| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Mathematics |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A 2:1 degree or equivalent |
|---|---|
Overview
- Draw upon our unique expertise in quantitative modelling of Weather and Climate
- Study with experts who directly contribute to global understanding of climate change and climate systems, including leading authors for the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports
- Learn about the mathematical and physical fundamentals of weather and climate science
- Learn about mathematical modelling and statistical analysis, and gain valuable computational and data science skills
- Enhance your career opportunities and acquire the skills needed to secure relevant roles in many private and public bodies, businesses or government agencies.
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Prof. Andrew Gilbert talks about MSc Weather and Climate Science at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
18th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Wide range of exciting and high-impact research projects
Research expertise in climate modelling and statistics; control and dynamics; systems biology; astrophysical fluid flows and number theory
1st in the UK for Climate Action
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
18th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Wide range of exciting and high-impact research projects
Research expertise in climate modelling and statistics; control and dynamics; systems biology; astrophysical fluid flows and number theory
1st in the UK for Climate Action
Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a mathematics, science or engineering subject, with significant mathematics content to include a good working knowledge of differential equations and vector calculus.
Requirements for international students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This course is designed for students who have a good mathematics background. You do not need a Mathematics degree and a degree in another science such as Engineering/Natural Sciences/Physics is appropriate.
You should have a reasonable range of mathematical knowledge and some computational experience from your degree programme. A good working knowledge of vector calculus and differential equations is essential so you can engage fully with the core modules we offer on fluid dynamics and climate change.
You don't need a background in fluid dynamics and atmospheric science, as we will introduce you to fundamental models during your studies.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Modules | ||
| MTHM051 | Fundamentals of Weather and Climate Science | 15 |
| MTHM007 | Engaging with Research | 15 |
| MTHM021 | Advanced Mathematics Project | 60 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The remaining 90 credits can be made up from the following groups of options: Take 15-30 credits | ||
| MTHM019 | Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans | 15 |
| MTH3030 | Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 |
| Take 0-30 credits | ||
| MTHM501 | Working with Data | 15 |
| MTHM502 | Introduction to Data Science and Statistical Modelling | 15 |
| MTHM506 | Statistical Data Modelling | 15 |
| Take 15-30 credits | ||
| MTHM023 | Modelling the Weather and Climate | 15 |
| MTHM052 | Mid-Latitude Weather Systems | 15 |
| Take 15-30 credits | ||
| MTHM033 | Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 |
| MTH3044 | Bayesian Data Modelling | 15 |
| MTHM503 | Applications of Data Science and Statistics | 15 |
| MTHM017 | Advanced Topics in Statistics | 15 |
| MTHM505 | Data Science and Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 |
| Take up to 30 credits of options (NB: Not all GEOM/BIOM modules will be available each year) | ||
| NSC3009 | Aerosols, Clouds and Climate | 15 |
| MTHM008 | Computational Modelling | 15 |
| MTHM018 | Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 15 |
| MTHM031 | Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows | 15 |
| BIOM568 | Blue Planet | 15 |
| GEOM141 | Global Challenges | 15 |
| GEOM143 | Global Systems Thinking | 15 |
| MTHM030 | Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence | 15 |
| MTHM045 | Space Weather and Plasmas | 15 |
| MTHM062 | Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems | 15 |
| MTHM063 | Uncertainty Quantification | 15 |
| Take up to 30 credits of options (NB: Not all GEOM/BIOM modules will be available each year) | ||
| MTHM054 | Climate Change Science and Solutions | 15 |
| GEOM144 | Innovation and the Science-Policy Interface | 15 |
| GEOM145 | Theory for Sustainable Transitions | 15 |
| GEOM148 | Green Consultants | 15 |
| ECMM461 | High Performance Computing | 15 |
| PHLM011 | Data Governance and Ethics | 15 |
| Any related university level 3 or level M module subject to Director approval' | ||
| Free choice | 15 | |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
- £12,600 full-time
International fees per year:
- £28,600 full-time
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Scholarships
We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.
This MSc provides an outstanding opportunity to come and study with some of world’s experts in climate and weather at a leading university, in a beautiful location. It is an ideal foundation for a career in topics that are both intellectually exciting and of enormous importance to society.
Prof. Geoffrey Vallis
Mathematics
Teaching and research
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself through our dissertation module. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners, who work closely with bodies such as the Met Office and Hadley Centre based here in Exeter.
Assessment
Modules are either assessed by coursework only, or a mixture of coursework and an exam. The project entails a short initial report or project proposal of around 1,000 words, an assessed presentation and a dissertation of 10,000 to 20,000 words. This is assessed by your supervisor and a second marker.
Careers
Mathematical Modelling underpins many areas of research and a degree in this area can open careers in a huge range of research and development roles. Your specialism will be relevant to any government agencies such as the Met Office, companies and other enterprises concerned with our weather and climate, from crop production to energy suppliers, to environmental and health consultants.
For many students this masters course leads to further in-depth academic research and study such as gained by taking a PhD degree in Exeter or elsewhere.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
