Meteorology and Oceanography (Master’s)

In this study programme, you will explore the ocean and the atmosphere through field measurements, experiments, theory and coding. With sought-after skills in today’s job market, you can address challenges related to climate change, extreme weather, ocean acidification and renewable energy.

What will you learn?

A Master’s degree in meteorology and oceanography provides a deep understanding of atmospheric and ocean dynamics through four specialised directions:

  • Meteorology encompasses the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere, meteorological measurements and weather forecasting, and explores numerical modelling.  
  • Physical oceanography encompasses the physics and dynamics of the ocean, including ocean currents, mixing and tides, from turbulence to the world's oceans.  
  • Marine biogeochemistry encompasses the chemical composition of the oceans, biogeochemical processes related to climate change, and the use of advanced methods for measurements and analyses.  
  • Climate dynamics encompasses the physical processes that control climate and climate change on different time scales, with a focus on numerical modelling and observations.
Student life

At the Geophysical Institute, you will become part of an engaging and inclusive student environment. Here, students collaborate across different academic years for assignments and exam preparations. Expect around six double sessions of lectures per week, along with computational exercises. 

Practical learning involves laboratory and data exercises, as well as exciting expeditions and fieldwork. Study spaces are available in the neighbuoring building at Allégaten 66 and at the University Library.

The institute has its own café with a beautiful garden where students gather, especially on warm days. The active student committee, Coriolis, organises both social and academic activities. At the Geophysical Institute, you will become part of the largest climate research community in the Nordic region, closely collaborating with major international companies.

Career

Your career opportunities will range from consulting firms to green innovation, research and education. You will be in demand for roles in advising, climate adaptation, renewable energy, insurance and weather forecasting. Our students are recruited by companies such as Multiconsult, Equinor and SINTEF, as well as institutions like the Institute of Marine Research, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Polar Institute. With this Master’s degree, you can proceed to a PhD programme, engage in research, communicate weather and climate information, or specialise in teaching.

Admission requirements and how to apply
Grade requirements: C (2.5)
Requires a minimum average grade of Norwegian grade C (2,5) or the equivalent, to be eligible for admission.

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.

• Citizens from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA have an application deadline January 4th.
• Citizens from within the EU/EEA/EFTA have an application deadline March 1st.
• Nordic citizens and applicants living in Norway have an application deadline April 15th.

The programme has main admissions in the autumn and supplementary admissions in the spring (application deadline 1 November), if all places are not filled in autumn.

Submission deadline for autumn semester: 15 April
Teaching language

Teaching language: Norwegian and English

Study structure

The Master’s programme in Meteorology and Oceanography has four study directions, as described above: Physical oceanography, Climate dynamics, Meteorology and Marine biogeochemistry. The programme spans two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn. During the first and second semesters, you will build specialised knowledge through mandatory and elective courses, totalling 60 ECTS. In the third and fourth semesters, the Master’s thesis will provide a unique opportunity to delve into a topic within a research area, with excellent guidance from your advisor. See the “study plan” section below for the four directions and specific choices of courses. 

See full list of courses 

Fields of study
Study abroad

Stays at educational institutions abroad are possible, for example through the ERASMUS programme. This must be arranged with the supervisor and be included in the Master’s agreement. It is also possible to write the Master’s thesis at UNIS in Svalbard.

Further studies

A Master’s degree in Meteorology and Oceanography provides formal eligibility for admission to the PhD programme and further research in meteorology, physical oceanography, climate dynamics and marine biogeochemistry.

Questions about the study?

Phone number: +47 55 58 30 30
E-mail: studierettleiar@gfi.uib.no
Study plan

A study plan is a formal document between you as a student and the University of Bergen. The study plan must provide a clear framework for the study, describe the learning goals you will achieve and how the study is structured.

Study plan for Master's Programme in Meteorology and Oceanography