These pages describes postgraduate degrees offered in Meteorology at the University of Reading. There are three types of postgraduate degree. The first type is a higher degree by research, leading to the degree of PhD or MPhil. The second type is a taught course leading to an MSc or a postgraduate Diploma. The third type is a Masters in Research (MRes) which is a new degree aiming to provide a background in research methods in preparation for a research career. You should read this booklet in conjunction with the University's Postgraduate Prospectus, which gives fuller details of general University facilities and such topics as English language entrance requirements. Copies of the Postgraduate Prospectus and Application Forms can be obtained by writing to either the Department (for contact names and addresses, see University of Reading page). Direct enquiries about any aspect of the courses are always welcomed.
COURSE AIMS. To provide a training in research into meteorological science leading to the presentation of a thesis containing original findings in a particular aspect of the field.
CAREER POTENTIAL. Most of our research postgraduates pursue a career in scientific research. This may be in universities, research institutes, meteorological services or in private industry. The research pursued is often in meteorology but can also be in diverse aspects of fluid dynamics, environmental measurements and computation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. Prior knowledge of meteorology is not essential. A 1st or upper 2nd class degree in mathematics, physics or a closely related physical or environmental science is required. For overseas applicants, an equivalent level of first degree is expected.
OFFERS. Official offers will be issued by the University's Faculty of Science Office. The offer may be conditional on meeting certain requirements such as standard of degree (for those who have yet to graduate), funding and English proficiency.
REGISTRATION. All students will be initially registered for Higher Degree by Research. Before the end of 2 years in the Department this registration will be transferred to either MPhil or PhD. An MPhil degree involves a less ambitious research project than for a PhD and it is usually completed within 2 years.
COURSE OUTLINE. The course runs for either 2 years leading to an MPhil or 3 years leading to a PhD. As many of our research students have little prior knowledge in meteorological science, the first two terms are normally partly occupied by taking a selection of MSc/Diploma lecture courses (see pages 7-10). Individual research students also take a full part in the academic life of the Department including participation in a journal club, seminars, current weather discussion, etc. There may also be opportunities to take undergraduate tutorials or act as a laboratory demonstrator. Most research students attend at least 1 summer school and 1 conference in their field, or a related one, during the 3 year period. Whilst students will have a close relationship with their supervisors, we also have a system whereby each student has a supervisory committee to monitor overall progress. Most of our research students are full-time and resident in Reading but we also have part-time and/or non-resident students who, for example, work away from Reading in a meteorological service or research institute.
Research topics are available in a wide range of subjects. Current interests of staff members fall into the following broad categories:
COURSE AIMS. To provide the scientific background needed for work in all branches of applied meteorology with emphasis on the study of the interaction between the atmosphere and ecosphere.
CAREER POTENTIAL. We expect the course to qualify you for work in the following types of post:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. Prior knowledge of meteorology is not necessary. The normal requirement for the course is a good honours degree in a physical, environmental or engineering science. 'A' level physics and/or mathematics or their equivalent may also be required depending on the content of the undergraduate courses. Students with other qualifications may be admitted subject to a satisfactory performance in a preparatory (ad hoc) course in the preceding year.
OFFERS. Official offers will be issued by the University's Faculty of Science Office. The offer may be conditional on meeting certain requirements such as standard of degree (for those who have yet to graduate), funding and English proficiency.
REGISTRATION. All students will be initially registered for MSc/Diploma.Final allocation to either the MSc or Diploma will be on the basis of their performance in examinations and course-assessed work prior to the Summer Term.
COURSE OUTLINE: The course runs annually for 12 months beginning from October; it can also be taken part-time over two years. Practical work in laboratories and in computing is included in several component courses. Course work, examinations and dissertation contribute to the final assessment.
The following is the course structure for 1995/96. The details are subject to some variation from year to year.
Term 1. Introductory Modules (all compulsory):
Modules include :
Atmospheric Chemistry, Atmospheric Physics, Current Weather Discussion, Global Ecology, Introduction to Computing, Introduction to Weather Systems, Measurements and Instrumentation, Presentation Skills.
Term 2. Advanced Modules with some choice of topics:
Compulsory
Applications of Meteorology, Current Weather
Optional Modules (choose any 6)
Agricultural Meteorology, Climate Change , Energy Engineering , Hydrometeorology , Micrometeorology , Problem Solving with Models , Remote Sensing from surface and space , Statistical Climatology , Tropical Weather Systems .
Term 3: Field experiment (energy and water budgets); 1-week weather forecasting course; preparation of a dissertation (for MSc students) or extended essays (for Diploma students) on a meteorological topic of the student's choice, to be completed by 31 August.
COURSE AIMS. To provide a quantitative description of the physical processes which generate weather systems, of the ways in which weather systems combine to form climates, and of the techniques used to simulate weather systems and global climate on computers.
CAREER POTENTIAL. We expect the course to qualify you for work in the following areas:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. Prior knowledge of meteorology is not necessary. A 1st or 2nd class degree in physics, mathematics or a closely related subject is required. Admission to the Diploma may be possible with slightly lower qualifications. Students with other qualifications may be admitted subject to a satisfactory performance in a preparatory (ad hoc) course in the preceding year.
OFFERS. Official offers will be issued by the University's Faculty of Science Office. The offer may be conditional on meeting certain requirements such as standard of degree (for those who have yet to graduate), funding and English proficiency.
REGISTRATION. All students will be initially registered for MSc/Diploma.They will be allocated to either the MSc or Diploma on the basis of their performance in examinations and course-assessed work prior to the Summer Term.
COURSE OUTLINE. The course runs annually for 12 months beginning from October; it can also be taken part-time over two years. Practical work in laboratories and in computing is included in several component courses. Course work, examinations and dissertation contribute to the final assessment.
The following is the course structure for 1995/96. The details are subject to some variation from year to year.
Term 1. Introductory Modules (all compulsory):
Atmospheric Chemistry , Atmospheric Physics , Current Weather Discussion , Fluid Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Oceans , Introduction to Numerical Modelling, Introduction to Weather Systems, Presentation Skills.
Term 2. Advanced Modules with some choice of topics:
Compulsory:
Atmospheric Analogues Laboratory, Current Weather Discussion.
Optional modules (choose any 6)
Boundary Layer Meteorology , Climate Change , Extratropical Weather Systems , Global Atmospheric Circulation , Hydrometeorology , Numerical Modelling of the Atmosphere , Oceanography , Remote Sensing from Surface and Space , Tropical Weather Systems .
Term 3: Preparation of a dissertation (for MSc students) or extended essays (for Diploma students) on a meteorological topic of the student's choice, to be completed by 31 August; 1-week weather forecasting course.
BACKGROUND. The Masters in Research course is a new one, starting in the academic year 1995/96 which is offered by Reading's Centre for Earth and Atmospheric Science (CEAS). CEAS is formed from a consortium of the University's Departments of Meteorology, Soil Science, Postgraduate Research Institude for Sedimentology and Geography (Physical Section).
COURSE AIMS. To provide a thorough training in technical research methods and transferable skills which are required for a career in environmental research.
CAREER POTENTIAL. The degree will provide an entry year course for those who wish to go on and study for a PhD in environmental science (although it must be noted that the MRes is not currently a pre-requisite for PhD study). It is also intended as a higher degree qualification for those intending to enter the environmental science industry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. Prior knowledge in earth and atmospheric science is not required. A 1st or upper 2nd class degree in a physics, mathematics or earth sciences is required. Students intending to study some meteorology options may require a substantive mathematical background from their undergraduate degree.
OFFERS. Official offers will be issued by the University's Faculty of Science Office. The offer may be conditional on meeting certain requirements such as standard of degree (for those who have yet to graduate), funding and English proficiency.
REGISTRATION. All students will be initially registered for MSc/Diploma.They will be allocated to either the MSc or Diploma on the basis of their performance in examinations and course-assessed work prior to the Summer Term.
COURSE OUTLINE. The course runs annually for 12 months beginning from October. Practical work in laboratories and in computing is included in several courses. Course work, examinations and dissertations contribute to the final assessment.
The course is divided into core MRes options in:
These courses will be taught between October and May.
In addition, students will choose eight specialist options drawn from Masters courses offered by the CEAS departments. The meteorology options are listed under our MSc courses in Applied and Agricultural Meteorology page, and the Weather, Climate, and Modelling page.
In term3 (May to August) students will concentrate on a chosen research topic. The first part of the dissertation will report on the results of a study involving a combination of literature review, field or laboratory work and/or computer analysis. The second part will be a fully planned and costed research proposal for a follow-on project.
Research Council Studentships. We receive a number of Research Studentships, which are generally for three years to support students registered for higher degree by research, and Advanced Course Studentships, which are for one year and are for the MSc/Diploma Courses. Most of these studentships are from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); the Department applies for these studentships on your behalf. They are allocated on a competitive basis; this means, in practice, that only students with first or upper second class degrees are likely to receive grants, although the MSc (but not MRes) Course Studentships are, technically available for lower second class degrees. The NERC Studentships are open to British students (and cover fees and maintenance grant) and students from other European Community countries (but cover fees only, unless already resident in the UK). Each Advanced Course Studentship may be split into two half-studentships to help students who have partial funding from other sources.
NERC Studentships are not available to those from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, for whom separate arrangements exist; details can be supplied on request.
Other sources of funding. Many overseas students are either funded by their own Government, by bodies such as the World Meteorological Organization and the British Council, or by private finance. A small number of scholarships are also available to students from India and from other developing Commonwealth countries; see the Postgraduate Prospectus for further details. For private funding, the University requires guarantees that funds are available to cover both fees and maintenance. In October 1995, the total amount was 7,500 for European Community students and 14,000 for students from elsewhere; these figures are revised each year. In general, the responsibility for finding suitable funding lies with the student. Unlike in the United States, the University has no teaching assistant or scholarship scheme. A University leaflet A Short Guide to Scholarship Sources for Overseas Students is available on request.
Application Forms are available from either the Department or the Faculty of Science Office. Completed application forms should be returned to the Faculty of Science Office (see the enquiries page ), as described on the Form. UK students will normally be invited to attend an Open Day/Interview. You should make clear which of the courses you are applying for. However, if you are uncertain which of the MSc/Diploma courses is most suitable to your needs, or would like to be considered for both, you should apply for only one course but note on the application form your possible interest in the other. If candidates wish to apply for either MSc/Diploma and the MRes they must submit a separate MRes application form.
Enquiries are always welcomed.
Enquiries concerning the academic content of the courses, the availability of Natural Environment Research Council Studentships, and academic entrance qualifications should be addressed to:
Department of Meteorology
Telephone: (01734) 318954 (UK); +44 1734 318954 (International)
Fax: (01734) 352604 (UK); +44 1734 352604 (International)
Telex: 847813
e-mail: phdinfo@met.reading.ac.uk
mscinfo@met.reading.ac.uk
mresinfo@met.reading.ac.uk
Enquires concerning financial conditions and English proficiency should be addressed to
The Sub-Dean
Telephone: (01734) 318343 (UK); +44 1734 318343 (International)
The Department takes part in an Inter-University Cooperation program (Link Scheme) with the Univ. of Wageningen in the Netherlands. The Link is supported by ERASMUS funding, and up to three MSc/Diploma students per year can spend 3 months of their year studying in Wageningen. This study period is used for project work and replaces the more usual dissertation. The scheme provides an excellent opportunity for experience in working abroad, and should be of particular interest to students with an interest in experimental meteorology or experimental data analysis. Further details can be obtained from Dr M.A. Pedder in the Dept of Meteorology.
The departments of Meteorology and Agricultural Botany collaborate with the Statistical Services Centre at Reading University to provide the CIAC course which takes place between July and September. The course provides ten weeks of intensive 'hands-on' training in the management and analysis of agricultural and climatic data using IBM compatible PCs. Participants develop competence in the use of different software packages and their applications to agroclimatic information. The course is geared for special problems faced in developing countries and is a most useful preliminary to research in a number of fields. The course is aimed at government officers, staff in meteorological and agricultural services and academic and research institutions' personnel involved with climatic and agroclimatic data. Further details may be obtained from:
Mrs Helen Stutley, Administrator
Tel: +44 1734 318025
Fax: +44 1734 753169
e-mail: statistics@reading.ac.uk