Program Overview

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Planetary Sciences, MSc

Introduction

This programme is designed to provide students from any academic background an informed understanding of planetary atmospheres and landforms, space environment, remote sensing, data analysis, astrobiology and space systems engineering and instrumentation, giving you a springboard for a career in the rapidly expanding space sector.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee Category	Cost
EU / International students	£22,000
UK	£10,000

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Comparative Planetology and the Atmosphere of Earth (GL5062)
• Basics of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis (GL5063)
• Spectroscopy, Radiative Transfer and Retrieval (GL5064)
• Instrumentation for Planetary Exploration (GL5065)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Earth and Planetary Surface and Internal Processes (GL5561)
• Astrobiology, Biogeochemistry and Geobiology for Explorers (GL5563)
• Sustainable Deep Space Exploration and Planetary Protection (GL5564)
• Space Weather and Radiation for Planetary Exploration (GL5562)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Planetary Sciences Dissertation (GL5966)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
  • Planetary Sciences
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months or 24 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
    • Start Month: September or January
    • Location: Aberdeen

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops

Why Study Planetary Sciences?

• Prepare for a career in a rapidly growing sector.
• The Department of Planetary Sciences is part of current and future missions to Mars.
• Study in a Department which is funded by the UK Space Agency.
• Develop new STEM skills through an interdisciplinary programme.

Careers

• The UK space industry is booming.
• Employers need graduates with technical skills, supported by qualifications at the post-graduate level.
• Career Opportunities:
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Data Coordinator
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Graduate Scientist
  • Junior Lecturer
  • Planetary Geologist
  • Policy Advisor
  • Researcher

Entry Requirements

• 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in any discipline.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 with Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 90 with Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: 62 with Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: 176 with Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• Degree Transcript
• Personal Statement

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Professor Javier Martin-Torres
• Other Experts:
  • Dr Shaktiman Singh
  • Dr Miracle Israel Nazarious
  • Dr Juan Antonio Ramirez Luque
  • Dr Malcolm Hole
  • Dr Alex Brasier
  • Dr Thasshwin Mathanlal

Features

• Planetary Sciences students visit Boulby Underground Laboratory

What Our Alumni Say

• Adam Corbett
• Rachel Brown
• David Ross Clark
• Louis Steele

Funding awarded to develop Martian chamber

• The Planetary Sciences team was awarded £320,000 by the UK Space Agency to create a unique chamber simulating Mars’ environment.