Weather and Climate Science MSc

Program Overview

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The MSc Weather and Climate Science program at the University of Exeter provides students with a deep understanding of the mathematical and physical fundamentals of weather and climate science. The program is designed for students with a strong mathematics background and offers a unique opportunity to study with experts who contribute to global understanding of climate change and climate systems. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research and development, government agencies, and the private and public sector.

Program Outline

It offers a unique opportunity to study with experts who contribute to global understanding of climate change and climate systems, including leading authors for the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports.

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Objectives:

• Gain a deep understanding of the mathematical and physical fundamentals of weather and climate science.

• Develop expertise in mathematical modeling and statistical analysis, acquiring valuable computational and data science skills.

• Enhance career opportunities and acquire the skills needed to secure relevant roles in various private and public bodies, businesses, or government agencies.

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Outline:

The program is designed for students with a strong mathematics background, including a good working knowledge of vector calculus and differential equations. Prior experience in fluid dynamics and atmospheric science is not required, as the program will introduce fundamental models.

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Course Structure:

• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Discipline: Mathematics

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Modules:

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Compulsory Modules:

• MTHM051 Fundamentals of Weather and Climate Science (15 credits): This module introduces the fundamental principles of weather and climate science, covering topics such as atmospheric circulation, climate change, and weather forecasting.
• MTHM007 Engaging with Research (15 credits): This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research in weather and climate science.
It covers topics such as research design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• MTHM021 Advanced Mathematics Project (60 credits): This module allows students to undertake a significant research project in a chosen area of weather and climate science.
Students will work closely with a supervisor to develop and execute their project, culminating in a dissertation.

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Optional Modules:

• MTHM019 Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans (15 credits): This module explores the fluid dynamics of the atmosphere and oceans, covering topics such as atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and wave propagation.
• MTH3030 Mathematics of Climate Change (15 credits): This module focuses on the mathematical modeling of climate change, covering topics such as climate sensitivity, radiative forcing, and climate projections.
• MTHM501 Working with Data (15 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of data analysis and visualization, covering topics such as data cleaning, data transformation, and statistical analysis.
• MTHM502 Introduction to Data Science and Statistical Modelling (15 credits): This module provides an overview of data science and statistical modeling, covering topics such as machine learning, statistical inference, and predictive modeling.
• MTHM506 Statistical Data Modelling (15 credits): This module focuses on advanced statistical modeling techniques, covering topics such as generalized linear models, time series analysis, and spatial statistics.
• MTHM023 Modelling the Weather and Climate (15 credits): This module explores the use of mathematical models to simulate weather and climate, covering topics such as numerical weather prediction, climate modeling, and ensemble forecasting.
• MTHM052 Mid-Latitude Weather Systems (15 credits): This module focuses on the dynamics of mid-latitude weather systems, covering topics such as fronts, cyclones, and jet streams.
• MTHM033 Statistical Modelling in Space and Time (15 credits): This module explores the use of statistical models to analyze data that varies in space and time, covering topics such as spatial autocorrelation, time series analysis, and spatiotemporal modeling.
• MTH3044 Bayesian Data Modelling (15 credits): This module introduces students to Bayesian statistics and its applications in data modeling, covering topics such as Bayesian inference, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and hierarchical models.
• MTHM503 Applications of Data Science and Statistics (15 credits): This module explores the applications of data science and statistics in various fields, covering topics such as data mining, predictive analytics, and decision-making.
• MTHM017 Advanced Topics in Statistics (15 credits): This module covers advanced topics in statistical theory and methods, such as nonparametric statistics, survival analysis, and multivariate analysis.
• MTHM505 Data Science and Statistical Modelling in Space and Time (15 credits): This module combines data science and statistical modeling techniques to analyze data that varies in space and time, covering topics such as spatial data mining, spatiotemporal forecasting, and geostatistics.
• NSC3009 Aerosols, Clouds and Climate (15 credits): This module explores the role of aerosols and clouds in the climate system, covering topics such as aerosol-cloud interactions, radiative forcing, and climate feedback mechanisms.
• MTHM008 Computational Modelling (15 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of computational modeling, covering topics such as numerical methods, programming languages, and simulation techniques.
• MTHM018 Dynamical Systems and Chaos (15 credits): This module explores the theory of dynamical systems and chaos, covering topics such as nonlinear dynamics, bifurcations, and strange attractors.
• MTHM031 Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows (15 credits): This module explores the interaction between magnetic fields and fluid flows, covering topics such as magnetohydrodynamics, dynamo theory, and astrophysical applications.
• BIOM568 Blue Planet (15 credits): This module explores the ocean's role in the Earth system, covering topics such as ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, and climate change impacts.
• GEOM141 Global Challenges (15 credits): This module examines global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and inequality, exploring potential solutions and policy responses.
• GEOM143 Global Systems Thinking (15 credits): This module introduces students to systems thinking, a framework for understanding complex systems, and its application to global challenges.
• MTHM030 Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence (15 credits): This module explores the dynamics of waves, instabilities, and turbulence in fluid systems, covering topics such as wave propagation, shear flows, and turbulent mixing.
• MTHM045 Space Weather and Plasmas (15 credits): This module explores the physics of space weather and plasmas, covering topics such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their impact on Earth.
• MTHM062 Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems (15 credits): This module explores the use of data-driven techniques to analyze and model dynamical systems, covering topics such as machine learning, time series analysis, and nonlinear regression.
• MTHM063 Uncertainty Quantification (15 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of uncertainty quantification, covering topics such as probability theory, statistical inference, and sensitivity analysis.
• MTHM054 Climate Change Science and Solutions (15 credits): This module explores the science of climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions, covering topics such as mitigation, adaptation, and climate policy.
• GEOM144 Innovation and the Science-Policy Interface (15 credits): This module examines the role of science in policymaking, covering topics such as science communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• GEOM145 Theory for Sustainable Transitions (15 credits): This module explores theories of social change and their application to sustainable development, covering topics such as social movements, innovation diffusion, and policy design.
• GEOM148 Green Consultants (15 credits): This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as green consultants, covering topics such as environmental assessment, sustainability reporting, and project management.
• ECMM461 High Performance Computing (15 credits): This module introduces students to high-performance computing, covering topics such as parallel programming, cluster computing, and cloud computing.
• PHLM011 Data Governance and Ethics (15 credits): This module explores the ethical and legal implications of data collection, storage, and use, covering topics such as privacy, security, and accountability.
• Any related university level 3 or level M module subject to Director approval (15 credits): Students can choose to take up to 15 credits of other related modules, subject to the Director's approval.

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Assessment:

• Modules: Assessed by coursework only or a mixture of coursework and exams.
• Project: Involves a short initial report or project proposal (around 1,000 words), an assessed presentation, and a dissertation of 10,000 to 20,000 words.
The dissertation is assessed by the supervisor and a second marker.

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Teaching:

• Expert Faculty: Students are taught by experts active in research and practice, discussing the latest ideas, research discoveries, and new technologies in seminars and in the field.
• Industry Practitioners: The program also includes teaching by leading industry practitioners who work closely with organizations such as the Met Office and Hadley Centre.
• Research Involvement: Students are actively involved in a research project through the dissertation module.

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Careers:

• Research and Development: Mathematical modeling underpins many areas of research, and this degree can open careers in a wide range of research and development roles.
• Government Agencies: The program prepares students for roles in government agencies such as the Met Office, which is based in Exeter.
• Private and Public Sector: Graduates can find employment in companies and other enterprises concerned with weather and climate, including crop production, energy suppliers, environmental and health consultants, and more.
• Further Academic Study: Many students pursue further in-depth academic research and study by taking a PhD degree in Exeter or elsewhere.

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Other:

• Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics: The University of Exeter is ranked 18th in the Complete University Guide 2025 for Mathematics.
• Wide Range of Research Projects: The program offers a wide range of exciting and high-impact research projects.
• Research Expertise: The university has research expertise in climate modeling and statistics, control and dynamics, systems biology, astrophysical fluid flows, and number theory.
• 1st in the UK for Climate Action: The University of Exeter is ranked 1st in the UK for Climate Action in the THE Impact Rankings 2024.

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UK fees per year: £12,100 full-time International fees per year: £27,500 full-time