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Planetary Science with Astronomy (Certificate in Higher Education)

Cert HE

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • Two years part-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, online

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Part-time | On campus | Online

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • Two years part-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, online

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Part-time | On campus | Online

Course Overview

Our Certificate in Higher Education in Planetary Science with Astronomy offers you a broad introduction to the study of other planets and their wider astronomical context. It includes an introduction to Earth’s geology, the geology of other planets and moons in the solar system, and the prospects of finding life on other planets.

  • Why choose this course?
    • It gives you the opportunity to develop valuable skills in interpreting scientific data and critically assessing scientific hypotheses, so you can progress to a BSc in a related subject if you wish.
    • It 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, with both on-campus and online routes for this course, allowing you to fit it around your lifestyle and even study this course from anywhere in the world. 

  • What will I learn?

    You will gain in-depth knowledge of subjects ranging from geology to astronomy and astrobiology including:

    • knowledge of the key principles of planetary science and astronomy
    • understanding of the astronomical context of the solar system and how this knowledge has been obtained
    • understanding of the processes involved in the geological evolution of the Earth and the other planets and their moons
    • knowledge of the ongoing search for life elsewhere in the universe.

  • How will I learn?

    The course is offered for both on-campus and online study. As well as lectures on campus, we provide 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.

  • How often will I attend classes?

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

  • 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 have been offering distance learning in this subject area for more than 20 years
  • 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 have the option to take part in a geological field trip to gain further practical experience and skills, including in geological mapping.
  • Depending on availability, a visit may also be arranged to an astronomical observatory to provide insights into the methods and instruments of modern astronomy.
  • 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.

Please note: if you require a Student visa and are planning to study this course in the UK you will not be eligible to apply due to UK visa regulations.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

Two years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £4,740 per year
Part-time international students: £4,740 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £5,025 per year
Part-time international students: £11,780 per year

Two years part-time, online

Academic year 2026-27, starting in October 2026

Part-time home students: £4,740 per year
Part-time international students: £4,740 per year

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

Part-time home students: £5,025 per year
Part-time international students: £11,780 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 Certificate in Higher Education in Planetary Science with Astronomy, you will have gained knowledge and experience that provide the basis for undertaking a BSc in related subjects.

You will also have gained experience in:

  • the interpretation of scientific data
  • the critical assessment of hypotheses.

Graduates from this course can pursue career paths in fields and professions relating to planetary science, geology or the environment.

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 (Certificate in Higher Education) (Cert HE)

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

Part-time