Planetary Science with Astronomy

Our Certificate of Higher Education in Planetary Science with Astronomy has been designed to allow easy access to the study of the fascinating and dynamic areas of planetary science. This course allows you to explore subject areas including the origin and structure of our own planet and solar system, the surface and interior of Earth and the other rocky planets, comets, asteroids and also astronomy and the more distant stars and planets.

Whether you would like to study planetary science with astronomy for your own interest, to enhance your career or to pursue a degree in the subject after completing this course, this certificate can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a starting point for the BSc Geology.

You can choose to study through in-person teaching, through distance learning or via a blend of both. This flexibility means you can fit your studies around work or any other commitments.

If you choose to study this course on campus, it has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.

Highlights

We offer you flexible teaching methods, balancing face-to-face and online learning.

Studying with us will give you access to world-class research facilities and researchers working on the latest space missions.

We are part of the joint UCL-Birkbeck Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (IEPS) meaning we share laboratories, expertise and events, all open to students for research projects. Find out more about our research facilities.

In our joint submission with UCL, we were rated sixth in the UK for Earth Systems and Environmental Science research (in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF)).

We have been offering evening study courses in the subjects of earth and planetary sciences for over 70 years and distance learning for more than 20 years.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in the oil, mineral and groundwater industries, education or research. Possible professions include:

astronomer

minerals surveyor

research scientist

higher education lecturer.

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.