Physics with Climate Science

The laws of physics govern the behaviour of the sea and atmosphere and their interactions with the land. Climate science is the study of all these, the natural and human-induced processes that drive environmental changes, and their effect on our living planet. In this degree, you’ll cover a range of climate and environmental topics, alongside the fundamentals of physics and maths.

As a Physics with Climate Science student, you will acquire an appreciation of the scope and impact of modern physics and the use of mathematics, computing and experimentation to solve important real-world problems, and develop specialised knowledge in climate science.

All our Physics students study the same core of physics and maths, based on the Institute of Physics (IOP) `fundamental areas of physics’. This includes classical mechanics, waves and fields, electromagnetism, special relativity, thermodynamics, quantum and atomic physics.

By choosing the Physics with Climate Science degree you will study these alongside specialist climate science options and take part in research projects covering the major areas of climate science research. The School of Physics and Astronomy hosts the Earth Observation Science (EOS) research group and the headquarters of the National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO). We are an international hub for Earth observation research, using sophisticated instruments in space and in the atmosphere to understand some of today’s greatest challenges such as climate change and air pollution.

Our three-year BSc degrees provide an excellent route to a very wide range of careers in industry and business

Our four-year MPhys degrees are aimed at students considering a career or further training in scientific research

Transfer between BSc and MPhys degrees is possible during your first and second years (subject to meeting the required end-of-year mark). It is also possible to transfer between different Physics degrees as long as you have taken the required number of options. Staff in the School will be available to offer help and advice.