Course summary

Our Certificate in Higher Education in Planetary Science with Astronomy offers you a broad introduction to the study of other planets and their wider astronomical context. It includes an introduction to Earth’s geology, the geology of other planets and moons in the solar system, and the prospects of finding life on other planets. Why choose this course?

• It gives you the opportunity to develop valuable skills in interpreting scientific data and critically assessing scientific hypotheses, so you can progress to a BSc in a related subject if you wish.

• It benefits from being embedded in a highly research-active environment in which you will be taught by expert planetary scientists and astrobiologists.

• Our teaching philosophy is based around flexibility, with both on-campus and online routes for this course, allowing you to fit it around your lifestyle.

• You can also study this course from anywhere in the world, as we provide you with access to high-quality, pre-recorded materials and live online sessions.

• knowledge of the key principles of planetary science and astronomy

• understanding of the astronomical context of the solar system and how this knowledge has been obtained

• understanding of the processes involved in the geological evolution of the Earth and the other planets and their moons

• knowledge of the ongoing search for life elsewhere in the universe.

• We have been offering distance learning in this subject area for more than 20 years

• We share expertise, facilities and events with UCL, including through the Centre for Planetary Sciences, which is one of the UK’s leading planetary and exoplanetary science centres.

• You will have the option to take part in a geological field trip to gain further practical experience and skills, including in geological mapping.

• Depending on availability, a visit may also be arranged to an astronomical observatory to provide insights into the methods and instruments of modern astronomy.

• Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

• the interpretation of scientific data

• the critical assessment of hypotheses.