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The objective of the training is partly an introduction to the three fundamental aspects of the work of a geographer:

to observe and describe the environment, especially with computerized databases and advanced satellite observation technology ;
to understand and explain the processes that have been observed, especially by applying models which enable them to be simulated;
to learn certain concepts in resource management through land development ;

and partly an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physical climatology:

to understand the dynamics of the atmosphere, the ocean and the overall climatological system;
to grasp the techniques for modelling the climate, covering both theoretical and technical aspects;
to be able to analyse and interpret climatic data.

This twin focus enables students to make a critical analysis of issues related to climate change (past and future and to understand and anticipate their impact on the environment and society so they can become responsible players in the current situation. The Master in Geography : Climatology is also suitable preparation for a doctoral thesis.

The programme comprises core subjects of 60 credits, 30 credits for the focus and 30 credits for optional subjects.

Wathever the focus or the options chosen, the programme of this master shall totalise 120 credits, spread over two years of studies each of 60 credits

Tronc commun

Research Focus

The Master in Geography : Climatology gives direct access to a doctorate in science.

University Bachelors
Diploma	Special Requirements	Access	Remarks
UCL Bachelors
Intitulé du programme appelé par le code		Direct access
Intitulé du programme appelé par le code		Access with additional training
Intitulé du programme appelé par le code		Access with additional training
Belgian Bachelors of the French speaking Community
Tous les bacheliers de la CfB		Access with additional training
Belgian Bachelors of the Dutch speaking Community
		Direct access
Foreign Bachelors
Intitulé du programme appelé par le code		Direct access
Non university Bachelors
Diploma		Access	Remarks
> Find out more about links to the university

> BA en sciences agronomiques - type long		Accès au master moyennant réussite d'une année préparatoire de max. 60 crédits	Type long
> BA en agronomie		Accès au master moyennant réussite d'une année préparatoire de max. 60 crédits	Type court
Holders of a 2nd cycle University degree
Diploma	Special Requirements	Access	Remarks
"Licenciés"

Intitulé du programme appelé par le code		Direct access
Masters

Tous les masters		Access with additional training
Holders of a non-University 2nd cycle degree
Diploma		Access	Remarks
> Find out more about links to the university

> MA en sciences agronomiques > MA en sciences de l'ingénieur industriel en agronomie		Accès direct au master moyennant ajout éventuel de 15 crédits max	Type long

Adults taking up their university training

> See the website www.uclouvain.be/vae

Accès selon la procédure de validation des acquis de l’expérience
Consultez le site www.uclouvain.be/vae

Personalized access

Reminder : all Masters (apart from Advanced Masters) are also accessible on file.

Admission and Enrolment Procedures for general registration

See the general admission requirements

The teaching strategy takes its inspiration from the idea of ‘taking responsibility for one’s own learning’ and offers a wide range of learning situations. The climatologist is at the centre of different scientific fields: physical modeling, teledetection, hydrology and the management of natural resources. The integration between human and physical geography is emphasized. The courses are focused on problems in society: environmental changes, mobility, urbanization, globalization and developing countries. Activities such as seminars and integrated exercises are carried out in advanced areas of geographical research. Ability to use advanced methods of geographical analysis is an important objective of the training: geographical modeling, geographical information systems and satellite teledetection.

Practical work gives students the opportunity of dealing with concrete problems and finding solutions to them, often in small groups. The Master in Climatology is notable for the multidisciplinary background of the teaching staff. Studies will study with lecturers ingeography and physics. Activities such as seminars and integrated exercises are designed so that students progressively encounter the complexity of the climatic system. Students in the last year of the Master should therefore be able to use and understand professional climatic modelling systems.

The computer rooms with special software for geographical analysis are always open to students. In the first year of the Master, the field work consists of a week of supervised exercises in the Alps or Spain.

Students will mainly be assessed on the basis of individual work (e.g. reading, consultation of databases and bibliographic references, writing monographs and reports, presentation of seminars, dissertation and work placement). Where necessary, students will also be assessed on how much they have learned from lectures. As far as possible, there will be continuous assessment, including regular ‘open book examinations’. Certain activities will not be given a precise mark but will be officially certified. Assessment of the dissertation is in two stages : a ‘progress report’ at the end of the first year of the Master and the final presentation.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Erasmus or Mercator exchange schemes outside Belgium, or to study at KULeuven.

It is possible to take courses in English. Not only will this help UCL students to become better acquainted with the language, but will also enable Erasmus students from abroad to take a semester of courses in English.

Advanced courses are given by many visiting lecturers from different foreign institutions and some Belgian ones. These are mostly in English.

Legend

	Mandatory		Optional
	Courses not taught this academic year		Periodic courses not taught this academic year
	Periodic courses taught this academic year		Two year courses