Overview

About the programme

The primary objectives of Astrobiology - Science research at The Open University UK are:

To determine the physico-chemical characteristics of extraterrestrial environments that have the potential for habitability
Understand the formation of unique and detectable biosignatures that can be used to inform ongoing and future mission planning, and the reduction of mission data
Undertake studies to inform planetary protection regulations and procedures for future life detection missions and other space activities.

To address these objectives, we draw on knowledge and techniques from a range of science disciplines, such as microbiology, organic geochemistry, minerology, planetary science and instrument development.

We have world class planetary simulation facilities, which are part of Europlanet – a European Infrastructure project – and we use terrestrial field locations as analogues for extraterrestrial environments.

Programme Structure

Potential research projects:

Understanding the limits of microbial life
Microbe-mineral interactions in extreme environments
Determination of biosignatures created by life
Detection of biosignatures created by life
Theoretical and laboratory studies of habitable conditions on other planetary surfaces
Evaluation of specific environments through thermochemical modelling
Detection of organic molecules in habitable or analogue environments

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Biology Astronomy & Space Sciences View 124 other PhDs in Biology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16420 GBP / year

≈ 16420 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Living costs

Milton Keynes

United Kingdom

848 - 1345 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Astrobiology - Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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