Planetary Sciences (Online)

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the MSc Planetary Sciences are:

• a 2:2 UK honours degree, or equivalent, in any discipline.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full MSc, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.

Find out about our short course route to entry

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

This flexible online degree gives you a pathway into planetary science, whatever your academic background.

Join online and you’ll develop the key technical skills needed for deep space exploration, including remote sensing, spectroscopy, and instrument design.

You’ll study the processes that shape planetary surfaces, learn how spacecraft data are analysed and interpreted, and develop practical skills in geospatial analysis and planetary remote sensing.

You’ll graduate career-ready, with an informed understanding of:

• planetary geomorphology
• comparative planetology
• planetary atmospheres and climate
• remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for planetary applications
• planetary data interpretation
• space exploration technologies and instrumentation
• astrobiology and habitability
• research methods and scientific communication.

You’ll work with real planetary datasets and learn how today’s planetary scientists investigate the surfaces and environments of worlds beyond Earth.

A distinctive feature of this degree is its emphasis on analytical and geospatial skills that are widely used throughout planetary science and space exploration.

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.

Join us from any discipline

Space exploration offers opportunities for everyone, regardless of your field of study.

The sector needs your interdisciplinary skills, from technological expertise and innovation to understanding the commercial, political, and legal aspects of space agencies.

That’s why our online MSc Planetary Sciences is open to students from any academic background.

Fees and funding

Fees are always displayed at the top of our degree and short course pages.

You do not have to pay your full online degree fee upfront. You can pay for it one term at a time, spreading the cost.

Each term, you decide how many credits you would like to take, and pay only for those credits. This gives you control over your costs each term, as well as your workload.

Learn more about our fees, funding and discounts here.