Physics with Meteorology

Physics with meteorology brings together two of the most rigorous and practically significant of all the physical sciences. Physics provides the fundamental laws and mathematical framework through which all natural phenomena, including the behaviour of the atmosphere, can be understood. Meteorology applies those principles to the study of the atmosphere and the weather systems it produces, from local short-term forecasting to the global dynamics of climate.

At a time when understanding and predicting the behaviour of the atmosphere has never been more urgent, the combination of physics and meteorology offers a particularly powerful preparation for the challenges of the twenty-first century.

At the University of Edinburgh, this five-year programme develops deep physical understanding alongside specialist knowledge of atmospheric science and meteorology. You will study the core areas of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and mathematical methods, before developing expertise in atmospheric dynamics, numerical weather prediction, climate science, and the physical processes that govern the behaviour of the atmosphere and oceans. Edinburgh's research environment in atmospheric and earth sciences is strong, and you will be studying in a context where the science of the atmosphere is actively advanced.

The programme develops strong mathematical and computational skills alongside the physical intuition needed to understand complex atmospheric systems.

This full-time programme runs over five years and includes a year abroad, which allows you to experience physics and meteorology in a different academic and geographical context. Graduates go on to careers in meteorology and weather forecasting, climate science, environmental consultancy, renewable energy, government agencies, research, and academia. Many graduates also proceed to postgraduate research degrees, contributing to our understanding of the atmosphere and climate in a rapidly changing world.

The combination of rigorous physics training and applied atmospheric science makes for a degree with both intellectual depth and professional relevance.