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MSc Applied Meteorology
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Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
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Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Develop expertise in atmospheric physics, forecasting, and meteorological and climate data analysis on our MSc Applied Meteorology.
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 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 students
You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years.