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  • Ancient History
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  • Architecture
  • Art
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  • Bioveterinary Sciences
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  • Business and Management

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  • Wildlife Conservation
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  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

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  • Economics
  • Education
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  • Engineering
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  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

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MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2024/25 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2024/25 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Tackle some of the world’s most important issues, and study at the forefront of an exciting and growing industry, with our MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree.

At the University of Reading, this unique, master’s-level course will prepare you for a career where you can make a difference. It’s designed to address the growing demand for individuals with understanding of both our changing climate and artificial intelligence, together with the business acumen to deploy that understanding effectively.

This complementary combination of disciplines – drawing expertise from the Department of Meteorology, Department of Computer Science, the Walker Institute and the triple-accredited Henley Business School – offers the first, and currently only, postgraduate course of its kind in the UK. 

Learn how AI can be applied to climate change

A rapidly growing subject, artificial intelligence is transforming how we collect and use data. It has the potential to help solve and understand complex global challenges, including the climate crisis.

MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence is suited to graduates from a wide range of disciplines – including science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) subjects – who are looking for a postgraduate qualification that will help them stand out in the job market. It is for individuals who want to improve their understanding of climate science and AI techniques, and be prepared for current – or future – managerial responsibilities.  

The programme will explore a variety of core modules, such as: 

  • The Science of Climate Change
  • Applied Data Science with Python
  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Climate Change: Values, Ethics and Justice.  

Throughout the course, you will develop an understanding of the programming language Python, as well as key management and communication skills. 

You will also expand your knowledge of climate science, AI and machine learning, engaging with these subjects through an ethical perspective and thinking critically about questions of values and justice.

Join a university at the forefront of climate research

The University of Reading is actively engaged in tackling the challenges of climate change and making a global impact.  It has been awarded a prestigious 2021 Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of world-leading research, teaching, stewardship and outreach on climate change.

The course has an excellent staff-student ratio and your learning will benefit from the most recent innovations and developments across climate, computer and data science, together with business and management. 

Connections and collaborations with industry

Located in the Thames Valley, a major UK tech hub, the University of Reading has strong links to potential employers. This network provides our students with valuable opportunities.

As well as cutting-edge practical sessions where students will learn by doing, this course features bespoke projects – many conducted in conjunction with industry. These aim to provide you with deep insight into how AI and machine learning can be applied to develop real-world solutions to challenges arising from climate change.

Reading is also home to the Thames Valley AI Hub (TVAI Hub), a community of academics, researchers, technicians, clinicians and business strategists. It enables members to learn, collaborate, and develop business opportunities within the artificial intelligence sector. 

Teaching and support

The programme can be completed in 12 months (full-time), but if you wish to study across 24 months (part-time), you must contact Programme Director Dr Chris Holloway to discuss this first.

Teaching will be delivered through a wide variety of methods: lectures – including those from guest speakers – workshops, tutorials, and computational laboratory classes. 

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written work, computational laboratory reports, group work and presentations, and examinations.

Students will be expected to undertake the necessary independent study alongside the estimated 350 contact hours. The course will require approximately 1800 hours of total study. 

 

Overview

Tackle some of the world’s most important issues, and study at the forefront of an exciting and growing industry, with our MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree.

At the University of Reading, this unique, master’s-level course will prepare you for a career where you can make a difference. It’s designed to address the growing demand for individuals with understanding of both our changing climate and artificial intelligence, together with the business acumen to deploy that understanding effectively.

This complementary combination of disciplines – drawing expertise from the Department of Meteorology, Department of Computer Science, the Walker Institute and the triple-accredited Henley Business School – offers the first, and currently only, postgraduate course of its kind in the UK. 

Learn how AI can be applied to climate change

A rapidly growing subject, artificial intelligence is transforming how we collect and use data. It has the potential to help solve and understand complex global challenges, including the climate crisis.

MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence is suited to graduates from a wide range of disciplines – including science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) subjects – who are looking for a postgraduate qualification that will help them stand out in the job market. It is for individuals who want to improve their understanding of climate science and AI techniques, and be prepared for current – or future – managerial responsibilities.  

The programme will explore a variety of core modules, such as: 

  • The Science of Climate Change
  • Applied Data Science with Python
  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Climate Change: Values, Ethics and Justice.  

Throughout the course, you will develop an understanding of the programming language Python, as well as key management and communication skills. 

You will also expand your knowledge of climate science, AI and machine learning, engaging with these subjects through an ethical perspective and thinking critically about questions of values and justice.

Learning

Join a university at the forefront of climate research

The University of Reading is actively engaged in tackling the challenges of climate change and making a global impact.  It has been awarded a prestigious 2021 Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of world-leading research, teaching, stewardship and outreach on climate change.

The course has an excellent staff-student ratio and your learning will benefit from the most recent innovations and developments across climate, computer and data science, together with business and management. 

Connections and collaborations with industry

Located in the Thames Valley, a major UK tech hub, the University of Reading has strong links to potential employers. This network provides our students with valuable opportunities.

As well as cutting-edge practical sessions where students will learn by doing, this course features bespoke projects – many conducted in conjunction with industry. These aim to provide you with deep insight into how AI and machine learning can be applied to develop real-world solutions to challenges arising from climate change.

Reading is also home to the Thames Valley AI Hub (TVAI Hub), a community of academics, researchers, technicians, clinicians and business strategists. It enables members to learn, collaborate, and develop business opportunities within the artificial intelligence sector. 

Teaching and support

The programme can be completed in 12 months (full-time), but if you wish to study across 24 months (part-time), you must contact Programme Director Dr Chris Holloway to discuss this first.

Teaching will be delivered through a wide variety of methods: lectures – including those from guest speakers – workshops, tutorials, and computational laboratory classes. 

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written work, computational laboratory reports, group work and presentations, and examinations.

Students will be expected to undertake the necessary independent study alongside the estimated 350 contact hours. The course will require approximately 1800 hours of total study. 

 

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).

Entry requirements: Normally at least a high 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent from a university outside the UK in computing or a related discipline (including, but not limited to, mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, economics), or relevant work experience. You must have some experience of programming.

Applicants should explain in their Statement of Interest why this particular course is suitable for them.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Compulsory modules

Compulsory modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

Applied Data Science with Python

Code:

CSMAD21

Convenor:

DR Carmen Lam

Summary:

The module introduces the Python programming language in detail, its syntax and programming paradigm. The module also covers specific Python tools and libraries for data science, including data processing and manipulation, data visualisation, statistical methods, and machine learning libraries. The module covers techniques for data integration, manipulation, and visualisation for the effective analysis of data. It also covers methods for statistical analysis, data mining and machine learning in Python.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Code:

CSMAI21

Convenor:

DR Yevgeniya Kovalchuk

Summary:

The main goal of this module is to familiarise students with fundamental methods in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning such as supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and deep learning. The students will learn how to apply these methods to real-life problems.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Set exercise 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Managing People and Organisations

Code:

MMM048

Convenor:

DR Matthew Sinnicks

Summary:

The module examines existing knowledge about how people behave in organisational settings, the theories that inform this knowledge and the practical implications for managers. It relies on the tacit knowledge of students and on social and human sciences such as management, philosophy, political science, psychology and sociology. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Foundations of Statistical Inference

Code:

MTMC01

Convenor:

PROF Ted Shepherd

Summary:

A module comprising both a lecture and a practical component, which together introduce students to the use of statistical methods in climate science, and their practical application.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Professional Skills in Data Science

Code:

MTMC02

Convenor:

PROF Bryan Lawrence

Summary:

This module comprises writing skills, a team literature review, a short course on data management skills, and employment related presentations and visits.

Assessment Method:

Project 50%, Report 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

The Science of Climate Change (M-level)

Code:

MTMCC

Convenor:

PROF Nigel Arnell

Summary:

This module provides an introduction to the science of climate change, aimed at students who do not necessarily have a scientific background.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Assignment 25%, Practical 25%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Causal Inference and Decision-making

Code:

MTMCW01

Convenor:

PROF Rosalind Cornforth

Summary:

A module comprising both a lecture and a practical component, which together introduce students to the use of causal inference and decision-making methods, with application to climate science and analysis of socio-economic impacts of climate risk. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Climate Change: Values, Ethics and Justice

Code:

MTMCW02

Convenor:

PROF Rosalind Cornforth

Summary:

In this module students will explore climate change, and responses to climate change, through the lenses of values and ethics, and draw connections to broader struggles for justice.  By reviewing historical and contemporary debates, students will analyse how the drivers of climate change, as well as mitigation and adaptation responses, are shaped by history, power, and knowledge.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 35%, Oral 10%, Project 55%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Climate Services and Climate Impact Modelling

Code:

MTMG50

Convenor:

DR David Brayshaw

Summary:

This module seeks to provide students with the scientific awareness, practical techniques and communication skills required for the provision of climate services and climate impact modelling.  Contact time will be divided between a series of taught lectures covering key scientific and technical material; a computer-based technical development of a relevant climate service application; sector-specific case studies presented by external speakers; and preparation of a consultancy style briefing report.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 30%, Report 70%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Dissertation project

Code:

MTMG99

Convenor:

DR David Brayshaw

Summary:

The aim of the dissertation is to enable the student to acquire the skills needed for scientific research in assembling a body of information and arriving at a critical appraisal of it and, if appropriate, carrying out original research and/or data analysis. A secondary aim is to help the student develop his/her own specific interests in their general field of study and it may also  be a preparation for research or other work in a particular field.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Code Module Convenor
CSMAD21 Applied Data Science with Python DR Carmen Lam
CSMAI21 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning DR Yevgeniya Kovalchuk
MMM048 Managing People and Organisations DR Matthew Sinnicks
MTMC01 Foundations of Statistical Inference PROF Ted Shepherd
MTMC02 Professional Skills in Data Science PROF Bryan Lawrence
MTMCC The Science of Climate Change (M-level) PROF Nigel Arnell
MTMCW01 Causal Inference and Decision-making PROF Rosalind Cornforth
MTMCW02 Climate Change: Values, Ethics and Justice PROF Rosalind Cornforth
MTMG50 Climate Services and Climate Impact Modelling DR David Brayshaw
MTMG99 Dissertation project DR David Brayshaw

These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,100

New international students: £25,800

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

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

You will need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

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.

Careers

Our MSc Climate Science and Artificial Intelligence degree will equip you with specialist skills and knowledge that are highly sought by employers. According to the LinkedIn Emerging Jobs Report 2020, artificial intelligence specialist is the number one emerging job in the UK.

As well as equipping you with the skills to progress into PhD-level study and further research, you will be well-placed to pursue a career within a number of different industries: 

  • Education
  • Transport
  • Finance
  • Energy
  • Healthcare.

Climate Risk Management is driving increasing demand for sustainability and climate services in business. The development of these services requires the deep understanding and use of new technologies (Cloud, AI), in combination with environmental datasets (climate simulations, satellite data). However, few people have expertise across both these areas of knowledge.

Dr Alberto Arribas Herranz
University of Reading Visiting Professor and Microsoft's Sustainability Science Lead for Europe

Scholarships


We have a number of scholarships available for our master's students.

Find out more.

Take the next step


Apply online now

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Related Subjects


  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Computer Science
  • Climate Science
  • Data Science

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