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Planetary Sciences MSc

University of Aberdeen

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University of Aberdeen

Course options

3 options available

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    Foresterhill Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    22-SEP-25

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

The MSc Planetary Sciences has been designed to address the skills and knowledge gap in the field of planetary exploration and research.

Planned and delivered by the University of Aberdeen’s ground-breaking planetary sciences team, this MSc provides an informed understanding of planetary atmospheres and landforms, space environment, remote sensing, data analysis, astrobiology and space systems engineering and instrumentation, giving students with a springboard for a career in the rapidly expanding space sector.

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 which can only be overcome through an interdisciplinary approach. This MSc, therefore, draws on the diverse expertise and experience 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 begin from the observation and exploration of Earth to 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 before moving on to focus on developing the key technical research skills needed for deep space exploration.

Careers

The UK space industry is booming. Findings from the latest ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’ report reveal growth in jobs and income - with more than 3,000 jobs created as the space sector grows across the UK.

The Space Sector Skills Survey 2020 from the UK Space Agency showed that the recent 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.

Tuition fees

Students living in Hong Kong
(International fees)

£ 22,000per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

  • University League Table

    41st

  • Campus address

    University of Aberdeen, Directorate of External Relations, King's College, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, City Of, AB24 3FX, Scotland

VIEW PROFILE
One of the top 40 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide league tables 2025).
Student population has over 130 nationalities and strong international global networks.
Experienced international student advisers with immigration expertise supporting students from application to graduation.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Physics & Astronomy

    40th out of 48 4

  • Entry standards

    / Max 228
    191 84%

    12th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    78.0 78%

    37th

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.30 82%

    5th

    11

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