Overview

About the programme

Planetary Formation and Evolution at The Open University UK uses a variety of cutting-edge laboratory instrumentation to investigate mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic signatures of planetary materials to understand the origin and evolution of their parent bodies.

We are among the leading experts in the world in making high-precision light stable isotope measurements using in-situ techniques, and our Cameca NanoSIMS 50L is currently the only dedicated ion probe facility in the UK for planetary science research.

The planetary samples for our research are allocated through national and international curation facilities as well as through NASA’s Apollo sample collection. Most of our research is carried out in collaboration with planetary scientists, each of whom have an international reputation in their field of expertise.

Results from our projects contribute towards development of future planetary exploration strategy of the European Space Agency such as planning of future sample return missions from the Moon, Mars and other bodies in the Solar System.

Programme Structure

Potential research projects:

Mineralogy/petrology/geochronology of rock samples from differentiated objects (e.g., Moon, Mars, etc.) for understanding planetary formation and evolution
Comets and meteorites: the volatile inventory of the early Solar System
Tracking planetary accretion and evolution through stable isotope signatures (e.g., O, Si, Cr)
Impact effects on isotopic dating systems (e.g. 40Ar/39Ar and U-Th/He)
Isotope reservoirs in the early solar system
Origin of organic matter in primitive materials
Preparation for returned samples (lunar, asteroidal)
The role of volatiles in the protoplanetary disc. Just how fast are the rapid cooling rates of chondrules
Physical and chemical properties of matrix in primitive chondrites
Untangling the earliest stages of planetary differentiation
Unravelling the secrets of early Solar System processes through laboratory investigations of regolith from a C type asteroid

Key information

Duration

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

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-01 00:00:00

More details

Application period: January to April

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 42 other PhDs in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United Kingdom

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

87

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

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The Open University UK and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

To always see correct tuition fees

International

15456 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 15456 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4712 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4712 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Milton Keynes

848 - 1345 GBP /month

Living costs

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

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Planetary Formation and Evolution.

Available Scholarships

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

About