What degrees can get you into a career in meteorology and climate?

Careers in meteorology and climate are incredibly diverse and go far beyond established roles such as weather forecasting or climate research. For instance, a lawyer working for a climate-focused charity is actively contributing to climate action just in a different way. 

To explore the full range of opportunities, check out our careers guides which showcase the many careers available in the field. 

 

What school subjects should I choose? 

To pursue a career in weather and climate, the subjects you choose at school can make a big difference especially if you're aiming for university courses in meteorology, climate science, or related fields. 

While weather and climate topics are most commonly taught through geography, it's not the only subject you'll need to pursue a degree in meteorology or a closely related field at university. 

Essential or Highly Recommended A-level/Higher subjects 

These are often required or strongly preferred for degrees in meteorology, atmospheric science, or climate-related fields: 

  1. Mathematics
  • Develop skills in data analysis, statistical reasoning and problem solving
  • Learn to work with algebra and equations - essential for understanding atmospheric models and scientific processes.
  • Strengthens your ability to tackle complex scientific problems.
  • Helpful if you want to specialize in modelling or research.
  1. Physics 
  • Gain knowledge of energy transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
  • Experience hands-on scientific experimentation and investigation, ‘how science works’.
  • Understand the physical principles and laws behind the Earth-atmosphere system
  1. Geography
  • Explore spatial analysis, climate zones, and physical landscapes
  • Understand the interdependence between people and their natural environment
  • Gain experience in fieldwork techniques and environmental observation.
  • Get introduced to GIS
  • As a subject where extended answers are required, it is useful in developing written communication skills.  

 

Useful Supporting Subjects 

These can strengthen your application and prepare you for interdisciplinary roles: 

  1. Chemistry
  • Understand chemical reactions and the composition of the atmosphere
  • Learn about air pollution, greenhouse gases, and atmospheric chemistry
  • Develop lab skills and analytical thinking.
  1. Computer Science
  • Build skills in programming, algorithm design, and computational thinking.
  • Learn how to handle and analyse large datasets
  • Prepare for degrees involving coding and simulation tools.
  1. Environmental Science 
  • Gain a broader understanding of different systems, including ecosystems.
  • Learn about sustainability, environmental policy and  human impact on the planet.
  • Develop systems thinking and interdisciplinary analysis. 

 

Degree Pathways 

There are many routes into weather and climate careers and you're not limited to the degrees listed below. These examples represent the most directly related fields to the science of meteorology, but many other disciplines, especially those involving data skills like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and environmental analysis can also lead to meaningful roles in this space. 

 

The core degrees for a career in weather and climate: 

  1. Meteorology
  • The most direct route.
  • Focuses on atmospheric processes, weather forecasting, and climate systems.
  • Often includes radar analysis, satellite data, and modelling
  1. Atmospheric Science
  • Broader than meteorology.
  • Includes climate modelling, air pollution, and interactions between the atmosphere and other Earth systems.
  1. Climate Science
  • Specialises in long-term atmospheric trends and global climate change.
  • Often includes data analysis, modelling, and environmental policy. 

 

Related Degrees That Can Also Lead to Weather/Climate Careers: 

  1. Environmental Science
  • Covers climate change, sustainability, and ecological impacts.
  • Often includes climate-related modules and fieldwork.
  1. Geography (Physical Geography)
  • Includes modules like climatology, weather systems, and environmental change.
  • Explores the interaction between the climate system and people.
  • Often includes GIS (Geographic Information Systems) which is used to map and analyse spatial climate data.
  • Good for roles in education, policy, climate services or environmental consultancy.
  1. Physics or Applied Physics
  • Essential for modelling and understanding the dynamics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere and oceans, which underpin our ability to predict the weather and project future climate change.
  • Some examples of specific applications include atmospheric electricity, cloud physics etc.
  1. Mathematics or Statistics
  • Valuable for climate modelling and data analysis.
  • Essential for forecasting algorithms and uncertainty analysis.
  • Essential for risk analysis, particularly in the insurance sector.
  • Fundamental numerical and data skills are often incorporated in other courses.
  1. Computer Science or Data Science
  • Fundamental for climate modelling, simulations, and big data analysis.
  • Increasingly important for machine learning
  1. Geoscience or Earth Science
  • Includes climate system processes and paleoclimatology.
  • Useful for roles in research, policy, and environmental monitoring.
  1. Chemistry
  • Essential for work on air quality, understanding ozone loss, the creation, impact and removal of greenhouse gases, some indicators of climate change (e.g. ice cores) etc.