MSci Meteorology and Oceanography

About this course

How does our atmosphere work? How do scientists predict the weather? What is our impact on the Earth’s climate system? How do oceans work and how do they interact with our atmosphere?

Explore how it all links together with this unique four-year degree that brings together two disciplines. Together they’re essential for understanding the Earth’s climate system, our impact upon it, and how to make predictions about weather and climate.

You will be taught jointly by our Environmental Sciences and Mathematics departments. Both are highly ranked for research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework we were ranked first in the UK for the impact of our world-leading research in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher REF2014 Analysis), so you’ll benefit from our academics’ diverse and world-class expertise.

Course profile

The University of East Anglia is currently the only University in the UK where it is possible to study these two specialist subjects side-by-side in a combined degree format. The course is designed to provide you with a deeper insight into how the atmosphere and oceans work and interact. This approach gives you a detailed understanding of the Earth's climate system, alongside the impact of human society on the atmospheric and oceanic systems.

This four-year degree course is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and by the Royal Meteorological Society.

Because the degree programme is taught jointly between the Schools of Environmental Sciences and Mathematics, you will have an opportunity to choose from a range of module options, enabling you to pursue either a wide portfolio of subjects or specialise in a particular area. You'll also study advanced, Masters-level modules in your final year and complete an in-depth research project.

Field courses in Oceanography and Meteorology provide you with valuable hands-on experience designing experiments and working with scientific instrumentation. You will also benefit from our own in-house weather forecasting company, Weatherquest, which provides valuable teaching support and an opportunity to spend a week working in order to gain commercial awareness of the meteorological industry.

Some of our Meteorology and Oceanography students have also gained valuable experience on research cruises whilst conducting the fieldwork for their final year project.

Course structure

In your first three years, you’ll follow the same course structure as the BSc Meteorology and Oceanography programme. In your final year you’ll study a range of Master’s level modules, as well as completing a substantial piece of independent research on a topic that matches your interests.

Year 1

You’ll learn the general scientific principles governing our environment in modules including Understanding the Dynamic Planet and Atmosphere & Oceans. You’ll also take multi-disciplinary modules from the wider Faculty of Science to help you develop essential analytical skills, including Maths for Scientists and Field Skills.

Year 2

In your second year you’ll take a range of compulsory scientific modules, including Meteorology and Ocean Circulation. And you’ll continue to develop your expertise in mathematical theory through the Mathematics for Scientists module. The optional meteorological field course gives you the chance for hands-on study in the Lake District.

Year 3

In your third-year research project you’ll investigate a specialist area in professional depth with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor. Alongside this you’ll choose from a range of modules on oceans and the atmosphere, looking at the climate system and atmospheric or marine physics. You’ll also get the chance to choose a module from another science school.

Year 4

In your final year you’ll carry out a substantial piece of independent research in a topic that matches your interests. Alongside this you’ll choose from a range of optional advanced Master’s level modules.

Teaching and learning

Teaching

You will be taught by leading meteorologists and oceanographers through a combination of lectures, practicals and field trips. Around 30-35% of your time will be spent in lectures, seminars, practicals and fieldwork, amounting to around 15-18 contact hours per week, with the remaining 65-70% on independent study.

In the lectures you’ll learn essential analytical skills, mathematical techniques, and discover how the atmosphere and oceans work and interact with each other to shape our climate.

Field courses and practical classes will be integral to your training and you’ll learn a variety of practical techniques using specialist equipment in the field. Some of our past field trips have been to Slapton, the Lake District and Oban.

Independent study

You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.

This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and analytical thinker. You will develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well-versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree you will be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.

Assessment

We will use various assessment methods across the different modules, ranging from 100% coursework to 100% examination. In most modules the assessment is weighted 67% examination and 33% coursework – although skills-based and field modules are assessed by 100% coursework.

Coursework assessment methods include essays, written discussions, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, field exercises, field notebooks and seminar presentations.

Study abroad or placement year

We also offer a BSc Meteorology and Oceanography with a Year in Industry, where you spend your third year on an industrial placement. This ensures you graduate with relevant work experience, putting you one step ahead of other students.

Another option is the MSci Meteorology and Oceanography with a Year Abroad, giving you the chance to experience other cultures and learn different aspects of Meteorology and Oceanography at a partner university.