Planetary Sciences (MSc)
Introduction
This programme is designed to provide students from any academic background with an informed understanding of planetary atmospheres and landforms, space environment, remote sensing, data analysis, astrobiology and space systems 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.
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
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 metal core 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.
A distinctive feature of this degree is its emphasis on analytical and geospatial skills that underpin planetary science and space exploration. You will also gain 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.
Semester 1
Semester 1: Compulsory Courses
- GL551C - Planetary Remote Sensing and GIS (15 credit points)
- Earth and Planetary Surface and Internal Processes (GL5561)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Semester 2
Semester 2: Compulsory Courses
- Planetary Sciences Dissertation (GL5966)
-
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.
Semester 3
Semester 3: Compulsory Courses
- GL501A Basics of Geospatial Analysis (15 credit points)
- GL501B Planetary Geomorphology (15 credit points)
- GL5065 Instrumentation, Design and Data for Planetary Exploration (15 credit points)
- 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.
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
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Why Study Planetary Sciences?
- Prepare for a career in a rapidly growing sector. The coming decades will see unprecedented exploration of the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and the icy worlds of the outer Solar System. From planetary mapping and remote sensing to the search for habitable environments, planetary scientists are helping to answer some of humanity’s most fundamental questions.
- Develop new STEM skills through an interdisciplinary programme. This programme is suitable for students from across the sciences (including geology, geography, biology, physics, GIS and remote sensing, engineering, and planetary science). It will enable you to learn new skills while honing your existing knowledge and skill set.
- 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 postgraduate 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.
You’ll develop transferable skills in:
- GIS
- planetary remote sensing
- spatial data analysis
- digital terrain analysis
- planetary image interpretation
- scientific data visualisation, and
- independent research design.
These skills are increasingly important for careers in planetary exploration, Earth observation, environmental consulting, geospatial industries, and scientific 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 a team of internationally experienced academics who are actively involved in multidisciplinary research in areas including:
- planetary geomorphology
- geology
- remote sensing
- geospatial analysis
- Earth and planetary surface processes
- environmental reconstruction
- planetary atmospheres, and
- analogue studies of planetary environments.
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj
- Other Experts
- Dr Malcolm Hole
- Dr Alex Brasier
- Dr Lydia Sam
- Dr Roland Young
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