Meteorology and Climate Science helps us to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s atmosphere. This is a matter of extraordinary national and international importance and the demand for knowledge and practical skills in atmospheric science is increasing. Climate change, air pollution and severe meteorological events are crucial environmental issues and the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds offers one of the few UK degrees that focuses entirely on Meteorology and Climate Science. The programme is underpinned by the international research excellence of the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science (ICAS) and the work of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), both based in the School.

Applicants for this degree should demonstrate a strong background in the physical sciences. The programme provides you with fundamental scientific methodology in mathematics, physics and chemistry to help you appreciate the complex behaviour of Earth's atmosphere and climate system. You will also acquire knowledge and skills in all the main branches of atmospheric science, including atmospheric physics, meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and climatology.

This degree programme is accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society, the professional and learned body for weather and climate scientists.  Accreditation is the key step in becoming a Chartered Meteorologist. This is an increasingly important professional qualification, reflecting the fact that your programme at Leeds teaches the full range of skills required for employment in meteorology and climate science.

Reasons to study Meteorology and Climate Science at Leeds

• Degrees are accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society
• Excellent employment statistics show more than 93% of our graduates employed six months after graduation
• Our four-year degree options add real value, offering a Study Year Abroad or a Year in Industry
• Flexible pathways through your degree accommodate your personal interests in water, environmental management or mathematics
• Research-led teaching covers the full breadth of meteorology and climate science and offers you a chance to work with top scientists involved in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, attend guest lectures and special seminars and explore exciting opportunities for project work
• Hands-on field training features accommodation and travel paid for by the School, plus experience of making atmospheric science measurements on our popular Arran field course

Why study Meteorology and Climate Science at Leeds?

The Meteorology and Climate Science BSc at Leeds is distinguished from more traditional, theoretical courses by its emphasis on developing your understanding of processes in the atmosphere and your ability to put that knowledge to practical use. Leeds students gain experience in weather forecasting and take field classes during each academic year that reinforce the research strengths of the School. This is a challenging and distinctive degree that equips you for a career in this important area of science.

During Year 2 you will have opportunities to acquire skills in particular areas of meteorology and climate science, and to maximise your employability in various aspects of the discipline. These specialist routes are supported by close links with our industrial partners, to ensure that the education we deliver prepares you for employment in a range of environmental careers.

Programme Options include a Study Year Abroad and a Year in Industry. Applicants can choose our Industrial option directly through UCAS; see the Year in Industry tab for more information and the appropriate UCAS code.

The International Study Year Abroad variant of this programme is the MEnv, BSc Meteorology and Climate Science (International), which has higher entry requirements and includes a year of study in the USA, Canada or Australia.

On graduation, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of climate change and meteorological issues that is valued by the Met Office and other commercial weather forecasting companies, the armed forces, the Environment Agency and public organisations such as local authorities.  Business and commercial interests, such as the insurance industry, also have vested interests in atmospheric science. Many students go on to further study in preparation for an academic or research career. Typically, our graduates pursue successful careers in meteorology, climate science and air quality control as well as in industry, commerce and government services, where knowledge of the atmosphere is increasingly essential to policy and decision making.

The School of Earth and Environment is one of the largest and most vibrant Schools in the country. Leeds is the only University that has brought together the full range of disciplines from Meteorology and Geophysics, through Environmental Science and Geology to Environmental Social Sciences.

Our £23.5 million building opened in April 2010 and includes state-of-the-art facilities for both teaching and research. Leeds is a Russell Group research-intensive University where you are sure to interact with staff who are at the cutting edge of world-class research in their fields and who will bring these skills into their teaching.  More information on our approach to learning and teaching can be found here.  

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