Earth and Planetary Science Imperial

Overview

Earth and Planetary Science MSci degree from Imperial focuses on planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, along with geological and geophysical processes in the Solar System. 

Quick Facts:

• First you will gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in earth science. Then you're taught how to apply your knowledge to planetary science. By the end, you will understand how dust and gas evolved into planets such as Earth which are capable of supporting life.
• The foundation in earth science will emphasise the fundamentals of geology and geophysics. From this you will learn how Earth’s atmosphere, life, surface, interior and external influences operate, interact and evolve.

You will use this foundation to understand solar system formation and evolution. You'll explore the physics, chemistry and geology of the main solid planetary bodies. Key planetary science questions you will examine include for example:

• How have collisions shaped planetary surfaces and affected planetary and biological evolution?
• What does the chemistry of meteorites tell us about planetary body evolution?
• How can we reconstruct the climate history of Mars from analysing pictures from rovers on the martian surface?
• Where is the best place to search for life in the Solar System?

• Besides obtaining the core knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the earth science, graduates of the Earth and Planetary Science MSci degree from Imperial will gain specialist understanding and practical skills in geological, geochemical and geophysical aspects of planetary science.
• This bespoke training will ensure that you are well placed to pursue a research careers in planetary science, and will have gained the breadth of knowledge required to undertake a broad range of space‐related employment.
• The three-year BSc degree is excellent preparation for careers in geosciences and other professions, especially if followed by a relevant MSc and a research degree.