Planetary Sciences MSc
University of Aberdeen
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Foresterhill Campus

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Full Time

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1 Year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Foresterhill Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP

Duration

1 Year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Foresterhill Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

1 Year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Foresterhill Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN-26

Duration

1 Year

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Physics & Astronomy
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Course info

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 – ...Read more

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.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
10/279
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
39th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
30th
What students say
M
Mythili
14 Oct 25

Loved the lectures and student life. Could be improved by providing support with job opportunities or placements for MSc..Read more

H
Hassan
31 Jan 25

Student support and facilities are great overall but i would like to improve a little bit in sports department. Highly qualified staff and modern facilities make it a great place..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Geosciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences or Engineering.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£22,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

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Latest reviews

Latest Astronomy reviews

Astronomy
Astronomy
M
Mythili
14 Oct 25
Planetary Sciences MSc
Loved the lectures and student life. Could be improved by providing support with job opportunities or placements for MSc...
Read more
H
Hassan
31 Jan 25
Planetary Sciences MSc
Student support and facilities are great overall but i would like to improve a little bit in sports department. Highly qualified staff and modern facilities make it a great place...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen

With over 530 years of history, the University of Aberdeen offers a meaningful postgraduate study experience which places an emphasis...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Aberdeen
Foresterhill Aberdeen AB25 2ZD United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Aberdeen  1.0 miles away

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