35 PhD programmes in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United Kingdom

The Extragalactic Astronomy research group is part of the Astronomy Discipline at The Open University UK, supported by the Faculty laboratory and computing infrastructure.

Our aim in the Planetary Surfaces and Atmospheres programme from The Open University UK is to understand better the variety and evolutionary behaviour of planetary environments from a physical science perspective, where appropriate, focussing on aspects related to habitability.

We offer a degree in Astrophysics and Physics programme at Keele University. Physics Research at Keele focusses on “Astrophysics” and “Materials Science and Renewable Energy”.

The study of exoplanets is a rapidly moving field at the forefront of Astrophysics. This Exoplanets and Planetary Physics programme is offered at The Open University UK.

The DPhil in Astrophysics at University of Oxford is a research-based degree offered by the astrophysics and theoretical physics sub-departments of Physics, available to students interested in carrying out research in observational or theoretical astrophysics, or in astronomical instrumentation.

Studentships are available each year in the Physics and Astronomy programme from University of Glasgow. You should discuss opportunities with potential supervisors within the relevant research group listed below.

Our Laboratory Astrophysics research at The Open University UK is in experimental molecular physics, with specific application to astrophysical environments.

The Institute of Astronomy offers the opportunity to study for the Astronomy PhD degree at University of Cambridge, which is normally completed in three to four years.

The Centre for Astrophysics Research at the University of Hertfordshire carries out research on a broad range of key science questions in Astronomy.

The Atmospheric Research and Surface Exploration group at The Open University UK undertakes world-leading climate modelling and atmospheric retrievals spaceflight instruments Beagle 2, Cassini-Huygens and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO).

The question of whether life exists beyond Earth is eons old, yet it is only relatively recently that space missions have been launched to help answer this. This Governance and Ethics programme is offered at The Open University UK.

Our unique approach to the scientific aspects of Astrobiology - Science research at The Open University UK combines fieldwork, laboratory simulations, thermochemical modelling and in situ observations.

Research in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews is focused in three main areas of excellence: astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and photonics.

Research in planetary and space science (PSS) covers a wide variety of Solar System science and exploration. We investigate the origin and evolution of the Solar System through the physical, geological, chemical and biological processes that drive it. 

Working closely with members of the Astrobiology and Habitats for Life research area at The Open University UK, we use a variety of experimental techniques, including molecular biology, mineralogy and geochemistry, and orbital flight experiments, to understand the way in which microorganisms persist in extreme environments and how this could be applied to environments elsewhere.