Course Overview

This is a very exciting time for planetary science, with new data being returned by spacecraft from planets within our own solar system and thousands of planets now being discovered orbiting other stars. There is also growing scientific interest in the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe. You will be taught by academics who are actively engaged in cutting-edge planetary research that is expanding the boundaries of knowledge. We cover planetary surfaces and remote sensing, volcanic activity on Earth and other planets, the nature of comets, asteroids, and meteorites, and the internal structure and origin of planets. We also offer advanced modules in astronomy, scientific computing, and the design of, and participation in, an analog field mission. You can choose from a range of modules and design a program that matches, expands, and deepens your particular interests. Our teaching philosophy is based around flexibility, allowing you to fit the certificate around your lifestyle. We embrace new technology and methods to make learning accessible to all and have been running remote as well as face-to-face lectures for more than 20 years. This means you can attend classes with our internationally distinguished researchers in our world-class laboratories in London or you can watch live streams/recorded lectures at home using our cutting-edge online teaching platform. You are free to mix both these methods to find the best balance for you. Graduates go into careers in geology and postgraduate training in planetary sciences, astronomy, and related fields. Graduates can pursue careers in other areas of industry or education. This degree may also be useful in becoming an astronomer, research scientist, or higher education lecturer.

General Eligibility

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in geology, earth sciences, geological sciences, or equivalent, and have a basic knowledge of the architecture of the solar system.

Part Time Work Details

Language Requirement

• 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.