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. Aberdeen is one of just 7 UK universities to be awarded this funding.
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.
This programme is also available to study online.
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
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
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 Marrs, 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. That is why this programme draws on the diverse expertise of the planetary sciences team at the University of Aberdeen 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. As you delve deeper into these topics you will also develop the key technical research skills needed for deep space exploration such as remote sensing, spectroscopy, and instrument design.
Our aim is to educate and train a new generation of geologists, physicists, chemists, biologists and engineers of all disciplines. The interdisciplinary training included in this programme will provide you with the skills to tackle other problems outside of space exploration, such as instrument design, geology, microbiology and environmental sciences, planetary sciences and data analysis in remote sensing.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Planetary Sciences
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £22,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year UK £10,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Stage 1
Compulsory Courses
- Earth and Planetary Surface and Internal Processes (GL5561)
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15 Credit Points
Data sets derived from remote sensing, meteorites and samples retrieved from the Lunar surface will be integrated to inform understanding of geological processes that play within and upon the surface of terrestrial planets. This course will develop essential geologically based reasoning skills through diverse data sets, building upon and contributing to the students’ wider understanding of Planetary Sciences.
- Astrobiology, Biogeochemistry and Geobiology for Explorers (GL5563)
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15 Credit Points
This course will explore the origins and likely extent of life on Earth and in the Solar System. We will begin by discussing the elements and building blocks of life and processes that can make precursors of life (e.g. amino acids). We will then discuss how microbial life may be fossilised and how to identify ancient and extra-terrestrial signs of life. We will make use of our excellent analytical facilities to show how biotic signals can be distinguished from abiotic effects, including exploring organic carbon biomarkers, and using examples of fossilisation of microorganisms by siliceous and carbonate minerals from lakes, streams, hot-springs and oceans. From there, we will be able to explore potentially habitable environments of our Solar System, and learn about current and future astrobiological exploration missions (Martian rovers and orbiters, asteroid, comets, sample return, ocean worlds…)
- Sustainable Deep Space Exploration and Planetary Protection (GL5564)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides practical training on some of the most challenging issues of space exploration. In this course, the student will overview the present and future challenges of space exploration, including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), sample return missions and planetary protection (PP).
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Space Weather and Radiation for Planetary Exploration (GL5562)
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15 Credit Points
Space weather describes the varying conditions in the space environment between the sun and Earth. Phenomena associated with space weather have the potential to impact systems and technologies in orbit and on Earth. For example, solar energetic particles can penetrate satellite electronics and cause electrical failure. These energetic particles also block radio communications at high latitudes during solar radiation storms. Each phenomenon of space weather impacts a different technology.
In this course, we will review Space Weather on Earth, and we will use the lessons learned to understand the impact of the space environment on planetary exploration.
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
- Planetary Sciences Dissertation (GL5966)
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60 Credit Points
The student will select, undertake and complete a research-based dissertation project. In choosing and approving a suitable topic, consideration will be given to the student's background and skills, their career interests, suitable data availability, and the possibility of an external placement.
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
- Comparative Planetology and the Atmosphere of Earth (GL5062)
-
15 Credit Points
In this course, we will cover how studies of the other planets of the solar system have helped us understand Earth's atmosphere. We will review the fundamental physical and chemical processes in planetary atmospheres, and we will provide an up-to-date overview of modelling, observation methods and missions to study planetary atmospheres.
- Basics of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis (GL5063)
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15 Credit Points
This course will provide an overview of planetary remote sensing principles and methods. The students will be trained on performing geospatial integration and analysis of different spatial datasets. This course introduces the students to the theoretical problems and practice of data capture, handling and methods of analysis of spatial data.
- Spectroscopy, Radiative Transfer and Retrieval (GL5064)
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15 Credit Points
Spectroscopy, radiative transfer and retrieval methods are rapidly growing fields with extreme importance in atmospheric and planetary science. They are fundamental to study weather, climate, air quality on Earth, the evolution of greenhouse gases and biogeochemical cycles on Earth. They provide information about the physics and evolution of the atmospheres of the solar system planets and exoplanets at a larger scale. This course will provide the fundamental knowledge to a depth that will leave a student with the background to perform quantitative research on atmospheres. It spans across principles through applications, with sufficient background for students without prior experience in spectroscopy or radiative transfer.
- Instrumentation, Design and Data for Planetary Exploration (GL5065)
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15 Credit Points
This course gives an overview of the main aspects of the development and exploitation of instrumentation for space exploration. In this course the student will get introduced to the main stages of design of space exploration mission and its instrumentation, the constraints that must be satisfied, and how the data are produced and released. The training will be focused on practical cases, using when possible online tools. Students will get some basic training on project management in space projects, structural and thermal modelling and will get familiarized with the ECSS standards and the planetary data archive.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 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?
- The MSc Planetary Sciences is a fascinating and diverse programme. You will study planets, moons, and planetary systems and the technology that helps us understand the processes that form them
- The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that it is suitable for students from across the sciences, including geology, biology, physics, and engineering planetary science, building new STEM skills based on its interdisciplinary nature
- 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 reveals a steady growth in sector employment, with positive year-on-year growth annually since the 2011/12 year
- The Department of Planetary Science 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.
- For students with a science background, the programme will provide the needed spacecraft design and engineering exposure. At the same time, for the engineers, it will encourage an appreciation for space science and research, and the supporting technologies for robotic and human space exploration and instrumentation.
- As the programme teaches key transferable skills and knowledge including instrument design, geology, microbiology and environmental sciences, planetary sciences and data analysis in remote sensing, it is also a suitable programme for students interested in a wider set of careers, outside of planetary science research.
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.
2:1 (upper second class) 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 to view country-specific 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
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
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
Rachel Brown
Louis Steele
Adam Corbett
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.
- Other Experts
- Dr Shaktiman Singh, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Miracle Israel Nazarious, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Juan Antonio Ramirez Luque, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Malcolm Hole, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Alex Brasier, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Thasshwin Mathanlal, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Javier Martin-Torres, The University of Aberdeen
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX