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Planetary Science with Astronomy

BSc (Hons)

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: F611

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Four years part-time, online

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: F612
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | Online | with Foundation Year

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: F611

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Four years part-time, online

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: F612
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | Online | with Foundation Year

Course Overview

This is an exciting time to study planetary science with many new discoveries being made by spacecraft throughout the solar system. There is also considerable scientific interest in the possibility of finding life elsewhere in the universe. Our BSc Planetary Science with Astronomy offers you a broad introduction to planetary science and exploration, including its geological, astronomical and astrobiological aspects.

  • Why choose this course?
    • This course benefits from being embedded in a highly research-active environment in which you will be taught by expert planetary scientists and astrobiologists.
    • Our teaching philosophy is based around flexibility, allowing you to fit the degree around your lifestyle.
    • You will develop skills in the manipulation of scientific data and critical assessment of scientific hypotheses and experience actual scientific research during project work.
    • You can study this course from anywhere in the world, as we provide you with access to high-quality, pre-recorded materials and live online sessions.

  • What will I learn?

    You will gain in-depth knowledge of subjects ranging from astronomy and astrobiology to geophysics and remote sensing. On completion of this BSc Planetary Science with Astronomy you will have gained knowledge and understanding of:

    • the key principles of planetary exploration and the history of space exploration
    • the astronomical context of the solar system and how this knowledge has been obtained
    • the processes involved in the geological evolution of the Earth and the other planets and their moons
    • the current status of our search for life elsewhere in the universe.

  • How will I learn?

    You can choose to study this course full- or part-time and it is taught both on campus and online. In addition to lectures on campus, we offer you pre-recorded material, live online sessions and a range of post-session activities so you can learn at a time that suits you. The on-campus and live online sessions are held in the evening and generally comprise a lecture or discussion followed by a relevant practical activity, depending on the topic.

    If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. The online option will not be available to you because it may affect the conditions of your visa. If you are in receipt of a maintenance loan you must attend at least one class on campus per week.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: One to two evenings a week, October to July.

  • Foundation Year

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree. 

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • We share expertise, facilities and events with UCL, including through the Centre for Planetary Sciences, which is one of the UK’s leading planetary and exoplanetary science centres.
  • You will take part in a geological field trip to gain further practical experience and skills, including in geological mapping.
  • You will have the opportunity to visit an astronomical observatory to gain insights into the methods and instruments of modern astronomy.
  • We have been offering online learning in this subject area for more than 20 years.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

Visit the school

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

  • Full-time study - how many UCAS points do I need?
    • Three years full-time: 112 points (e.g. A-levels BBC, ideally two of the A-levels in scientific subjects)
    • Four years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points

    For full-time study on this course, you apply via UCAS. The UCAS tariff score applies if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth.

  • Part-time study

    For part-time study our standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

  • Alternative entry routes

    Three years full-time or four years part-time: Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in a science-based subject. Students who successfully complete Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Geology or Planetary Science with Astronomy may be considered for a place on the BSc, with the possibility of exemption from the first-year modules.

    Three years full-time: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - DMM

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

Three years full-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students: £22,540 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £23,560 per year

Four years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £7,335 per year
Part-time international students: £16,905 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students: £17,670 per year

Four years part-time, online

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £7,335 per year
Part-time international students: £16,905 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £7,530 per year
Part-time international students: £17,670 per year

Four years full-time, with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Full-time home students: £9,790 per year
Full-time international students: £22,540 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Full-time home students: £10,050 per year
Full-time international students: £23,560 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BSc Planetary Science with Astronomy you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • experience in the analysis of scientific data and the critical assessment of hypotheses
  • experience in writing scientific reports and in presenting results to colleagues
  • familiarity with software packages and other specialist software tools.

A degree in planetary science with astronomy can lead to postgraduate study opportunities or careers in the following areas:

  • the developing field of extraterrestrial resources
  • education
  • museum and library work
  • publishing and broadcasting.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

  • How can I get help with my application?

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Related courses

Study routes for Planetary Science with Astronomy (BSc (Hons))

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2026-27

Full-time

Part-time

2027-28

Full-time