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.
This course has both January and September start dates. Apply today.
This programme is also available to study online.
We live in a time of unprecedented investment and collaboration in space exploration led by the ‘big six’ space agencies – NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, ISRO and JAXA – and an ever-growing list of national space agencies and private companies such as SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, who are keen to compete in the rapidly expanding spaceflight sector.
The ambitious plans for the following decades include sending humans back to the moon, establishing a colony on Mars, searching for life near Saturn, sending missions to probe the metalcore of a dead planet, and exploring the hidden ocean on Jupiter's moon Europa.
These plans pose significant scientific and technological challenges that can only be overcome through an interdisciplinary approach. This programme draws on the diverse expertise of our planetary sciences team to provide you with a detailed understanding of the pioneering research and technological developments that will guide the future development of space exploration.
You will study the Earth and other objects of the solar system such as the Moon, Mars and exoplanets, to understand the critical steps of formation of these objects - including the physics of atmospheres, magnetic fields, geomorphology of the surface, isotopic differentiation and the formation of habitable environments. You will also develop key technical research skills needed for deep space exploration such as remote sensing, spectroscopy, and instrument design.
This programme also provides you with key transferable skills needed to tackle challenges outside of space exploration, such as instrument design, geology, microbiology and environmental sciences, and data analysis in remote sensing. This training and skill development means you will be well-equipped for a career in the space industry, as well as careers outside of planetary research.
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
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location
- Aberdeen
Programme Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £10,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £22,000
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £14,000
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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. Findings from the UK Space Agency reveal that as of 2022, year-on-year growth of the UK space sector outpaces the wider economy by 5%. The ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2022’ report also reveals a steady growth in sector employment, with positive year-on-year growth annually since 2011/12.
- The Department of Planetary Sciences is part of current and future missions to Mars. We have an instrument on the NASA Curiosity rover on Mars, we are co-investigators in the ESA Trace Gas Orbiter, and we have developed an instrument, HABIT (HabitAbility: Brines, Irradiation and Temperature) that will go to Mars in the forthcoming ExoMars mission.
- Study in a Department which is funded by the UK Space Agency. We are one of just seven universities in the UK that have been funded to work towards international space science and exploration projects. Learn more about our funding.
- Develop new STEM skills through an interdisciplinary programme. This programme is suitable for students from across the sciences (including geology, biology, physics, engineering, and planetary science) and will enable you to learn new skills while honing your existing knowledge and skillset.
- For example, those with a science background will be exposed to the spacecraft design and engineering aspects of planetary science. At the same time, those with an engineering background will learn more about space science and research, and the supporting technologies for robotic and human space exploration and instrumentation.
- We also welcome those without a scientific background provided you meet our entry requirements, as we recognise that space exploration requires not only technological expertise, but also an understanding of the commercial, political, and legal aspects of space agencies and the wider space industry.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Space exploration requires technological expertise and innovation, but also an understanding of the commercial, political and legal aspects of space agencies and the wider space industry. That is why the MSc Planetary Sciences is open to students from any academic background.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
The UK space industry is booming. Findings from the UK Space Agency reveal that as of 2022, year-on-year growth of the UK space sector outpaces the wider economy by 5%. This follows the positive year-on-year growth in sector employment seen annually since the 2011/12 year (‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2022’)
The growth in the space industry has, however, placed stress on skills supply, i.e. the growth in the number of people with the required skills has not kept pace with growth in demand.
Employers need graduates with technical skills, supported by qualifications at the post-graduate level, which is what this programme is designed to provide. This degree will prepare you for a career in the space industry, as well as careers outside of planetary science research.
Career Opportunities
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Data Coordinator
- Exploration Geologist
- Graduate Scientist
- Junior Lecturer
- Planetary Geologist
- Policy Advisor
- Researcher
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
You’ll learn from teaching staff who are involved in the Planetary Protection Boards of NASA and ESA, and the Mars Sample Return Scientific Advisory Team.
We are one of seven universities in the UK that have been funded to work towards international space science and exploration projects. Our team is currently collaborating with Oxford Nanopore Technologies on pioneering Space DNA Sequencing and is also deeply engaged in planetary sciences and astrobiology.
- 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
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX