Planetary Science

Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Research in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences covers three main research themes; earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth.

Planetary Science applies a fundamental knowledge of isotopes and chemistry together with new observations to understand natural systems. Together with a strong history of designing and building many of its own instruments, group research interests extend from extraterrestrial systems and early solar system processes to addressing some of the key resource and environmental problems society faces today.

We work on precious samples from the moon, mars, rare meteorites and samples returned by NASA missions. Research includes understanding the processes forming the solar system starting material, the rate and timing of the formation of meteorites and early solar system bodies leading to the formation of the terrestrial planets.

We have projects that study how the Earth's mantle works and those that reveal the workings of volcanic systems in place like Iceland. We use isotopes to trace ocean circulation and climate change, investigate safe carbon dioxide sequestration and understand drinking water contamination processes that can affect millions.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.