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Good knowledge of physics and mathematics is required for our MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate, MSc Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate, and MSc Applied Meteorology with Climate and Management.

For the aforementioned three courses, it's useful to have a basic knowledge of some topics in maths, physics and meteorology before starting your master's studies with us. Note that this does not apply to MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence.

Prior to enrolling on three of our courses we encourage you to familiarise yourself with the topics outlined below. Help will be available to you during the course to develop your understanding.

More information on postgraduate Meteorology and Climate degrees


All three courses

Maths

 

Physics


MSc Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate only

Maths

 

Maths worksheet

This maths worksheet covers some extra topics, such as complex numbers, and will need to be handed in near the beginning of the first semester. It contains revision notes and exercises to be attempted so lecturers know where more help will be needed. It is available now so you can have a look at it before starting the course.

Physics

Computing

Using computers to simulate weather and climate is a vital part of the study of meteorology. Many students have little or no experience of computer programming before starting the MSc course. The following links provide an introduction to using python, a programming language:

  • Codecademy starts you off with python and can be done in a web browser (no need to install software).
  • Hour of Code: a similar tutorial, aimed at school children, but still a useful introduction.

MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate and MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate with Management

Maths

Meteorology

The following books are suggested reading that will give you a good background before starting the MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate and MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate with Management courses.

  • Understand the Weather, Peter Inness (Hodder Headline, 2010) , especially Chapter 8.
  • Meteorological Measurements and Instrumentation, Giles Harrison (Wiley-Blackwell).

 

There is no requirement to buy any books before starting the course, and any required reading will be available in the Department library for use during the course. However, if you wish to get hold of them from a library, the above books will put you in a good position for beginning the course.

Computing

No previous computer programming knowledge is expected or required for students on the MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate or MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate with Management courses.

However, some parts of the course will involve computing, so you may wish to have a look at the following links which provide an introduction to programming in python to give yourself a head start:

  • Codecademy starts you off with python and can be done in a web browser (no need to install any software).
  • Hour of Code: a similar tutorial, aimed at school children, but still a useful introduction.

Master's courses

Broaden your knowledge and gain professional skills with a master's programme in meteorology.

Life in the Department

Join a diverse and gifted community of meteorologists, physicists, mathematicians and computational scientists at a University named Sustainable University of the Year (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).

Why study with us?

Learn from esteemed experts in the field, and acquire the skills to tackle complex environmental issues.

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Athena SWAN Silver Award