Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our Certificate of Higher Education in Planetary Science with Astronomy has been designed to allow easy access to the study of the fascinating and dynamic areas of planetary science. This course allows you to explore subject areas including the origin and structure of our own planet and solar system, the surface and interior of Earth and the other rocky planets, comets, asteroids and also astronomy and the more distant stars and planets. Whether you would like to study planetary science with astronomy for your own interest, to enhance your career or to pursue a degree in the subject after completing this course, this certificate can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a starting point for the BSc Geology. You can choose to study through in-person teaching, through distance learning or via a blend of both. This flexibility means you can fit your studies around work or any other commitments. If you choose to study this course on campus, it has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening. Highlights
- We offer you flexible teaching methods, balancing face-to-face and online learning.
- Studying with us will give you access to world-class research facilities and researchers working on the latest space missions.
- We are part of the joint UCL-Birkbeck Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (IEPS) meaning we share laboratories, expertise and events, all open to students for research projects. Find out more about our research facilities.
- In our joint submission with UCL, we were rated sixth in the UK for Earth Systems and Environmental Science research (in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF)).
- We have been offering evening study courses in the subjects of earth and planetary sciences for over 70 years and distance learning for more than 20 years.
- astronomer
- minerals surveyor
- research scientist
- higher education lecturer.
Modules
For information about course structure and the moules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
A combination of reports, practical work and written examinations.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4625 | Year 1 |
| International | £4625 | Year 1 |
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
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700