Ranking
17th
in the UK
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Course overview
Weather and climate are integral parts of the Earth's system. MSc Applied Meteorology and Climatology allows you to develop the knowledge of processes which are key to understanding our interaction with the natural environment.
This course trains you to understand, model, and predict atmospheric processes, and manage and use atmospheric data for various sectors.
For me, the course content really inspires my interests and gives a well-rounded view of the subject area.
Course Structure
The course will run over 12 months in full-time mode. There is also a possibility to undertake this course on a part-time basis. While the exact course content may vary, here is what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full-time Masters course.
- Atmospheric Data Processing and Statistics (20 credits)
- Practical Weather Forecasting and Communication (10 credits)
- Physical Climatology and Climate Change (10 credits)
- Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition and Physics (20 credits)
Course highlights
This well-established degree 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.
- 17th
in the UK for Environmental Sciences
QS World University Rankings 2025
- Equip you with quantative and statistical skills
- Apply theoretical concepts and analytical techniques
- Provided with training in theoretical and applied aspects of atmospheric physics and dynamics
Course delivery
Our modules are assessed in different ways, some with more of a focus on written examinations and others with more of a focus on presentations and practical exercise.
- Taught modules involve lectures, practical classes and supporting tutorials.
- Modules are provided by staff, supported by seminars from invited experts.
Module information
Applied Meteorology and Climatology MSc includes a wide variety of learning and teaching. The course is modular in nature, comprising 180 credits, 120 from MSc-dedicated taught modules and 60 from a dissertation.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Data Processing and Statistics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Practical Weather Forecasting and Communication | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Physical Climatology and Climate Change | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition and Physics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Dynamics and Modelling of Weather and Climate | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Meteorological Applications and Services | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Research Proposal | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Dissertation (MSc App Met) | 50 |
Choose 10 credits from the following. Students who have not taken University Level Mathematics before have to take the Foundation Mathematics module.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Mathematics | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Small-scale and Air Pollution Meteorology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Weather, Climate and Society | 10 | Semester 2 |
Choose 20 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Causes and Effects of Air Pollution | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Small-scale and Air Pollution Meteorology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Air Pollution Chemistry | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Atmospheric Observations | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Carbon Management | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Weather, Climate and Society | 10 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 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.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Examples of the destinations of our graduates are:
- UK Met Office
- MeteoGroup (London)
- Weathernews UK Ltd (Aberdeen and Japan)
- The Weather Services International (Birmingham)
- and PhD studies in various universities
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.