MSci Mathematics (Climate Science)
Please note: This page is for 2026 entry. Click here for 2027 entry.
| UCAS code | G103 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA-AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Why study MSci Mathematics (Climate Science) at Exeter?
- Develop your passion for mathematics and explore its applications in climate modelling, an essential part of our ability to understand and tackle global climate change
- Learn how different areas of mathematics, such as fluid dynamics, statistics and numerical computing, contribute to our understanding the Earth’s climate
- Option to take the ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year, allowing you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree
Discover Mathematics at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
92% of Mathematics graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22
Supportive department prioritising contact time between students and staff
When I visited on open days and offer holder visit days I knew that Exeter was the place for me – all the staff and students that I spoke to were so friendly and made me feel really welcome.
The course content also really appealed to me, especially the focus on Climate Science and the opportunity to really specialise.
Jess
Studying MSci Mathematics (Climate Science)
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA-AAB | GCE A-Level Maths grade A Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 36/666-34/665 | HL6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require GCE A-Level Maths grade A |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Mathematics subject area |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
International Foundation programmes
Preparation for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree:
Course content
The first year modules introduce you to the main areas of university-level Mathematics, with topics covered including Formal Mathematics and Proof, Analysis, Algebra, Calculus, Modelling, Probability and Statistics. Our Foundations of Mathematics module helps support background knowledge from A level, especially if you did not take Further Mathematics, and several modules help develop computer skills.
In your second year you can choose from a number of streams that develop your understanding of Real and Complex Analysis, Abstract and Linear Algebra, Applied Mathematical Modelling and Statistics. Optional modules give you the opportunity to learn about more specialised topics. Up to 30 credits of elective (free choice) modules can be taken from any discipline in the University subject to approval, pre-requisites, timetabling and availability.
As you move in to the third year you can choose from many advanced topics directly related Climate Science. You’ll also have the ability to choose from a wide variety of optional modules in advanced mathematics from across the department. Up to 30 credits of elective modules can be taken from any discipline in the University subject to approval, pre-requisites, timetabling and availability.
During your final year, in addition to masters-level advanced modules in the area of Fluid Dynamics, you will undertake an independent research project supervised by a member of academic staff. A large range of optional modules is available to choose from, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and reflecting the range of research interests of the department from algebra and number theory, through dynamical systems and fluid mechanics, to statistics, climate, biomedical and data science. Up to 30 credits of elective modules can be taken from any discipline in the University subject to approval, pre-requisites, timetabling and availability.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules
You must select 15-45 credits from Optional Module Group 1
You may select up to 30 credits of free choice modules at NQF Level 6 (Stage 3) or NQF Level 7 (Stage 4), which may include MTH3*** modules not already taken (excluding MTH3035). You must take at least 120 credits at NQF Level 7 in Stages 3 and 4 combined
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans | 15 | |
| Modelling the Weather and Climate | 15 | |
| MSci Project | 45 | |
MTHM019: Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans
This module lays the foundations for an understanding of large scale weather patterns and ocean circulation. It will introduce you to the kinds of dynamics that can occur in stratified and rotating fluids, and introduce key concepts, such as conservation and balance, that are used to understand and analyse such flows.
You will learn to explain, manipulate and analyse mathematical descriptions of different kinds of wave and vortical motion that can occur in stratified and rotating fluids. Furthermore, you will be able to explain the relevance of the mathematical descriptions to large scale motion of the atmosphere and oceans. You will study the application of a range of mathematical methods, including partial differential equations, vector calculus, fluid dynamics, and the use of small parameters to approximate and simplify problems. The material should develop your ability to relate physical problems to their mathematical formulation.
MTHM023: Modelling the Weather and Climate
This module introduces you to modelling the weather and climate by providing you with an overview of modern weather and climate computational models. Using hands-on computational case studies, you will explore key aspects of mathematical and computational modelling within a simpler model framework. You will look at climate physics in more detail, and study the predictability of the atmosphere.
Prerequisite module: MTH3001 Theory of Weather and Climate
This module will give an introduction to both complex and simple models of weather and climate. Simple models are useful for improving our understanding of the climate system; however, to make detailed predictions requires large and complicated numerical models. In order to have a thorough understanding of the outputs from these models, it is important to have a grounding in the techniques employed.
MTHM040: MSci Project
In this module, you will write an independent project with a substantial research element that will give you the chance to apply the mathematical and computational skills you have developed throughout your degree. Using your independent learning skills, you will undertake the project individually, under the supervision of an expert from the discipline specific to your MSci programme. There will be a range of potential projects to choose from, spanning the spectrum from theoretical problems to others more focused on the development of specialist computer programmes and packages.
The aim of the module is put into practice the knowledge you have acquired so far in your degree programme, and to engage you with modern scientific developments in a specialist field of study. You will gain experience of many aspects of research work. These will include: literature review; planning; experimentation and analysis; interpretation of results; technical report writing; and oral presentation. You will be able to exercise more autonomy on this research project than in more formal modules.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Transforming Energy Systems | 15 | |
| Global Challenges | 15 | |
| Theory for Sustainable Transitions | 15 | |
| Environmental Remote Sensing | 15 | |
| Coding for Spatial Analysis | 15 | |
| Drone Analysis and Geo-Visualisations | 15 | |
| Spatial Data Science | 15 | |
| Open Source GIS | 15 | |
| Systems Thinking and Positive Tipping Points | 15 | |
| Energy and Climate Policy | 15 | |
| Fractal Geometry | 15 | |
| Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing | 15 | |
| Advanced Topics in Mathematical and Computational Biology | 15 | |
| Representation Theory of Finite Groups | 15 | |
| Metric Number Theory and Diophantine Approximation | 15 | |
| Advanced Topics in Statistics | 15 | |
| Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 15 | |
| Algebraic Number Theory | 15 | |
| Algebraic Curves | 15 | |
| Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence | 15 | |
| Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows | 15 | |
| Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 | |
| Space Weather and Plasmas | 15 | |
| Ergodic Theory | 15 | |
| Mid-latitude Weather Systems | 15 | |
| Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems | 15 | |
| Uncertainty Quantification | 15 | |
| Statistical Data Modelling | 15 | |
| Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 | |
This course is accredited to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £30,100 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
All our degrees involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops and tutorials. Most modules in mathematics involve three one-hour lectures per week, so you typically have 12 lectures per week. In the first year there are tutorial classes for each module every fortnight, except for modules involving computing or project work. Thus in the first year you would typically have around 16 contact hours per week. In the first term, the ‘Foundations’ module helps you with the transition from A level to university mathematics.
Private study and support
In addition to lectures and seminars, you should spend about 20 hours per week in private study. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics, and we advise you attempt all coursework problems, whether formally assessed or not. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services and you are encouraged to discuss mathematical problems or questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through lunchtime mathematics surgeries or our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.
Project and computer work
There are modules at all levels that involve project work and report writing, and the final year project is a major piece of research and writing that allows you to go into depth for a specific area under the guidance of a member of academic staff. You can choose from wide range of possible project topics each year, or negotiate a topic/title with a member of academic staff. Several of the modules develop skills to use a range of modern computer tools for working with data, programming or symbolic algebra as well as typesetting and presentation.
Elective modules
Once you have mastered the foundations, our mathematics programmes offer in later years a wide range of options within the programme. In addition to the named degrees with study abroad, professional experience and year in industry, you can take optional (called elective) modules from all over the university in years 2 and 3. These options are subject to your availability, having the appropriate background (pre-requisites) and certain programme constraints.
A research and practice led culture
You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising internationally-recognised mathematicians, scientists and practitioners active across a wide range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and applications. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest mathematical research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become actively involved in a research project yourself.
Assessment
Assessment for all degrees is through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are the more important part of the process, but the coursework helps you to work steadily throughout your degree. This is particularly important in Mathematics where the subject matter develops logically as the degree progresses. Written examinations for mathematics modules are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year. Some modules have tests, essays, presentations and/or project reports that contribute to the assessment.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
The mathematical modelling skills learnt through this degree underpin many areas of research and can lead to careers in a huge range of research and development roles. Your specialism will be especially relevant to any company concerned with our climate, from crop production to energy suppliers or environmental consultants.
Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates excel in specialist mathematical fields and across a broad range of other sectors. We offer a very wide range of opportunities for you to develop the skills employers are looking for.
You’ll be able to meet with local and national employers who regularly visit the university to engage with students, hosting mock interviews, CV workshops, drop-ins and lectures. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more about the day to day activities of their business and recruitment opportunities. Our Careers Service also host a wealth of employer activity, such as Careers Fairs, so you’ll never be short of chances to network with potential employers.
Professional experience
You have the choice to take an optional ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year. This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards the final year of your degree programme. Professional experience not only develops your CV but helps you to determine your career aspirations.
Career paths
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Mathematics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Analyst Programmer
- Business Analyst
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Data Science Developer
- Investment Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
- Tax Manager
