Hands on experience and in-depth learning
The Master of Meteorology is a comprehensive Master’s degree, involving coursework and a research project. Learn about cloud physics, satellites, climatology, and numerical weather prediction.
Learn alongside scientists at New Zealand’s national weather forecasting organisation, MetService. You’ll gain a deep understanding of mid-latitude weather systems—particularly those in New Zealand and the Tasman Sea region.
The MMet usually runs every second year, and lets you apply for a Scholarship to gain work experience with MetService. If you receive the scholarship, you’ll need to work with MetService for a period of time once you've completed your MMet studies.
Who can study for this qualification
If you’re a physics or mathematics graduate interested in a career in meteorology, the MMet is ideal for you.
You may also be able to apply if your major is in another area as long as you have completed relevant maths and physics courses in your undergraduate degree.
How to apply
You apply for both the MMet and the scholarship directly through the University.
Contact us to find out more about how to apply for the programme, as well as eligibility and when the next programme will start.
What you’ll learn
The MMet involves professional training with MetService, and coursework. It also includes a research project supervised by MetService and the University.
Coursework
You’ll take five core Geophysics (Meteorology) courses that cover:
- mid-latitude weather systems
- radiation and thermodynamics
- cloud physics
- weather prediction
- climatology and remote sensing.
You’ll also choose two other advanced Geophysics courses, or an approved course from another discipline.
You’ll choose two additional Geophysics courses, or an approved course from another discipline.
Project
The 30-point research project gives you practical work experience with current meteorological issues, typically by using data supplied by MetService/Earth Science New Zealand.
You’ll be guided and supported by staff from MetService and the University.
How you’ll study
Learn in MetService’s teaching laboratories and get hands-on experience working with professional meteorologists.
You’ll also study with experts from Victoria University of Wellington, researching global and regional climates.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MMet degree shall have:
(i) completed a degree of a tertiary education institution in New Zealand or equivalent in Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics, or other relevant subject; and
(ii) been accepted by the Head of the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement 1(a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of Science for a candidate who is otherwise suitably qualified.
Qualification requirements
2. (a) The course of study for the MMet degree shall normally consist of courses worth 180 points, including:
(i) Project (GPHS 589);
(ii) GPHS 420–423, Numerical Weather Prediction (GPHS 425), Professional Weather Observing, Analysis and Synoptic Diagnosis (GPHS 520) and 521; and
(iii) 15 further points from GPHS 420–431 or a course approved by the head of school.
(b) Requirement 2(a)(i) may be waived by the associate dean for a candidate who has an appropriate research degree or equivalent research experience, allowing them to complete the MMet degree with 150 points.
3. (a) A candidate for the MMet degree shall normally enrol for at least 12 months and shall complete within three years of first enrolling.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in (a) or (b) in special cases.
Future careers
The MMet complies with the World Meteorological Association (WMO) Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists which qualifies you to work as a meteorologist in New Zealand and around the world.
WMO Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists
You could also find work in industries like aviation and energy production, where understanding and predicting weather is essential.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Meteorology.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Kyle Clem
Senior Lecturer in Climate Science
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.