MSc Planetary Sciences in Aberdeen United Kingdom | University of Aberdeen

This program offers students from all academic disciplines comprehensive knowledge about planetary atmospheres, surface features, the space environment, remote sensing techniques, data interpretation, astrobiology, and spacecraft engineering/instrumentation - creating pathways for careers in the fast-growing space industry. We're witnessing an era of extraordinary investment and international cooperation in space exploration, driven by major agencies like NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, ISRO, and JAXA, alongside emerging national programs and private enterprises including SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin, all vying for position in this dynamic sector.

Future objectives for coming decades involve returning astronauts to the lunar surface, creating permanent settlements on Mars, investigating potential life around Saturn, examining the metallic core of a planetary remnant, and studying the subsurface ocean on Europa, Jupiter's moon.

These ambitious goals present complex scientific and engineering obstacles requiring multidisciplinary solutions. Our program leverages the University of Aberdeen's planetary science specialists to deliver in-depth knowledge about cutting-edge research and technological innovations shaping space exploration's future.

Students will examine Earth alongside solar system bodies like the Moon, Mars, and exoplanets to comprehend their formation processes - including atmospheric physics, magnetic fields, surface geology, isotopic variations, and the emergence of habitable conditions. Advanced studies will cultivate essential technical competencies for space exploration, including remote sensing, spectroscopic analysis, and instrumentation development.

We're committed to preparing the next generation of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers across geology, physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering fields. The cross-disciplinary training equips graduates with transferable skills applicable beyond space exploration, including instrumentation development, geological studies, microbial research, environmental science, planetary studies, and remote sensing data analysis.