Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2023/24
2024/25

BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement Year

  • UCAS code
    GF20
  • Typical offer
    ABC
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Develop expertise across mathematics, meteorology and environmental physical science, and gain vital industry experience with our BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement Year course.

You'll learn from academics who are experts in their field, many of whom have contributed to vital research, textbooks and journal papers that you'll study. Our research excellence feeds directly into your learning, keeping you abreast of the latest developments in mathematics and meteorology.

Choose BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement Year at the University of Reading

  • Our BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement year course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics & its Applications to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician status.
  • The course is also approved by the Royal Meteorological Society as appropriate academic training for meteorologists seeking the qualification Chartered Meteorologist.
  • We are ranked 4th in the world for Atmospheric Science (ShanghaiRanking 2022, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects).
  • In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, 98% of our research is 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences)

Develop core mathematical skills and knowledge

In the first year, you'll take a number of introductory modules designed to manage the transition to university-level mathematics. These modules will provide you with core skills and knowledge, building upon your previous mathematical studies.

Your first-year modules will include:

  • Calculus
  • Foundations of Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra.

In the second year, you'll develop your expertise with more advanced topics such as:

  • Real Analysis
  • Differential Equations
  • Vector Calculus.

The final year of your degree will allow you to focus your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The majority of modules in this year are optional, covering topics in pure and applied mathematics.

You will also undertake a project on a mathematical or meteorological topic.

Gain a broad knowledge of meteorology and environmental physical science

In your first year, you'll explore the basic concepts and terminology of weather systems around the globe. You will focus on the physics of the atmosphere and oceans, gaining solid scientific knowledge of the Earth's weather and climate.

Your first-year modules will cover:

  • Introduction to Meteorology
  • Weather and Climate Fundamentals.

In the second year, you'll use the skills and concepts introduced in Year One to conduct a thorough investigation of how the atmosphere and oceans evolve and develop, across timescales from seconds to centuries.

Second-year modules will include:

  • Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Numerical Methods for Environmental Science.

Your final-year modules will cover the essentials of climate science and climate change, as well as optional modules that enable you to explore your areas of interest. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a meteorological project.

Placement Year

This degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and final year of study.

Whether you wish to focus on maths or meteorology, our dedicated placements officer can provide support to find your ideal placement, along with tailored advice on developing your CV and interview skills.


A supportive learning community

As a student of mathematics and meteorology at the University of Reading, you'll be a member of two friendly, inclusive and collaborative communities of students and staff.

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers an exceptional learning environment, where we strive to:

  • deliver high-quality, interactive teaching
  • develop your knowledge and skills through varied teaching and assessment methods
  • boost your confidence in mathematics and prepare you for employment.

In addition to regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

  • small group problem-solving tutorials
  • materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

You'll also be encouraged to join the Department's staff-student liaison committee, enabling you to have a direct input into the student experience.

Department of Meteorology

The Department of Meteorology at Reading provides an excellent student experience; in the National Student Survey 2022, we achieved a 100% score for overall student satisfaction.

Many of our outstanding teaching staff are world leaders in their fields: a number are authors on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or Fellows of the Royal Society.

Our meteorology teaching involves an exciting mixture of lectures, laboratory classes, practical weather forecasting and fieldwork.

Meet our students

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend two weeks, a term, or an academic year abroad.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, please visit the Study Abroad website.


New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £24,500

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

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.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

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.

Career opportunities with BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement year

As a BSc Mathematics and Meteorology with a Placement year graduate, you will be ideally placed for a career applying mathematical techniques to environmental problems. For example, you could carry out flood modelling or pollution prediction for organisations such as the Environment Agency.

Alternatively, you could choose to further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.

Options with mathematics

Your mathematical skills could lead to a career as a mathematician in either the public or private sector – for example, in organisations such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or in commerce and information technology. You could also move into a range of related careers such as accountancy, financial analysis, engineering, computing, or actuarial work.

Opportunities with meteorology

Your meteorological knowledge will enable you to work as a forecaster or research scientist at a national organisation, such as the UK Met Office, or a commercial company. Financial businesses are increasingly employing weather forecasters to advise traders of the possible outcomes of the weather on prices of commodities, and a number of our graduates now work in this area.