Planetary Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

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 Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology 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 you will 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 Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology 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 you will 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.

This course will be available for both online and on-campus part-time study in 2026-27, with applications opening in October 2025.

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.

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. Find out everything you need to know about Foundation Years.