Astrobiology,MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

University RankQS Ranking

408

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/United Kingdom/London /Birkbeck, University of London/Astrobiology,MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 22,980 / year

Next Intake October-2026

Astrobiology,MSc

About

Course Overview

This MSc Astrobiology is a unique course that provides you with a strong theoretical foundation in the study of the distribution, history and future of life in the universe. It offers you the chance to understand the diversity of potentially habitable environments on Earth, in the solar system, the galaxy and beyond.

Why choose this course?

It is led by experts in astrobiology, including Dr Andrew Rushby who is particularly recognised for his study of the atmospheres and climates of small, rocky planets orbiting distant stars.
You will also be taught by scientists from the joint Birkbeck/UCL Centre for Planetary Sciences who are highly involved in astrobiology missions, such as NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) missions to Mars, the outer solar system, and the search for planets around distant stars.
Astrobiology is a growing area of research, and Birkbeck has already established a world-leading reputation for research and education in this field.

What you will learn

This MSc equips you with the knowledge, tools and skills you need to design, implement, support and contribute to ambitious projects and research in astrobiology. Such skills are highly valued and can help you to stand out in a competitive international arena.

It also offers you a comprehensive grounding in fundamental astrobiology principles. You will then be able to make the most of our wide range of option modules to best complement and build on your newly gained knowledge.

How you will learn

This course is available to study full- or part-time and follows an evening timetable.

Teaching will be delivered on campus and online through a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also take part in staff-supported, learner-driven research and directed reading which will help you to complete an independent research dissertation on a current astrobiology topic of your choice.

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.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Astrobiology (MSc).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

This course is particularly relevant for recent graduates from physical scientific disciplines, such as geological, astronomical and life sciences, planning to undertake PhD-level research in astrobiology. Typically an undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject is required, but individual applications will be considered on the basis of experience and merit.

Please note: students who have completed or who are enrolled on our BSc Planetary Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology may not find this course suitable for further study.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English Program 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.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

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

Career

On successfully graduating from this MSc Astrobiology, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

high-level oral and written communication and presentation skills
research, evaluation and synthesis skills
laboratory, field and computer modelling skills
the ability to critically analyse controversial research while maintaining a fair and balanced perspective.

Studying this course will prepare you for further research in astrobiology, or planetary science or astronomy-related fields at PhD level. You will also be equipped for a career path in a range of fields and professions including:

science communication, writing and broadcasting
environmental, geophysical or geotechnical scientist, including in ecology, geochemistry, geology, climate and atmospheric science, and paleontology
data analyst, data scientist or engineer
software and computing engineer
laboratory technician
public and private sector applications in environmental policy, bioremediation, climate change, adaptation and mitigation
education, teaching and training.

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.