University of Aberdeen
Degrees
University of Aberdeen offers 3 degrees:
Planetary Sciences
Master's (1 year) at University of Aberdeen
This programme is designed to provide students from any academic background an informed understanding of planetary atmospheres and landforms, space environment, remote sensing, data analysis, astrobiology and space systems engineering and instrumentation, giving you a springboard for a career in the rapidly expanding space sector. We live in a time of unprecedented investment and collaboration in space exploration led by the ‘big six’ space agencies – NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, ISRO and JAXA – and an ever-growing list of national space agencies and private companies such as SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, who are keen to compete in the rapidly expanding spaceflight sector. The ambitious plans for the following decades include sending humans back to the moon, establishing a colony on Marrs, searching for life near Saturn, sending missions to probe the metalcore of a dead planet, and exploring the hidden ocean on Jupiter's moon Europa. These plans pose significant scientific and technological challenges that can only be overcome through an interdisciplinary approach. That is why this programme draws on the diverse expertise of the planetary sciences team at the University of Aberdeen to provide you with a detailed understanding of the pioneering research and technological developments that will guide the future development of space exploration. You will study the Earth and other objects of the solar system such as the Moon, Mars and exoplanets, to understand the critical steps of formation of these objects, including the physics of atmospheres, magnetic fields, geomorphology of the surface, isotopic differentiation and the formation of habitable environments. As you delve deeper into these topics you will also develop the key technical research skills needed for deep space exploration such as remote sensing, spectroscopy, and instrument design. Our aim is to educate and train a new generation of geologists, physicists, chemists, biologists and engineers of all disciplines. The interdisciplinary training included in this programme will provide you with the skills to tackle other problems outside of space exploration, such as instrument design, geology, microbiology and environmental sciences, planetary sciences and data analysis in remote sensing...
Physics with Astrophysics
Bachelor's (4 years) at University of Aberdeen
Physics with Astrophysics explores the structure of the universe to uncover the fundamental question: how did everything come to be? You will study the origins of the universe, the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and learn how to combine a knowledge of physics with advanced computational techniques to observe and understand the universe. Physics with Astrophysics is a comprehensive programme that introduces the core concepts of physics and demonstrates how they can be applied to the field of astrophysics. This programme will give you valuable skills in the various facets of observational, computational and theoretical astrophysics that enable the study of the cosmos. This will include the usage of telescopes for precise observation, rigorous treatment of the laws of optics and electromagnetism that have enabled our study of the unimaginably distant stars, and computational modelling techniques. You will also undertake a project that will include simulation of large scale gravitational effects. The programme includes a field trip in the fourth year, where members of staff will take you to a Dark Sky Park in the Cairngorms National Park for a weekend of astronomical observation. We also offer a case study the preparations required for a rocket launch, informed by discussions with local launch platform companies in Shetland and western Scotland. The University of Aberdeen has a long association with astronomy. The local Aberdeen Astronomical Society (AAS) was formed in 1969, led by University of Aberdeen’s Professor RV Jones, who is most famously remembered for his work on the development of radar during the Second World War. AAS maintain a close partnership with the University and have been actively engaged with the use of the Cromwell Tower Observatory located in King’s College on the main Old Aberdeen campus. Other eminent astrophysicists associated with Aberdeen include the Astronomer Royal, Sir David Gill (1843 – 1914), who first measured precisely the distance of the Sun from the Earth and who studied under James Clerk Maxwell (1831 – 1879) who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists of all time due to his revolutionary work on the theory of electricity and magnetism. **We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024 We are ranked 2nd in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction - NSS 2023**..
Planetary Sciences (Online)
Master's (2 years) at University of Aberdeen
Move into a career in the space industry, whatever your academic background. Join our online Masters degree and study anywhere, at your own pace. **Prepare for a career in the space sector with online MSc Planetary Sciences.** This flexible online degree gives you a pathway into a space industry career, whatever your academic background. **Skills for deep space exploration** Join our outstanding team online and develop the key technical skills needed for deep space exploration, including remote sensing, spectroscopy, and instrument design. You’ll study the Earth and other objects of the solar system, such as the Moon, Mars, and exoplanets, to understand the critical steps of formation of these objects. You’ll examine the physics of atmospheres, magnetic fields, geomorphology of the surface, isotopic differentiation, and the formation of habitable environments. **Become part of the next wave of lunar and planetary explorers.** You’ll graduate career-ready, with an informed understanding of: - planetary atmospheres and landforms - space environment - remote sensing - data analysis - astrobiology, and - space systems engineering and instrumentation. **Study with an exceptional team** You’ll be joining a university that is actively involved in current and future missions to Mars. We have an instrument on the NASA Curiosity rover, which is exploring Mars’ surface right now – track the rover here. The European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) ExoMars programme is a series of missions designed to understand if life ever existed on Mars. We’re co-investigators in the ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter, the first mission in the series, and our HABIT instrument will be part of a future ExoMars mission. **Develop skills for a range of careers** In this degree, you’ll also develop highly transferable knowledge in areas including geology, microbiology, and environmental sciences, applicable to careers outside of planetary science research...