Meteorology and Climate Science BSc
Study of the atmosphere, weather systems, and climate - from storm forecasting and ocean-atmosphere interactions to climate modelling and environmental change.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are fascinated by weather patterns and protecting communities from extreme climate events
Want to tackle global climate change and understand its direct impact on our planet and daily lives
Enjoy math, physics, and data science to solve complex atmospheric puzzles
Like predictive modeling, forecasting, and tracking environmental trends over time
Want a tech-driven, analytical career that influences sectors like aviation, agriculture, and global policy
Popular Career Fields
Weather Forecasting & Met Services
Climate Research & Academia
Environmental Consultancy
Government & Policy
Your Personality Might Be:
Analytically minded
Climate Research & Academia
Data-driven thinker
Curious problem-solver
What is it?
What Is a Meteorology and Climate Science Degree?
Meteorology and Climate Science explores how the Earth's atmosphere works, why weather behaves the way it does, and how the climate is changing. You'll study physics, mathematics, and Earth science to understand everything from daily weather forecasting to long-term global climate systems.
Why Study Meteorology and Climate Science?
This degree is ideal if you're fascinated by weather and environmental systems and want to contribute to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Graduates play a vital role in forecasting, disaster preparedness, climate policy, and environmental protection.
Course Summary
Study of the atmosphere, weather systems, and climate - from storm forecasting and ocean-atmosphere interactions to climate modelling and environmental change.
What you'll study
Most Meteorology and Climate Science degrees cover:
Atmospheric physics and dynamics
Weather systems and synoptic meteorology
Climate modelling and data analysis
Ocean-atmosphere interactions
Remote sensing and satellite data
Environmental change and climate policy
Mathematics and computational methods
Later in your course, you can often specialise in areas such as operational forecasting, climate change science, atmospheric chemistry, or renewable energy meteorology.
Degree Type
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Focuses on the physical, mathematical, and environmental science of the atmosphere and climate.
Some universities also offer an MSci option, which includes an extra year of advanced research or industry placement.
Skills You'll Gain
A Meterology and Climate Science degree builds culinary and leadership skills including:
Atmospheric Analysis – interpreting weather patterns, pressure systems, and climate data to understand atmospheric behaviour.
Climate Modelling – using computational tools and simulations to forecast weather and project long-term climate scenarios.
Data Interpretation – evaluating large observational and modelled datasets from satellites, weather stations, and climate records.
Remote Sensing – working with satellite imagery and radar systems to monitor the atmosphere and Earth's surface.
Scientific Communication – presenting complex meteorological findings clearly, whether for public forecasts, policy briefs, or research reports.
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Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Work Experiences & Placements
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent typically including Mathematics and at least one Science subject (such as Physics, Chemistry, Geography, or Further Maths).
Personal Statement Tips
Show your passion for weather, climate, and the environment — mention experiences like tracking storms, following weather news, or geography fieldwork.
Highlight your strengths in Mathematics and Physics, as these are core to the degree.
Reflect on why understanding climate and atmosphere matters — link it to real issues like extreme weather events or climate change.
Include relevant activities such as coding projects, science clubs, Duke of Edinburgh, or environmental volunteering.
What to do Next
Compare courses to see how much they focus on operational forecasting versus climate research or environmental science.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore computing labs and any supercomputing resources used for modelling.
Follow the Met Office, ECMWF, or NOAA to stay up to date with current atmospheric science.
Practice reading weather maps and charts to build an early feel for the subject.
Wider Reading
The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology by Frederick Lutgens & Edward Tarbuck – a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the subject.
A Field Guide to the Atmosphere by Vincent Schaefer & John Day – excellent for understanding weather in the real world.
The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery – explores how human activity is reshaping global climate.
Meteorology Today by C. Donald Ahrens – widely used as a university-level reference on atmospheric science.