Planetary Science with Astronomy (Certificate in Higher Education), 2-Year, Part-Time

This is a very exciting time for planetary science, with new data being returned by spacecraft from planets within our own solar system and with thousands of planets now being discovered orbiting other stars. There is also growing scientific interest in the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe.

Our Planetary Science with Astronomy Certificate in Higher Education will develop your understanding about the geology of different planetary bodies and satellites and the geological processes that have occurred. You will also receive basic training in earth sciences and use the results of recent planetary mapping to understand the nature of other terrestrial bodies within the inner solar system (Mercury, Venus, Mars and the Moon) and the rocky/icy satellites of the outer planets.

Our teaching philosophy is based around flexibility, allowing you to fit your studies around your lifestyle. We embrace new technology and methods to make learning accessible to all and have been running remote as well as face-to-face lectures for more than 20 years. This means you can attend classes with our internationally distinguished researchers in our world-class laboratories in London or you can watch live streams/recorded lectures at home using our cutting-edge online teaching platform. You are free to mix both these methods to find the best balance for you. This includes the option to study 100% online from anywhere in the world and receive a University of London qualification.

While not compulsory, there are opportunities to participate in residential field trips as part of the certificate. Currently, we take students to Pembrokeshire, North-West Scotland or Greece and Morocco and the Canary Islands. You may also attend weekend field classes as part of individual modules.

On successful completion of the certificate, there is an option to continue studying on one of our degree programmes.