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

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

location-pin
Location

University of Aberdeen

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

JAN

time
Duration

12 months

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Aberdeen

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

12 months

SELECTED

Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Aberdeen

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

24 months

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Physics & Astronomy
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

Other UK
SELECT

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

The MSc Planetary Sciences has been designed to address the skills and knowledge gap in the field of planetary exploration and research.Planned and delivered by the University of Aberdeen’s ground-breaking planetary sciences team, this MSc provides an informed understanding of planetary atmospheres and landforms, space environment, remote sensing, data analysis, astrobiology and space systems engineering and instrumentation, giving students with a springboard for a career in the rapidly ...Read more

The MSc Planetary Sciences has been designed to address the skills and knowledge gap in the field of planetary exploration and research.

Planned and delivered by the University of Aberdeen’s ground-breaking planetary sciences team, this MSc provides an informed understanding of planetary atmospheres and landforms, space environment, remote sensing, data analysis, astrobiology and space systems engineering and instrumentation, giving students with 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 which can only be overcome through an interdisciplinary approach. This MSc, therefore, draws on the diverse expertise and experience 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 begin from the observation and exploration of Earth to 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 before moving on to focus on developing the key technical research skills needed for deep space exploration.

Careers

The UK space industry is booming. Findings from the latest ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’ report reveal growth in jobs and income - with more than 3,000 jobs created as the space sector grows across the UK.

The Space Sector Skills Survey 2020 from the UK Space Agency showed that the recent growth in the space industry has, however, placed stress on skills supply, i.e. the growth in the number of people with the required skills has not kept pace with growth in demand.

Employers need graduates with technical skills, supported by qualifications at the post-graduate level, which is what this programme is designed to provide.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
40th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
41st
What students say
J
James
24 Nov 23

The Planetary Sciences MSc has a fantastic course and very supportive course lecturers, highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring space sciences...Read more

S
SREEKANTH
14 Jan 23

University of Aberdeen's school of geosciences and school of geography which iam belongs provide better quality education, staff supports, and best teachers in world's are..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)

The mentioned fee is for Sep 2024.

£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 Other UK

This is the fee you pay if the University is not in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The mentioned fee is for Sep 2024.

£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 EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The mentioned fee is for Sep 2024.

£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 mentioned fee is for Sep 2024.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Planetology reviews

Planetology
Planetology
J
James
24 Nov 23
Planetary Sciences MSc
The Planetary Sciences MSc has a fantastic course and very supportive course lecturers, highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring space sciences....
Read more
S
SREEKANTH
14 Jan 23
Planetary Sciences MSc
University of Aberdeen's school of geosciences and school of geography which iam belongs provide better quality education, staff supports, and best teachers in world's are...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Planetology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 3 reviews
5 star
34%
4 stars
66%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,255 reviews
5 star
38%
4 stars
52%
3 stars
10%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations King's College Aberdeen Aberdeen, City Of AB24 3FX United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Aberdeen  0.9 miles away

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate