Program Overview

MSc Weather and Climate Science

Overview

• Draw upon our unique expertise in quantitative modelling of Weather and Climate
• Study with experts who directly contribute to global understanding of climate change and climate systems, including leading authors for the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports
• Learn about the mathematical and physical fundamentals of weather and climate science
• Learn about mathematical modelling and statistical analysis, and gain valuable computational and data science skills
• Enhance your career opportunities and acquire the skills needed to secure relevant roles in many private and public bodies, businesses or government agencies.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a mathematics, science or engineering subject, with significant mathematics content to include a good working knowledge of differential equations and vector calculus.
• International students: please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
• English language requirements: International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Course Content

• This course is designed for students who have a good mathematics background. You do not need a Mathematics degree and a degree in another science such as Engineering/Natural Sciences/Physics is appropriate.
• You should have a reasonable range of mathematical knowledge and some computational experience from your degree programme. A good working knowledge of vector calculus and differential equations is essential so you can engage fully with the core modules we offer on fluid dynamics and climate change.
• You don't need a background in fluid dynamics and atmospheric science, as we will introduce you to fundamental models during your studies.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• MTHM051: Fundamentals of Weather and Climate Science (15 credits)
• MTHM007: Engaging with Research (15 credits)
• MTHM021: Advanced Mathematics Project (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• MTHM019: Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans (15 credits)
• MTH3030: Mathematics of Climate Change (15 credits)
• MTHM501: Working with Data (15 credits)
• MTHM502: Introduction to Data Science and Statistical Modelling (15 credits)
• MTHM506: Statistical Data Modelling (15 credits)
• MTHM023: Modelling the Weather and Climate (15 credits)
• MTHM052: Mid-Latitude Weather Systems (15 credits)
• MTHM033: Statistical Modelling in Space and Time (15 credits)
• MTH3044: Bayesian Data Modelling (15 credits)
• MTHM503: Applications of Data Science and Statistics (15 credits)
• MTHM017: Advanced Topics in Statistics (15 credits)
• MTHM505: Data Science and Statistical Modelling in Space and Time (15 credits)
• NSC3009: Aerosols, Clouds and Climate (15 credits)
• MTHM008: Computational Modelling (15 credits)
• MTHM018: Dynamical Systems and Chaos (15 credits)
• MTHM031: Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows (15 credits)
• BIOM568: Blue Planet (15 credits)
• GEOM141: Global Challenges (15 credits)
• GEOM143: Global Systems Thinking (15 credits)
• MTHM030: Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence (15 credits)
• MTHM045: Space Weather and Plasmas (15 credits)
• MTHM062: Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems (15 credits)
• MTHM063: Uncertainty Quantification (15 credits)
• MTHM054: Climate Change Science and Solutions (15 credits)
• GEOM144: Innovation and the Science-Policy Interface (15 credits)
• GEOM145: Theory for Sustainable Transitions (15 credits)
• GEOM148: Green Consultants (15 credits)
• ECMM461: High Performance Computing (15 credits)
• PHLM011: Data Governance and Ethics (15 credits)

Fees

2025/26 Entry

• UK fees per year: £12,600 full-time
• International fees per year: £28,600 full-time

Teaching and Research

• We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice.
• You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself through our dissertation module.
• All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics.
• You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners, who work closely with bodies such as the Met Office and Hadley Centre based here in Exeter.

Assessment

• Modules are either assessed by coursework only, or a mixture of coursework and an exam.
• The project entails a short initial report or project proposal of around 1,000 words, an assessed presentation and a dissertation of 10,000 to 20,000 words.
• This is assessed by your supervisor and a second marker.

Careers

• Mathematical Modelling underpins many areas of research and a degree in this area can open careers in a huge range of research and development roles.
• Your specialism will be relevant to any government agencies such as the Met Office, companies and other enterprises concerned with our weather and climate, from crop production to energy suppliers, to environmental and health consultants.
• For many students this masters course leads to further in-depth academic research and study such as gained by taking a PhD degree in Exeter or elsewhere.

Related Courses

• Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine MSc
• Mathematics MSc

Why Exeter?

• Student life
• Our campuses
• International students
• Accommodation
• Apply for a Masters
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• Tuition fees and funding