Overview

About the programme

Currently, the Planetary Surfaces and Atmospheres group’s research at The Open University UK is directed towards the geology and geomorphology of terrestrial planets, and the weather and climate of planetary atmospheres.

On the geological side, we use remote sensing and planetary mapping techniques, including GIS and photogrammetry, terrestrial analogue fieldwork, and laboratory and numerical simulations.

Our atmospheres research involves computer modelling using a variety of global and mesoscale models, and analysis of spacecraft remote sensing and in situ data. For Mars, the atmosphere and geology strands are interlinked, and several projects explore surface-atmosphere interactions.

Programme Structure

Potential research projects:

Modelling of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus and/or giant planets
Fluvial, glacial, sedimentary and tectonic processes on Mars
Tectonism, geochemistry and volcanism on Mercury
Integration and assimilation of planetary data into atmospheric models
Exploring Mars with the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter

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

Astronomy & Space Sciences Environmental Sciences View 38 other PhDs in Astronomy & Space Sciences 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) in a relevant science subject or equivalent experience.
For planetary geology/geomorphology projects, a geoscience degree is advantageous and some experience in GIS and planetary science is useful, but not essential.
For atmospheric modelling or laboratory projects, a physics- or applied mathematics-based degree is advantageous, as is some programming experience, although this is not essential.
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 Planetary Surfaces and Atmospheres.

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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