MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a natural science or related discipline.

We expect candidates to be highly numerate, with good results in quantitative subjects; and to be familiar with university-level concepts in at least two of the following subjects: physics (including geophysics, astrophysics, or biophysics), biology (including astrobiology, microbiology, molecular biology, palaeontology or evolution), chemistry (including geochemistry or biochemistry), planetary/geoscience, and astronomy.

In addition to explaining your interest in both planetary science and astrobiology, your personal statement should summarise your scientific background, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity: how have you engaged with areas of science that were outside the main focus of your undergraduate programme (or major).

International qualifications

See our website for destinations

You must take these courses
Astrobiology Theory
Must be taken during Semester 1

PGPH11108
10 credits
Astrobiology Methods
Must be taken during Semester 2

PGPH11107
10 credits
Project Design and Literature Analysis
Must be taken during Semester 1

GESC11001
20 credits
Dissertation in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences
Must be passed at 50% and taken during Block 5 (Sem 2) and beyond

PGPH11106
60 credits
Social Dimensions of Astrobiology and Space Exploration
Must be taken during Semester 2

STIS11001
20 credits