Planetary Science with Astronomy

Planetary science with astronomy is a discipline that addresses some of the most fundamental and exciting questions it is possible to ask: what is the nature of our solar system, how did the planets form, and is there life elsewhere in the universe? Drawing on geology, physics, and chemistry as well as astronomy, it examines the objects, processes, and environments of space from the surfaces of rocky planets to the atmospheres of gas giants, from the interiors of moons to the chemical signatures of distant star systems. It is an exceptionally dynamic field, driven by a constant stream of discoveries from space missions, telescopes, and laboratory experiments.

At Birkbeck College, this three-year full-time programme offers a broad introduction to planetary science and exploration, covering its geological, astronomical, and astrobiological dimensions. You will engage with the physical and chemical processes that shape planetary bodies, the techniques used to study them from spacecraft and ground-based observatories, and the scientific debates around the possibility of life elsewhere. The programme benefits from Birkbeck's research culture and its location in a city with strong scientific institutions.

The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the accessible character of the programme, which is designed to attract students with a genuine curiosity about the cosmos alongside an appetite for scientific rigour.

You will develop quantitative analytical skills, scientific literacy across physics, geology, and chemistry, and the ability to engage with primary scientific literature and data from space missions.

Graduates pursue careers in space research, astronomy, planetary science, science communication, education, government science agencies, and the growing commercial space sector. Postgraduate study in planetary science, astrophysics, geoscience, or astrobiology is a natural continuation for those seeking research careers.