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  • Planetary Geology (Certificate of Higher Education with Distance Learning option)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • A combination of reports, practical work and written examinations.

  • Attendance

    • One–three evenings a week, October–June.

      Also available by distance learning.

  • Duration

    • Minimum two years part-time.

  • Entry requirements

    • Over 21: flexible entry requirements, subject to interview.

      Under 21: normal university entry requirements, but no specific A-levels.

  • Fees and funding
  • Financial support
      • If you are a new student starting on a course in autumn 2012, you may be able to get a student loan to cover your fees and other Birkbeck financial support. Check if you're eligible.
      • If you are already studying with us and continuing on a course that you started before autumn 2012, find out about financial support and see if you are eligible.
      • Not sure if you are a new or a continuing student? See here for more information.
  • Location
    • Central London or by distance learning.
  • Teaching

    • Face-to-face lectures are supplemented by Moodle, a web-based environment where you can access course materials and videos of lectures. Moodle can also be used as a distance learning alternative with supplementary web-based material.

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Study at Birkbeck  | Certificates and short courses  | Certificates and short courses, 2012/2013 entry: browse by subject (A-Z) | Planetary Geology (Certificate of Higher Education with Distance Learning option)

Planetary Geology (Certificate of Higher Education with Distance Learning option) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview
      • Gain a University of London qualification – expand your knowledge and enhance your CV.
      • Will appeal to amateur and professional astronomers, geologists and other earth scientists.
      • Offered as part-time study or you can study by distance learning, wherever you are in the world.
      • Take part in field classes to put your skills into practice.
  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?

    • Planetary geology is an area of increasing interest, as we learn more about our solar system with each new planetary mission. This modular programme enables you to learn about the geology of different planetary bodies and provides an understanding of the geological processes that have occurred on other planets and satellites. Our emphasis is on the geology of other planets, as deduced from recent planetary surveys.

      You will receive a basic training in earth sciences, coupled with a strong emphasis on using the results of recent planetary mapping to understand the nature of other terrestrial bodies within the inner solar system (Mercury, Venus, Mars and the Moon) and rocky/icy satellites of the outer planets. If you wish, you may attend Easter field classes.

  • Course structure and modules

    • To gain the Certificate of Higher Education, you must successfully complete the following modules, worth a total of 120 credit points.

      Year 1

      Three core modules:

      • Introduction to Geology (30 credits)
      • Geology of the Solar System I*
      • Foundations of Astronomy*.

      Year 2

      Two core modules:

      • Geology of the Solar System II*
      • Introduction to Astrobiology*

      and a choice of two half-modules from:

      • Introduction to Geochemistry*
      • Foundations of Mineralogy*
      • Geophysics*
      • Assessed Field Techniques 1*.

      * 15-credit half-modules.
  • Further study opportunities

    • You can go on to BSc degrees or Graduate Certificates in geology and earth sciences.

  • How to apply/enrol

    • PA (programme application): you must complete an application form and must apply for the whole programme.

      We suggest you apply as early as possible. Interviews by arrangement.

      Submit your application

      You cannot currently apply online for this programme. Please contact us for more information.