Climate Physics

Overview

Highly Skilled Researcher

The Master’s programme in Climate Physics  at Utrecht University  trains you to be a highly skilled researcher by focusing on the fundamental physical processes that make up the Earth’s climate system. The  complex nature of the work requires advanced mathematical skills right from the start. 

You will build on this foundation by adding specialised theoretical, observational, and computational knowledge and skills relating to the atmosphere, meteorology, oceans, cryosphere (ice), and biosphere. Moreover, your instructors will encourage you to develop a critical attitude towards your research results and your underlying assumptions.

Teaching staff

Our teaching staff include leading experts from the five research fields encompassed by the Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht (IMAU):

• Ocean Circulation and Climate

• Physical Oceanography of the Coastal Zone

• Atmospheric Dynamics and the Hydrological Cycle

• Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry

• Ice and Climate

Programme Objective

The MSc in Climate Physics is a two-year research Master’s programme that provides students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate the fundamental physical processes that regulate the Earth’s climate system, including the dynamics of the planet’s atmosphere, ocean, and climate.

Career Prospects

Graduates receive the title of Master of Science (MSc) in Climate Physics. Most graduates find PhD positions at the Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht (IMAU) or at other institutes in the Netherlands and abroad. 

The analytical and computing skills and critical academic attitude towards research acquired during this Master’s programme are valued outside the academic world as well.

Professional Careers 

Of our graduates who elect to pursue professional careers, 10% find employment in operational meteorology and the remaining 40% find employment in other careers.

The last category includes such positions as an ABN AMRO bank trainee, a Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) researcher, and a high school teacher. These examples demonstrate that you’ll be able to apply the academic skills you acquire in a variety of professions and career paths.

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.