Climate Physics

Do you want to combine very complex mathematical problems with the world around you and your physical interest? Learn more about the physical processes in both the atmosphere and the ocean? Or work on the actual processes and science behind environmental phenomena, like pollution (the plastic soup for instance) and global warming?

🔥Burning Questions: Climate Physics

Address the climate system as a whole 

Our two-years Master’s research programme in Climate Physics offers you a unique combination of theoretical courses and practical training in all aspects of the Earth’s climate.  

Our researchers study the system from a fundamental point of view, focusing on describing as well as understanding the physical processes at the heart of observed phenomena.  

You’ll study the physics, dynamics, and chemistry of the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere – as well as explore their interactions. The programme provides you 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. 

Highly skilled researcher 

The programme 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.

Why Utrecht? 

• Use our state-of-the-art atmospheric chemistry and physics labs and participate in a sea-going scientific expedition or spend a semester abroad.
• Thrive in a challenging, collegial, and informal environment in which students and staff develop strong connections. 
• Be part of the largest science faculty in the Netherlands and the elite research institute IMAU.
• Gain a unique understanding of climatology through the combination of in-depth scientific research with an international point-of-view.