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Astrobiology

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • One year full-time, online

  • Two years part-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, online

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | Online

Course overview

This MSc Astrobiology is a unique course that provides you with a strong theoretical foundation in the study of the distribution, history and future of life in the universe. It offers you the chance to understand the diversity of potentially habitable environments on Earth, in the solar system, the galaxy and beyond.

  • Why choose this course?
    • It is led by experts in astrobiology, including Dr Andrew Rushby who is particularly recognised for his study of the atmospheres and climates of small, rocky planets orbiting distant stars.
    • You will also be taught by scientists from the joint Birkbeck/UCL Centre for Planetary Sciences who are highly involved in astrobiology missions, such as NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) missions to Mars, the outer solar system, and the search for planets around distant stars.
    • Astrobiology is a growing area of research, and Birkbeck has already established a world-leading reputation for research and education in this field.

  • What will I learn?

    This MSc equips you with the knowledge, tools and skills you need to design, implement, support and contribute to ambitious projects and research in astrobiology. Such skills are highly valued and can help you to stand out in a competitive international arena.

    It also offers you a comprehensive grounding in fundamental astrobiology principles. You will then be able to make the most of our wide range of option modules to best complement and build on your newly gained knowledge.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time and follows an evening timetable.

    Teaching will be delivered on campus and online through a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also take part in staff-supported, learner-driven research and directed reading which will help you to complete an independent research dissertation on a current astrobiology topic of your choice.

    If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. The online option will not be available to you because it may affect the conditions of your visa.

    Discover the career opportunities available by taking Astrobiology (MSc).

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two to three evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: Usually one to two evenings a week, depending on your option module choice, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • Dr Andrew Rushby leads this course, bringing to it his specialist knowledge and several years' training and experience at NASA Ames Research Center managing NASA’s Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS).
  • This course is the first of its kind in England, and only the second astrobiology degree of any kind in the UK.
  • The course is relatively new, yet our graduates have already represented Birkbeck on the national and international stage, presenting their research at conferences and symposia such as the NASA Astrobiology Graduate Conference 2024. Many have also been successful in applying to take part in the very competitive European Space Agency (ESA) ELGRA Gravity-Related Research Summer School.
  • 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.
  • Birkbeck was rated in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

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Entry requirements

This course is particularly relevant for recent graduates from physical scientific disciplines, such as geological, astronomical and life sciences, planning to undertake PhD-level research in astrobiology. Typically an undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject is required, but individual applications will be considered on the basis of experience and merit.

Please note: students who have completed or who are enrolled on our BSc Planetary Exploration with Astronomy and Astrobiology may not find this course suitable for further study.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,555 per year
Full-time home students: £13,110 per year
Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, online, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,555 per year
Full-time home students: £13,110 per year
Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this MSc Astrobiology, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • high-level oral and written communication and presentation skills 
  • research, evaluation and synthesis skills
  • laboratory, field and computer modelling skills
  • the ability to critically analyse controversial research while maintaining a fair and balanced perspective.

Studying this course will prepare you for further research in astrobiology, or planetary science or astronomy-related fields at PhD level. You will also be equipped for a career path in a range of fields and professions including:

  • science communication, writing and broadcasting
  • environmental, geophysical or geotechnical scientist, including in ecology, geochemistry, geology, climate and atmospheric science, and paleontology
  • data analyst, data scientist or engineer
  • software and computing engineer
  • laboratory technician 
  • public and private sector applications in environmental policy, bioremediation, climate change, adaptation and mitigation
  • education, teaching and training.

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.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Study routes for Astrobiology (MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time