Join our Postgraduate Open Day - Wednesday 20 March

Register now

Applied Meteorology and Climatology MSc

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time MSc, part time registration possible
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees
£10,530 FT (UK students)
£29,340 (International Students)
More detail

Our Applied Meteorology and Climatology MSc has been accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society to provide comprehensive training for Chartered Meteorologists (CMet).

The University of Birmingham is proud to be a member of the Met Office Academic Partnership. Find out more.

Weather and climate are integral parts of the Earth system. The monitoring of meteorological variables, together with the knowledge and modelling of underlying processes, are key to understanding our interaction with the natural environment.

This programme provides comprehensive training in understanding, modelling and prediction of atmospheric processes; as well as the collection, management, supply and application of atmospheric data for the needs of a variety of public and private sectors. The course also demonstrates how these create opportunities or pose problems for the successful operation of natural and human systems. Our aim is that upon graduation you will be able to compete for careers in Meteorology and Climatology.

This well-established programme was developed in response to industry and research institution requirements for applied meteorologists and climatologists. This demand continues, partially due to the growing attention of the society to climate change, its mitigation and adaptation to it.

Skills gained

The programme aims to:

  • Provide training in theoretical and applied aspects of atmospheric physics and dynamics, quantitative modelling techniques, weather forecasting, climate prediction and observation of atmospheric processes
  • Equip you with the skills of quantitative and statistical analysis with regards to atmospheric data processing and management
  • Enable you to apply theoretical concepts and analytical techniques to the resolution of environmental and socio-economic problems that have an atmospheric origin
  • Develop your independent research ability
  • Convert participants with non-environmental backgrounds to applied meteorologists and climatologists
  • Develop your communication skills using traditional and IT-based media

Completing my dissertation on the changing climate potential of the UK to viticulture solidified in my mind that this was the field I wanted to go into. Pursuing this course was an opportunity to start a career as a meteorologist. For me, the course content really inspires my interests and gives a well-rounded view of the subject area. We learn both the theory and the physics of atmospheric science alongside how it is applied to give useful information to society.

Isabel Richardson, MSc Applied Meteorology and Climatology alumna

Why study this course?

Two observational stations provide meteorological and climatological data that can be used in students' projects. One technician is in charge of maintenance of the facilities. A wide range of meteorological equipment is available to MSc students including data logging systems, instrumentation for standard meteorological observations, radiometers, sonic anemometers and a tethersonde system. The University has computer clusters which provide a general IT resource, and the students have also access to UNIX servers which are used for teaching programming and for some of the dissertation projects.

Modules

The course is modular in nature, comprising 180 credits, 120 from MSc-dedicated taught modules and 60 from a dissertation. In line with University Regulations it is intended that 60 credits be the equivalent of a Certificate, 120 credits a Diploma and 180 credits the MSc. All taught courses are compulsory for non-maths and physics graduates.

Compulsory Modules

Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition and Physics

This module provides students with theoretical training in the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, microphysics and radiation and their implications for a range of meteorological processes and air pollution phenomena, coupled with an introduction to the controls on atmospheric composition. Specifics include: (1) to review the basic nature of the atmosphere in terms of its physical properties; (2) to introduce mass balance modelling of atmospheric composition and its time evolution; (3) to introduce a range of physical laws relevant to meteorology such as the first and second laws of thermodynamics and the equation of state; (4) to review cloud microphysics and cloud formation processes; and (5) to introduce basic radiation laws and radiative transfer processes in the atmosphere.

This module is assessed by three practical exercises (40%) and a two-hour exam (60%). For each of the three practical exercises, a one-hour tutorial class is provided to help students to further understand concepts and processes and to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

Dynamics and Modelling of Weather and Climate

This module provides an understanding of governing equations, fundamental theories of atmospheric dynamics at a variety of scales. At the end of this course, students should be able to: (1) understand the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics; (2) have knowledge of conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy; (3) analyse force balance using dynamics equations; (4) quantify geostrophic wind, gradient wind, potential vorticity, thermal wind, surface fluxes, gravity waves, etc.; (5) interpret physical meaning of important parameters such as Rossby number, Richardson number, etc.; (6) identify dominating processes at micro-, meso-, and synoptic-scales.

This module is assessed by a two-hour exam (100%)

Numerical Weather Forecasting and Climate Modelling

This module aims to provide an understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of weather forecasting and climate modelling. It covers traditional forecasting from weather maps as well as numerical weather forecasting.  Global climate simulations for the past, present and future with General Circulation Models and with Earth System Models of Intermediate Complexity, as well as regional simulations are discussed.  An in depth appreciation of the nature and physical foundations of numerical weather prediction products and climate simulations is developed, which provides the requisite skills for assessing the quality and relevance of weather forecasts and climate predictions.

The weather forecasting part of this module is assessed by practical exercises (50%) and the climate modelling part by exam (35%) and coursework (15%).

Atmospheric Data Processing and Statistics

The course aims to provide students with analytical skills necessary for the collection, processing and analysis of meteorological and climatological data sets. In addition, the module provides an understanding of programming in a UNIX environment as a basis for developing computer programming skills for the extraction, collation and organisation of data.  The statistical software packages R and SPSS will be taught in this module.  The fundamentals of statistical hypothesis testing are introduced and developed further in the context of advanced statistical techniques for the fitting of statistical models, identifying the main modes of variation in large data sets and time series analysis.

Statistics

  1. A multiple-choice examination paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.  The examination will contain 50 questions and will test the entire Statistics syllabus (32.5% of the final module mark).
  2. A project entitled  Daily summer rainfall variations over Devon and Cornwall.  This project requires a student to conduct principal component analysis and cluster analysis on a data set (32.5% of the final module mark).

Atmospheric Data Processing

  1. A one hour examination (17% of the final module mark).
  2. Three worksheets that collectively account for 18% of a student’s final module mark, that is, each worksheet is worth 6%. 

Physical Climatology and Climate Change

The understanding of the variability of the climate system and its inherent changes in time will be a major component to address any questions of natural or anthropogenic climate change. This module will help students to become familiar with the underlying physical concepts as well as with its applications to attribute and detect anthropogenic climate change. The module will cover the basic physical laws, their application in the climate system, basics of the observed atmosphere and ocean general circulation, its 3-dimensional features, and will focus on main modes of large scale variability (e.g. NAO, PNA, ENSO, etc.). The variability on different time scales will be addressed as well as anthropogenic climate change including an impact assessment and an introduction into actual political and social processes related to it.

The module will be assessed by a written exam (50%) and a combined student presentation and essay (50%).

Meteorological Applications and Services

This module aims to develop an understanding of (i) the organisation of national and private meteorological services around the world; (ii) the range of meteorological products and services that are available to the public and to commercial customers; (iii) of meteorology-derived financial products in insurance and risk assessment, and (iv) of how to market meteorological products including the production of marketing material.

The module is assessed by a written exam (60%) and the production of a business plan for a meteorological company (40%).

Research Proposal for Dissertation

This module aims to introduce students to the skills and methods required to undertake a research project and to produce a research proposal. Through the training components in the module, the student should be able to identify and select a research topic and write a research proposal that identifies hypotheses, data requirements, analysis techniques and applications for the research.  Major contents include:  (1) introduction to research in applied meteorology and climatology – discussion of previous dissertations; (2) how to write a research proposal; (3) data requirements and analysis techniques; (4) case studies from academic staff; and (5) PowerPoint presentations of proposals.

The module will be assessed by a research proposal (75%) and a PowerPoint presentation (25%).

Dissertation

This module aims to develop a student’s ability: (i) to carry out an independent piece of research; (ii) to gain experience of using field, laboratory or documentary sources; (iii) to interpret the results of previously published research; (iv) to make original observations or obtain secondary data; (v) to present results clearly and concisely in the form of text, maps, diagrams and other illustrations, and (vi) to appreciate the limitation and success of their efforts.  Students are encouraged to choose the topic for which they have conducted literature review and submitted a proposal in M6a.

The module will be assessed 100% based on a 10,000-word dissertation.

Optional MSc Modules

Foundation Mathematics

This course is a foundation Mathematics course for students who have not specialised in Mathematics as an undergraduate. This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of fundamental areas of Mathematics such as algebra, calculus and trigonometry. After completing this module, students will have a better understanding of the Mathematics that is taught during other MSc modules such as Theoretical Meteorology.

The module is assessed entirely by an examination lasting one hour and 30 minutes.

Weather, Climate and Society

The module is designed to make students familiar with basic aspects of mid-latitude weather (observations, analysis, forecasts), and the way operational information will be used for benefit for society. This will include interfaces between scientific knowledge and end users in economy and society on climate scales. Specific applications will be highlighted: the potential of wind and solar power; the cost/benefit of the use of weather information by industry; understanding of climate variability; the two way relationship between climate and society and the methods of climate impact assessment.

The module will be assessed by exam (100%).

Small-scale and Air Pollution Meteorology

This module will provide students with an understanding of: (i) the principles of meteorology at small scales (metres to kilometres), (ii) the meteorological processes near the earth's surface (e.g., over a range of different surfaces/environments) associated with the exchange of heat, mass and momentum, and (iii) transport and dispersion of pollutants in the atmospheric boundary layer. By the end of the module the student should be able to: (i) demonstrate a knowledge of meteorological processes near the earth's surface and the exchange of heat, mass and momentum between the earth’s surface and the atmosphere; (ii) transfer this knowledge to applied micrometeorological problems in different environments e.g., urban/rural climate and air quality; (iii) become familiar with methods for analysing near-surface meteorological data: (a) to derive quantities such as heat and moisture fluxes; (b) to estimate energy budgets for a range of natural and human-made surfaces and so predict local climate; and (c) to assess the effects of micrometeorological processes upon air quality.

The module is assessed by a 3000-word project (100%).

Atmospheric Observations

The module encompasses all aspects of observing the atmosphere through direct and indirect measurements/observations. There are three main components to the module; conventional in-situ measurements, field observations and remote sensing methods (satellite and ground-based). By completing the module, students will gain knowledge of meteorological instrumentation and observations, appreciation of observation accuracies and requirements, interpretation of meteorological data, understanding of satellite systems and subsequent observations, and knowledge of applications of satellite data sets.

The module is assessed by a field observation presentation (33%) and an exam (67%).

Air Pollution Chemistry

Students will study the basic principles underlying the chemistry of the atmosphere and gain detailed knowledge of the chemical processes involved in important air pollution phenomena such as urban smog, acid rain and stratospheric ozone depletion. The key role of transient reactive intermediate species will be emphasised. The implications for air pollution control will be considered in depth.

The module is assessed by a computer-based atmospheric chemistry modelling exercise (15%), a written coursework exercise (35%), and a final exam (50%).

Causes and Effects of Air Pollution

The module sets out to highlight the major anthropogenic factors influencing air quality, and to consider the adverse consequences of air pollutants on health and the environment from the local to the global scale. It moves on to explore the physical basis for describing and modelling the movement of air pollutants through the environment. Personal exposure, including the contribution of microenvironment to a person’s total exposure to air pollutants, is considered. The module also considers the ways in which air pollution can be monitored, how these ways may be integrated to give representative and reliable information, and how measured and modelled data may be integrated to produce an air quality assessment.

The module is assessed by a multi-problem coursework exercise (3000-word essay equivalent; 50%) and one two-hour examination (50%). 

Carbon Management

Carbon Management is an increasingly important consideration for individual organisations through to national governments, with recognition that responsible management and sustainable development require minimising carbon emissions where feasible.  This module provides an introduction to all aspects of carbon management.  Topics covered include the overall scientific context of the global carbon cycle, global policy aspects (Kyoto, Copenhagen and current UK / EU targets), carbon offsetting and emissions trading, geoengineering, the impact of changing energy sources (biofuels and renewable energy resources, including impacts on air quality) and local carbon management, with a focus on the techniques used by local authorities and individual organisations.  The module concludes with a realistic review of the likely near-future global emissions trajectory, considering economic trends in the BRIC nations, and the scope for renewable energy on a national level.

The module will be assessed by two items of individual student work.

DateWeekSpecial Task
Semester 1: Oct-Dec 1-11 Lectures, course work
Dec-Jan   Christmas Vacation (4 weeks)
Semester 2: Jan-Mar 1-11 Lectures, course work
Apr   Easter Vacation (4 weeks); work placement
Exam Period: May-Jun 1-2 Revision
  3-6 Exams (4 weeks)
Semester 3: Jun-Sep   Work on dissertation (~3 months)
1st Friday in Sep   Hand in dissertation (date subject to change)
Dec   Degree Ceremony

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees for 2024/25

  • Code 0096: UK students £10,530 FT
  • Code 5684: UK students £5,265 PT
  • Code 0096: International students £29,340 FT only

Learn more about fees and funding.


Are you an international applicant?

All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.

Find out more about the deposit >>.

  

Scholarships and studentships

Birmingham Masters Scholarship

We are offering over 200 awards of £2,000 to support the brightest and best applicants wishing to undertake Masters study at the University during 2024-2025.

Find out more and apply now  

Postgraduate Progression Award

Our Postgraduate Progression Awards offer final year undergraduates at the University of Birmingham a fee discount of £1,500 for postgraduate taught study.

Find out more and apply now  

Our database contains details of postgraduate taught and research scholarship and funding opportunities available to support your studies at the University of Birmingham. Find out more. 

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. See the international scholarships page.

For further information contact the School directly or get in touch with the Funding, Graduation & Awards via the online enquiries system.

How To Apply

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline such as Geography, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. In special cases, applications may be considered from those holding non-graduate qualifications that are deemed by the University to be a satisfactory alternative to an Honours degree in the subject areas mentioned above. 

Learn more about entry requirements.

International Requirements



International Students

English language requirements

Standard English language requirements apply (IELTS: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band)


  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component

Taught modules involve lectures, practical classes and supporting tutorials. Modules are provided by staff, supported by seminars from invited experts. Vocational awareness is developed through a 'work experience' week in which course participants gain hands-on experience for instance in a commercial weather forecasting environment.

The programme has been accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society to provide training for Chartered Meteorologists (CMet). The RMS 'Chartered Meteorologist' accreditation scheme provides the highest level of professional qualification in meteorology and will satisfy clients and employers that individuals have reached a specified level of knowledge and experience in the subject equivalent to that of Chartered status in any other profession.

Assessment Methods

120 credits are assessed through taught modules, with the remaining 60 credits awarded following the successful completion of the independent project. A variety of assessment methods are used, including written coursework, case study reports, oral presentations and standard examinations. The independent research project is assessed through a written dissertation.

The MSc course in Applied Meteorology and Climatology was initiated in 1963/64. It was developed in response to industry and research institution requirements for applied meteorologists and climatologists. This demand still continues. For example, over the period of the last decade, about 45 percent of graduates from the course have entered employment directly related to applied meteorology and climatology, while 37 percent have taken up research posts in this area.

Examples of the destinations of our graduates are the UK Met Office; MeteoGroup (London); Weathernews UK Ltd (Aberdeen and Japan); The Weather Services International (Birmingham); Vaisala TMI (Birmingham); and PhD studies in various universities including Cambridge, University of East Anglia, Edinburgh, Swansea, Leicester, UMIST and the University of British Columbia in Canada.