Introduction
Develop scientific literacy and data-driven skillsets to become an expert in analysing, modelling, and interpreting planetary and space-related data. Learn to explore planetary systems and extract insights from complex datasets in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
The MSc combines advanced data analytics with planetary and space sciences. You will gain a strong foundation in planetary science, remote sensing imagery, big data analysis, machine learning, and computational modelling, working with real-world planetary and Earth observation datasets.
Designed to meet the growing demand for data-literate planetary scientists and scientifically literate data professionals, you will learn how to explore planetary systems and extract insights from complex data in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
You’ll study alongside graduates from a wide range of disciplines, including Earth science, computing, mathematics, physics, and engineering, and be well prepared for doctoral study or data-driven careers in space agencies, research institutions, environmental organisations, and tech companies.
Available Programmes of Study
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
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed through a mix of methods. These may include online quizzes and multiple-choice tests, written assignments, technical reports and data analysis exercises.
You can also expect presentations and oral assessments, group-based activities, and project work.
Why Study Planetary and Data Sciences?
- Develop in-demand technical skills in remote sensing, satellite and planetary mission data analysis, machine learning, big data analytics, and computational modelling.
- Learn from the combined strengths of the University of Aberdeen’s established MSc Data Science and MSc Planetary Science programmes, taught jointly by experts from the School of Natural and Computing Sciences and the Department of Geosciences.
- Train as a genuinely interdisciplinary scientist, working across geosciences, computing, physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology, and learning to translate between domain science and data-driven approaches.
- Prepare for careers in space agencies, research institutes, satellite and Earth observation companies, environmental data services, climate modelling centres, and tech and analytics sectors.
- Build a strong foundation for doctoral research in planetary science, astroinformatics, geospatial data science, or AI for science.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in any subject will be considered.
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
Graduates of the MSc in Planetary and Data Sciences will be equipped for a wide range of careers at the intersection of space, environmental science, and data analytics. Typical destinations include roles in space agencies, satellite and Earth-observation companies, environmental and climate services, government agencies, research institutes and the broader tech and data-science sectors.
The programme develops a combination of skills that employers actively seek:
- The ability to work with large and complex datasets,
- Strong quantitative and programming skills,
- Experience with remote sensing and geospatial data, and
- The capacity to turn technical analysis into clear recommendations for decision-makers.
You will also gain experience with modern tools and workflows used in industry, including data science, machine learning, and collaborative project work.
Depending on your focus, you may progress towards roles such as data scientist, planetary or space-data analyst, remote-sensing or GIS specialist, environmental data analyst, scientific programmer or research assistant in universities and research labs. The substantial research project provides an excellent platform for advancing to PhD study in planetary science, astroinformatics, geoscience, climate science, or applied data science.
Throughout the degree, you will have opportunities to strengthen your professional profile through project work, communication and presentation tasks, and exposure to real-world datasets and case studies – all of which provide strong preparation for competitive international job markets.
Our Experts
Teaching on the MSc Planetary and Data Sciences is delivered by experts in planetary science, data science and geospatial analytics. You will learn from researchers involved in major space missions, cryosphere and climate research, complex systems modelling and AI-driven data analysis across science and industry.
- Other Experts
- Professor M Carmen Romano
- Dr Lydia Sam
- Dr Thasshwin Mathanlal
- Dr Alex Brasier
- Professor Marco Thiel
- Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj
- Dr Miracle Israel Nazarious
- Dr Francisco Pérez-Reche
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