Overview
About the programme
Astrobiology and Habitats for Life research at The Open University UK includes investigating how microorganisms interact with the lithosphere to gain energy and nutrients, whether they leave behind biosignatures that could be used for life detection, and survivability of such biosignatures after impact shock events.
Projects also use theoretical and simulation methods to quantify the conditions on other planetary bodies and their potential to support life, past and present. Our work is fundamental for the understanding of the environmental conditions in other planetary environments that can inform future life detection missions, and crucial for understanding the data (or samples) returned by such missions.
Programme Structure
Potential research projects:- Study of microbe-mineral interactions in extreme environments
- Investigations of biosignatures created by life
- Theoretical and laboratory study of habitable conditions on other planetary surfaces
- Assessments of specific Martian environments through modelling
- Detection of organic molecules in extraterrestrial samples
- Detecting potential biosignatures in cryovolcanic plumes at Enceladus and other ocean worlds
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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- Starting
- Apply before
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- Application period: January to April
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Biology Astronomy & Space Sciences View 147 other PhDs in Biology in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
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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 Fee
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International
15456 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 15456 GBP per year during 36 months. -
National
4712 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4712 GBP per year during 36 months.
Living costs for Milton Keynes
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 and Habitats for Life.
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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