Planetary Science with Astronomy CertHE

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.<br/><br/>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 standalone qualification or as a starting point for the BSc Geology or BSc Planetary Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology at Birkbeck.<br/><br/>You can choose to study on campus, through distance learning or via a blend of both. This flexibility means you can fit your studies around work or any other commitments. <br/><br/><strong>If you choose to study this course on campus, it has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.</strong> <br/><br/>It will be available for both online and on-campus study in 2026-27, with applications opening in October 2025.<br/><br/><strong>Highlights</strong><br/><br/><br/>• We offer you flexible teaching methods, balancing face-to-face and online learning. We have been offering distance learning in this subject area for more than 20 years.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• There is a field trip opportunity to a geological site in Pembrokeshire.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Studying with us will give you access to world-class research facilities and researchers working on the latest space missions.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• We share expertise, facilities and events with UCL, including through the Centre for Planetary Sciences, which is one of the UK’s leading planetary and exoplanetary science centres.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Careers and employability</strong><br/><br/>Graduates can pursue career paths in the oil, mineral and groundwater industries, education or research. Possible professions include:<br/><br/><br/>- astronomer<br/><br/><br/>- minerals surveyor<br/><br/><br/>- research scientist<br/><br/><br/>- higher education lecturer.<br/><br/><br/>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.