Master's Programme in Physics – Meteorology

For this specialisation in Physics we suggest a selection of courses in meteorology. However, it is of course possible to change some courses (both within and outside physics) to construct your own Master's programme according to your interest and career plan.

Year 1

The courses you will take in your first year gives you a solid theoretical meteorological background. The first course, Atmospheric Physics, covers the governing principles of motions in the atmosphere, cloud physics and atmospheric thermodynamics. This is followed by courses in Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics in parallel with a course in Climate Variations.

The second semester starts with a course in applied meteorology, for example, Air Pollution and Dispersion, Wind Power Applications, and Societal Applications of Climate Information. In addition, you also study climatology and methods to analyse the climate, as well as a course digging deeper into simulations of the weather and climate.

Year 2

The second year starts with a course in atmospheric turbulence and its importance for local and global weather. It also deals with local circulation, atmospheric convection and effects of terrain on the local meteorology.

You can also take a course in Experimental Boundary-layer Meteorology, to learn practical research-grade field measurements and discussing cutting-edge research.

During this year, you also work on your degree project (usually 5 months full-time, 30 credits). This can be done in one of our research groups, focusing on e.g. boundary-layer meteorology, air-sea interaction, air-water gas exchange or polar meteorology. Another possibility is to seek degree projects outside the university e.g. at a company or governmental agency. It all depends on your own interest and your career plan.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the specialisation.

During the two-year programme, you will apply your background in physics to the field of the cosmos. No prior knowledge of astronomy is required and you choose from a wide range of courses according to your interests and career plan.

Our teachers are active researchers and the courses closely follow current developments in astrophysics.

During a typical week, you will have about 8-10 hours of scheduled classroom time. The majority of time is thus spent studying on your own or in a study group outside the classroom. You can also choose to conduct research projects. They are a lot like thesis work, only shorter in duration, and are an excellent way into a new research field and research group.

Classes are typically small, ranging from a few students up to about 20. This gives you close contact with the teachers as well as your fellow students. Our teaching is in English as the student group is international.

Instruction consists of lectures, teacher-supervised tuition, and guidance in conjunction with laboratory work. The forms of examination vary depending on the course content and design. Final exams are more common for theoretical courses, although many tutors have continuous examinations during the course, such as group discussions and hand-in exercises.

With a Master's degree in physics, you will be qualified for PhD studies in physics. Many of our physics Master's students continue as PhD students, at Uppsala University or elsewhere in the world. You will also have the opportunity to work with research and development (R&D) at various companies and public authorities.

Our previous graduates work at, for example, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), and wind power companies and universities (domestic and abroad). Job titles include operational forecaster, consultant and PhD student/researcher, etc.

Your mathematical competence and analytical problem-solving skills trained during your studies will make you an attractive recruit. Depending on the courses you take and the specialisation you choose, there are many other career opportunities in special areas, both within and outside the field of physics. For example, you may find employment as a company consultant, project manager in R&D, or as a specialist in banking, insurance or research organisations.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.