The University of Reading is home to the only dedicated meteorology department in the UK.
Our ground-breaking work is extending knowledge and enabling us to better predict the weather and climate.
Pioneering science
We're helping to understand climate change, improving our ability to anticipate extreme weather, and developing new tools to forecast space weather.
Through our teaching we are training a new generation of scientists. You will be part of a dynamic, world-leading department working with others to address some of the scientific problems that are most critical to our planet and society.
Global impact
- We are ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League 2023/24).
- In 2023, the University of Reading was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.
- The University has been awarded a 2021 Queen's Anniversary Prize in recognition of our world-leading research, teaching, stewardship and outreach on climate change.
- We are ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021).
- We are ranked 5th in the world for Atmospheric Science (ShanghaiRanking 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects).
- We are ranked 6th in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
- The University of Reading is the most represented organisation in the UK on the Reuters Hot List of the world’s top climate scientists 2021.
- Our climate scientists played a leading role in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which warns that damaging effects of climate change are already being seen across the globe.
- We gave the world climate stripes. Designed by Professor Ed Hawkins, the climate stripes present a compelling visualisation of how global temperatures have risen since the mid-19th century due to human-caused climate change. The stripes have been shared by the likes of Greta Thunberg and the United Nations, as well as thousands of others around the world.
World-leading experts
By choosing a meteorology course at Reading, you will join one of the largest academic communities of atmospheric, ocean and space physicists in the world.
Our internationally-renowned staff have expertise in a wide variety of topics, including:
- extreme weather (ranging from hurricanes to sting jets)
- long-term climate change
- atmospheric and space physics (spanning lightning to space weather)
- oceanography
- renewable energy.
Meteorology and Climate graduate Sabrina Lee interviews Professor Ed Hawkins in her role of Weather Presenter for the BBC.
This clip is property of the BBC.
Our research feeds directly into your learning, ensuring that the latest developments in meteorology and climate science are woven into your studies. For example, Dr Helen Dacre's research on predicting the dispersal of volcanic ash is incorporated into her second-year module Atmospheric Chemistry and Transport.
Professional accreditation
All of our undergraduate courses are approved by the Royal Meteorological Society as appropriate academic training for meteorologists seeking the qualification of Chartered Meteorologist (CMet).
Tailor your studies
Our courses have been designed with flexibility and choice in mind. They all feature compulsory modules, which teach you the core knowledge and understanding you will require, but you'll also be able to select from a wide range of optional modules. You can opt to study a broad range of topics or specialise in a particular area.
Placements and research projects
You'll have the chance to enhance your skills, experience and employability with placement opportunities and research projects.
Our dedicated staff will provide you with support and assistance in your pursuit of these opportunities.
Links with industry
We have strong working relationships with an impressive range of commercial and governmental organisations across the globe, including the Met Office, the Environment Agency, NASA, the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the European Space Agency, and the World Meteorological Organization.
These national and international relationships range from individual student projects to multi-year commercial research programmes.
Our industry partners also collaborate in the delivery of some of our taught modules, enabling you to learn from professionals in the field and gain insight into a variety of sectors, organisations and careers.
This approach ensures that the courses we offer are professionally relevant and informed by the latest practices.
Develop skills for your career
We teach you key scientific, mathematical and computing skills, and equip you with professionally relevant knowledge to enter the workforce or pursue a research career.
Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of areas within the meteorological, climate and related sectors, applying their skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- broadcast meteorology
- water resource management
- environmental consultancy
- flood modelling
- pollution prediction
- terrestrial and space weather forecasting.
Read the Royal Meteorological Society's careers brochure (PDF)
"If you're after a career in meteorology then this course is a must. I couldn't recommend it – and the Department – highly enough. The BSc Meteorology course is excellent, and is highly respected in the Met Office."
Paul Gunderson, BSc Meteorology – now a Chief Forecaster at the Met Office
An outstanding learning experience
Our excellent staff-to-student ratio enables us to take a personalised approach to your educational development. You'll benefit from more direct access to staff and in-depth academic discussion, which are both made possible due to small class sizes.
"Without doubt, the Department of Meteorology at Reading is one of the best and most recognised in the world. My degree was a great experience and kick-started my career."
Caroline Bain, BSc Meteorology – now International Development Manager at the Met Office
Our courses
Explore all aspects of meteorology and climate, from atmospheric science to oceanography. You'll learn how human behaviour impacts the weather and climate – and how our behaviour is influenced by them.
How you'll study
Learn from leading scientists through a combination of lectures, practicals and tutorial classes. You'll also have the opportunity to gain valuable fieldwork experience.
Life in the Department
Be part of a supportive and collaborative international community of students, staff and alumni. We are a small, specialist department, offering an excellent staff to student ratio.
