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University of Aberdeen: Planetary Sciences
| Institution | University of Aberdeen View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Geosciences |
| Web | https://www.abdn.ac.uk |
| pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01224 272090 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
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.
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.
MSc
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A UK Honours degree at 2:2, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in any discipline. 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. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 22000 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 22000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A UK Honours degree at 2:2, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in any discipline. 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. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 22000 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 10000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 22000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A UK Honours degree at 2:1 (upper second class), or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in any discipline. 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. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A UK Honours degree at 2:1 (upper second class), or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in any discipline. 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. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Overview
The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495, the beautiful campus attracts a diverse international community of over 14,000 students from over 130 countries.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as a Top 15 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It also ranks second across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2024.
Postgraduate Programmes
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