Master's Programme in Physics – Meteorology and Climate Physics

Are you interested in weather, forecasting, climate and climate change? Then meteorology and climate physics is the right choice for you. You will gain both deep and broad knowledge in these areas and be prepared for a job as, for example, a forecast meteorologist or advisor for companies with weather-dependent activities. You will also be well prepared to embark on doctoral studies or an international career.

Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

2 September 2024

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 75 credits in physics.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.

Fees

If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

About the programme

This specialisation lets you apply your background in physics on the atmosphere. You will study different aspects of meteorology such as atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, climate variations and climate change. You will learn meteorology on both local and global scale and gain skills in applied meteorology e.g. wind-power calculations and dispersion of pollutants. We also offer courses in numerical modelling of the atmosphere and practical meteorology, a hands-on course in forecast methodology.

During the programme, you can expect to

apply your background in physics on the atmosphere and learn meteorology on both local and global scale,
study forecast methodology or choose a more theoretical direction,
specialise in your particular area of interest.

This programme is developed in coordination with various research groups at Uppsala University. Our teachers are active researchers and the courses are linked to the frontline of physics research.

The open structure of the programme provides you with many opportunities to broaden your educational scope and to specialise in your particular area of interest. It is concluded with a 5-month individual research degree project, in cooperation with a research group at a university, in industry or at a public authority.

Student profile

You are naturally curious about how the world works and realise that formulating a question can be just as important as finding the answer. You have a good theoretical foundation in both physics and mathematics. Furthermore, you have experience in using the foundation to analyse data or create computer-based models to solve problems.

A PhD education is a distinct possibility in your future so you would value coming in close contact with current research and prominent researchers in the field. So, if you are searching for the answer, a Master's degree in physics from Uppsala University might be exactly what takes you there.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Physics as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

Content

Depending on whether you have meteorology from your undergraduate degree or not, we suggest different arrangements. The content below is a recommended outline for the programme.

Year 1

Semester 1, for students without meteorology/climate physics

During the first semester, you get a solid theoretical meteorological background that starts with the course Atmospheric and Climate Physics. Courses in advanced atmospheric dynamics follow in parallel with a course on radiation in the atmosphere.

Semester 1, for students with meteorology/climate physics

In the first semester, you build on your undergraduate degree by immersing yourself in a course on atmospheric turbulence. You can then select from a range of 5 credit courses (see the study plan, year 2 semester 1).

Semester 2

The second semester begins with a course in meteorological applications which is followed by advanced courses. During this semester you will also study climatology or choose to delve into dynamic systems and chaos.

Year 2

Semester 3, for students without meteorology/climate physics

The second year begins with a course in atmospheric turbulence. During the second half of the semester, you have the opportunity to start a degree project or e.g. further studies of modelling or learn more about climate variations. We offer a number of 5 credits courses during this period that we recommend (see the study plan).

Semester 3, for students with meteorology/climate physics

You have several options but we offer a course in Experimental Boundary Layer Meteorology during the first half of the semester. You can then choose between a number of different 5 credits courses (see study plan). There is also the option of starting a degree project of 45 credits. Semester 3 can also be a good choice for exchange studies.

Semester 4

During the last semester, you will immerse yourself with a degree project. Here there is the opportunity to work with researchers within the university or to find a degree project for example with a company or authority. This depends on your interest and future career.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the specialisation.

Learning experience

During a typical week, you will have about 8-10 hours of scheduled classroom time. The majority of time is thus spent studying on your own or in a study group outside the classroom. You can also choose to conduct research projects. They are a lot like thesis work, only shorter in duration, and are an excellent way into a new research field and research group.

Classes are typically small, ranging from a few students up to about 20. This gives you close contact with the teachers as well as your fellow students. Our teaching is in English as the student group is international.

Instruction consists of lectures, teacher-supervised tuition, and guidance in conjunction with laboratory work. The forms of examination vary depending on the course content and design. Final exams are more common for theoretical courses, although many tutors have continuous examinations during the course, such as group discussions and hand-in exercises.

The programme takes place in Uppsala.

Career

With a Master's degree in physics, you will be qualified for PhD studies in physics. Many of our physics Master's students continue as PhD students, at Uppsala University or elsewhere in the world. You will also have the opportunity to work with research and development (R&D) at various companies and public authorities.

Our previous graduates work at, for example, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), wind power companies and universities (domestic and abroad). Job titles include operational forecaster, consultant and PhD student/researcher, etc.

Your mathematical competence and analytical problem-solving skills trained during your studies will make you an attractive recruit. Depending on the courses you take and the specialisation you choose, there are many other career opportunities in special areas, both within and outside the field of physics. For example, you may find employment as a company consultant, project manager in R&D, or as a specialist in banking, insurance or research organisations.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.