Study MSc Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences at The University of Edinburgh in the UK, University of Edinburgh

About this course

About this course
- Overview
- Department
Study options
Entry requirements
- International

What will I learn?

Astrobiology and the planetary sciences are rigorous interdisciplinary subjects.Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe: its origin, evolution, distribution, and future. In many ways, its ask the biggest possible questions - about life, the universe and everything in between.Planetary sciences complement astrobiology by investigating the origin, diversity and behaviour of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and solar systems. You’ll also learn about space missions, advanced instrumentation, and how scientists design experiments to search for biosignatures on other worlds.Together, these sciences offer a broad and satisfying perspective on our own place in the universe. In the context of space exploration, these sciences also have interesting policy, legal, and ethical implications.On this programme you will develop:interdisciplinary skills and expertiseconfidence and autonomy in planning and executing researchinsight into contemporary debatesYou will think critically about astrobiology and planetary science in their social contexts. You will discover how different scientific approaches address fundamental questions about life.As a student on this programme you will be integrated into the UK Centre for Astrobiology. The Centre is one of the world's leading hubs for interdisciplinary astrobiology research. The programme is deeply connected to current and future missions to Mars, Venus, icy moons like Europa and Titan, and the rapidly expanding field of exoplanet research.

Which department am I in?

University of Edinburgh

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees

£33,600.00 (US$ 43,392) per year

This is a fixed fee

Application deadline

31/05/2027

Start date

September 2027

Venue

The King's Buildings Campus

Grant Institute Kings Buildings,W Mains Rd,

Edinburgh,

EH9 3JW, Scotland, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

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).

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.