Course summary
Move into a career in the space industry, whatever your academic background. Join our online Masters degree and study anywhere, at your own pace. Prepare for a career in the space sector with online MSc Planetary Sciences. This flexible online degree gives you a pathway into a space industry career, whatever your academic background. Skills for deep space exploration Join our outstanding team online and develop the key technical skills needed for deep space exploration, including remote sensing, spectroscopy, and instrument design. You’ll 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. You’ll examine the physics of atmospheres, magnetic fields, geomorphology of the surface, isotopic differentiation, and the formation of habitable environments. Become part of the next wave of lunar and planetary explorers. You’ll graduate career-ready, with an informed understanding of:
- planetary atmospheres and landforms
- space environment
- remote sensing
- data analysis
- astrobiology, and
- space systems engineering and instrumentation.
Modules
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. You’ll learn from teaching staff who are involved in the Planetary Protection Boards of NASA and ESA, and the Mars Sample Return Scientific Advisory Team. Our team is currently collaborating with Oxford Nanopore Technologies on pioneering Space DNA Sequencing and is also deeply engaged in planetary sciences and astrobiology.
Assessment method
This degree is assessed entirely online. We use a range of assessment methods throughout your studies, including: online presentations, essays, and online quizzes.
How to apply
International applicants
This distance-learning MSc Planetary Sciences is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirements for this MSc are: a 2:2 UK honours degree, or equivalent, in any discipline.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £16430 | Whole course |
| International | £16430 | Whole course |
| England | £16430 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £16430 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £16430 | Whole course |
| Wales | £16430 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £16430 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £16430 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2026. The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
Sponsorship information
Alumni discount: You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX