MSc Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate

Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months

Start date: September 2020

Gain a deep quantitative understanding of the climate system with our MSc Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate.

This course will prepare you for a career in meteorology-related science and research, with a focus on:

a quantitative description of the physical processes that produce weather
the physical and dynamical building blocks of our climate
the numerical and computational methods used to construct state-of-the-art models of the climate system.

Whether you want to mitigate the impact of hazardous weather events, understand how our changing climate may affect the jet stream, 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 scientific and analytical skills you need.

Choosing MSc Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate means you will join our world-class Department of Meteorology – the University of Reading is ranked 2nd in the world for research in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (Center for World University Rankings by Subject, 2017).

This course is fully accredited 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 computing, analytics and numerical models, 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, approximately 1:1, 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.

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).

Conduct or collaborate on a research project

Your master’s dissertation is an opportunity to further our knowledge of meteorological science and research.

This allows you to:

work with a leading scientist from our world-class Department of Meteorology, who will supervise you on your master’s project
contribute to our understanding of issues such as climate change and hazardous weather
complete a potentially publishable piece of research.

You may also have the opportunity to work on a research project in collaboration with one of our industry partners.

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 designed for graduates with a background in physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, or closely related subjects.

It is particularly suitable for those interested in pursuing further higher education opportunities or research and development careers in industry.

Flexible study options for MSc Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate students

You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years.

Entry requirements

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

Entry requirements:

Prior knowledge of meteorology is not necessary although some experience with computer programming will be helpful. A first- or second-class (2.2) honours degree in physics, mathematics, or a closely related subject is required (or equivalent from a university outside the UK).

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Weather Systems

Module Convenor: Dr Tom Frame

Learn the fundamentals of weather systems, clouds, fronts, and air masses. You will also learn about observing systems and the basics of synoptic dynamics.

Atmospheric Physics

Module Convenor: Professor Maarten Ambaum

Develop knowledge in thermal physics as applicable to the atmosphere. You will learn about phase transitions, cloud formation, radiation, vertical stability, and related topics in atmospheric science.

Weather and Climate Discussion

Module Convenor: Dr David Brayshaw

Through a series of seminars, you will look at weather and climate issues of both local and global importance.

Professional Skills

Module Convenor: Dr Joy Singarayer

Develop the skills and techniques needed for meteorology research and consultancy work. You will work on a team project, participate in a Met Office-taught forecasting course, and complete employment-related presentations and visits.

Experiencing the Weather (Field Course)

Module Convenor: Professor Chris Scott

Understand how and why the weather varies in a particular region over one weekend by building a coherent picture of its evolution.

Dissertation Project

Module Convenor: Professor Keith Haines

Complete a major piece of independent research.

Fluid Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Oceans

Module Convenor: Professor Danny Feltham

Examine the equations of fluid dynamics for situations with increasing complexity, including the effects of friction, density stratification and the Earth's rotation.

Introduction to Numerical Modelling

Module Convenor: Dr Hilary Weller

Derive and analyse a number of numerical methods for solving the type of equations used in atmosphere and ocean modelling. Implement some of these methods using the Python programming language.

Numerical Modelling of Atmospheres and Oceans

Module Convenor: Professor Pier Luigi Vidale

Consider the formulation of model equations, schemes to solve them numerically, and ways in which model performance can be evaluated using knowledge of fluid properties and phenomena. You will also implement idealised models yourself to solve problems using computer programming.

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

Optional modules

Climate Change

Module Convenor: Dr Joy Singarayer

Develop a conceptual, but also quantitative, understanding of climate variability and change.

Tropical Weather Systems

Module Convenor: Dr Andy Turner

Learn about weather systems and circulation patterns in the tropical atmosphere.

Oceanography

Module Convenor: Dr Remi Tailleux

Understand the modern approaches to the observational, numerical and theoretical study of the oceans, and gain the tools needed to address the current challenges of understanding how the oceans interact with the climate system.

Remote Sensing

Module Convenor: Dr Nicolas Bellouin

Learn how to obtain quantitative information about the contents and state of the atmosphere using electromagnetic waves. You will consider a variety of techniques based on absorption, scattering and emission processes.

Extra-tropical Weather Systems

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Holloway

Develop a modern understanding of the dynamics of synoptic-scale weather systems in the extra-tropical latitudes, and to relate this knowledge to observations.

Global Circulation of the Atmosphere and Oceans

Module Convenor: Dr Andrew Charlton-Perez

Develop a knowledge and understanding of the large-scale circulation of the atmosphere and ocean.

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

How much will it cost?

New UK/EU students: £8,840 per year

New international students: £19,715 per year

Fees and funding information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated, and relate to courses starting in the 2020/21 academic year. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information on fees and funding, including for part-time study, through our fees and funding page.

Additional costs

These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. 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.

Scholarships and financial support

We have scholarships available for MSc Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate and MSc Applied Meteorology students. These include:

2 scholarships of £3,000 each for international students
2 scholarships of £1,500 each for UK/EU students

For more information about the University of Reading’s other master’s scholarships, please visit our master’s scholarships page.

You can apply for a scholarship once you hold an offer of admission for your course. If you are eligible for a scholarship, we will contact you to guide you through the process.

What career can you have?

Careers for MSc Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate graduates

Many of our graduates go on to study a PhD with us. Others pursue research and development careers in industry.

A master’s in atmosphere, oceans and climate provides you with the knowledge, as well as the technical and computing skills, to carry out quantitative scientific research and projects in meteorology and related areas of environmental science.

In fact, some of our students have published their master’s research projects in mainstream scientific journals even before they graduate.

In recent years, graduates of our meteorology master’s courses have been recruited by organisations that include:

Others pursue a diverse range of careers within:

97% of our master’s students were in work or further study within six months after graduation. Of those in full-time work, 90% progressed to professional or managerial roles (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17).

MSc ATMOSPHERE, OCEANS AND CLIMATE