedicated placements officer.

For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.

For more information, please visit the Department of Maths and Statistics website.