Overview

Astrobiology and the planetary sciences are rigorous interdisciplinary subjects.

Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe: its origin, evolution, distribution, and future. In many ways, its ask the biggest possible questions - about life, the universe and everything in between.

This field brings together biology, planetary science, astronomy, cosmology, chemistry and geology to tackle fundamental questions such as:

how did life begin on Earth?
how has it managed to survive and evolve for around 4 billion years?
could life exist elsewhere in the universe? And if so, how would we find it?

Planetary sciences complement astrobiology by investigating the origin, diversity and behaviour of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and solar systems. You’ll also learn about space missions, advanced instrumentation, and how scientists design experiments to search for biosignatures on other worlds.Together, these sciences offer a broad and satisfying perspective on our own place in the universe. In the context of space exploration, these sciences also have interesting policy, legal, and ethical implications.

Career opportunities

The Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences programme at The University of Edinburgh provides a grounding for many potential career paths. This may include scientific research in areas of:

planetary sciences

astronomy

geology

biology and associated fields

You may also be able to pursue careers in:

science

pedagogy (teaching)

outreach

reporting

media

the civil service

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Programme Structure

Courses include

Astrobiology: Theory

Project Design and Literature Analysis

Astrobiology: Methods

Social Dimensions of Astrobiology and Space Exploration

Dissertation (Semester 2+)

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

More details

Deadline Round 1: 15 December
Deadline Round 2: 31 March
Deadline Round 3: 31 May

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 49 other Masters in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a natural science or related discipline.

The university expects candidates to be highly numerate, with good results in quantitative subjects; and to be familiar with university-level concepts in at least two of the following subjects: physics (including geophysics, astrophysics, or biophysics), biology (including astrobiology, microbiology, molecular biology, palaeontology or evolution), chemistry (including geochemistry or biochemistry), planetary/geoscience, and astronomy.

In addition to explaining your interest in both planetary science and astrobiology, your personal statement should summarise your scientific background, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity: how have you engaged with areas of science that were outside the main focus of your undergraduate programme (or major).

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32000 GBP / year

≈ 32000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

16000 GBP / year

≈ 16000 GBP / year

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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