This is a very exciting time for planetary science, with new data being returned by spacecraft from planets within our own solar system and thousands of planets now being discovered orbiting other stars. There is also growing scientific interest in the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe.
If you have an undergraduate degree in earth sciences, geology or a related field but want to increase your knowledge of planetary sciences, then our Graduate Certificate in Planetary Sciences will bring you up to date with developments in the field. The specialist knowledge you acquire could help you change career, build a career within the field of planetary sciences or education or enable you to progress onto graduate research at PhD level.
You will be taught by academics who are actively engaged in cutting-edge planetary research that is expanding the boundaries of knowledge. We cover planetary surfaces and remote sensing, volcanic activity on Earth and other planets, the nature of comets, asteroids and meteorites, and the internal structure and origin of planets. We also offer advanced modules in astronomy, scientific computing and the design of, and participation in, an analogue field mission. You can choose from a range of modules and design a programme that matches, expands and deepens your particular interests.
Our teaching philosophy is based around flexibility, allowing you to fit the certificate around your lifestyle. We embrace new technology and methods to make learning accessible to all and have been running remote as well as face-to-face lectures for more than 20 years. This means you can attend classes with our internationally distinguished researchers in our world-class laboratories in London or you can watch live streams/recorded lectures at home using our cutting-edge online teaching platform. You are free to mix both these methods to find the best balance for you. This includes the option to study 100% online from anywhere in the world and receive a University of London qualification.
While not compulsory, there are opportunities to participate in residential field trips. On the Graduate Certificate you will have the chance to join final-year undergraduate students in Morocco or the Canary Islands.
This is an undergraduate-level qualification that will prepare you for postgraduate study. Graduate Certificates/Diplomas typically take one to two years to complete and are made up of two, three or four modules at final-year undergraduate degree level.
CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Graduates go in to careers in geology and postgraduate training in planetary sciences, astronomy and related fields. Graduates can pursue careers in other areas of industry or education. This degree may also be useful in becoming an astronomer, research scientist, or higher education lecturer.
We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.
