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Planetary Scientist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Planetary Scientist is like a detective for space! They study planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, both within our solar system and beyond. Their main goal is to understand how these cosmic bodies formed, what they are made of, and if there could be life on them. They might analyse data from spacecraft, use powerful telescopes to observe distant worlds, or even study meteorites (rocks that have fallen to Earth from space) in a laboratory. It involves a lot of problem-solving, using scientific theories, and often working in a team with other scientists and engineers. You could be helping to design a new space mission, interpreting images sent back from Mars, or writing reports about your latest discoveries. It is a really exciting field for anyone curious about the universe around us. To become a Planetary Scientist, you would typically need to study subjects like Physics, Astronomy, or Earth Sciences at university, usually going on to do further study like a Masters or a PhD. It is a career that requires a lot of dedication and a keen interest in space and science. You will often find yourself working at universities, government space agencies, or sometimes for private companies that are involved in space exploration and technology. It is a constantly evolving field, with new discoveries being made all the time, making it a brilliant career for someone who loves to learn and explore.

Planetary Scientist

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📊 Statistics

Starting Salary

A new Planetary Scientist in the UK might expect to earn around 25,000 to 30,000 pounds per year, especially when starting in a research assistant role.

Experienced Salary

With more experience, a Planetary Scientist in the UK could earn between 35,000 and 55,000 pounds per year. Senior roles, like leading a research project, could reach 60,000 pounds or more.

Job Opportunities

While it is a specialist field, there are opportunities in universities, space agencies like the UK Space Agency or ESA (European Space Agency), and private space companies. The number of specific 'Planetary Scientist' job adverts can be limited at any one time, but related research roles are more common.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Astrophysicist

An astrophysicist studies stars, galaxies, and the whole universe. They look at how planets form, what makes stars shine, and even explore black holes. It's like being a detective for the cosmos.

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Geologist

A geologist studies rocks, minerals, and the Earth itself. They investigate volcanoes, earthquakes, and how landscapes change over millions of years. This helps us understand other rocky planets too.

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Space Engineer

A space engineer designs and builds spacecraft, satellites, and rockets. They figure out how to get things into space and how they can explore other planets or moons. It's all about making amazing space technology work.

Build a Strong Foundation

Excel in Science and Maths

Focus on your science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and make sure your Maths skills are really strong. These subjects are the building blocks for understanding space.

At secondary school, try to take all three sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) if possible, and aim for a high grade in Maths GCSE. Physics is especially important for understanding how planets move and what they are made of. Getting a solid grounding in these subjects now will make future studies much easier and more enjoyable.

Explore Space Independently

Read books, watch documentaries, and visit science museums or planetariums to learn more about space. The more you explore now, the more you'll discover what truly fascinates you.

Look for programmes or clubs that focus on astronomy or space science, perhaps at your local library or community centre. Even simple things like using a stargazing app on a clear night or joining an online astronomy forum can spark your interest and help you connect with others who love space.

Join Science Clubs or Competitions

Get involved in any science clubs at school, or look for science competitions. These can be great fun and help you learn practical skills.

Joining a school science club, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) club, or participating in science fairs can give you hands-on experience and help you develop problem-solving skills. These activities also look great on future applications and can introduce you to new ideas and like-minded friends.

Higher Education and Specialisation

Choose A-Levels Wisely

For your A-Levels, choose subjects like Physics, Maths, and ideally another science such as Chemistry or Computer Science. These are often required for university courses in planetary science.

Most university degrees in subjects like Physics, Astronomy, or Geology which lead to planetary science will require strong A-Levels in Maths and Physics. Some universities might also like Chemistry, Computer Science, or Further Maths. It's a good idea to check the entry requirements for specific university courses that interest you.

Pursue a Relevant University Degree

Study for a university degree in a subject like Planetary Science, Astronomy, Physics, Geology, or Earth Sciences. Many universities offer excellent courses.

Look for undergraduate degrees such as BSc Physics with Astrophysics, BSc Planetary Science, or BSc Geophysics. These programmes will teach you the fundamental principles needed to understand planets and space. Some universities even offer specific modules focused on exoplanets, astrobiology, or planetary geology.

Gain Research Experience

During your degree, try to get involved in research projects, either through summer internships or your final year project. This is crucial for a research career.

Many universities offer opportunities for students to assist professors with their research during the summer holidays or as part of their final year dissertation. This hands-on experience in a research lab or observatory is invaluable for learning how scientific research is conducted and can help you decide if a research career is right for you. It also provides excellent networking opportunities.

Become a Professional Planetary Scientist

Undertake Postgraduate Study

Most planetary scientists have a PhD. This involves several years of intense research on a specific topic within planetary science.

After your undergraduate degree, the typical path for a research scientist involves completing a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). This is usually a three to four-year programme in the UK where you conduct original research, write a thesis, and become an expert in a specific area of planetary science, such as studying Mars' atmosphere or the geology of icy moons.

Apply for Postdoctoral Positions

After your PhD, you'll likely apply for 'postdoc' jobs, which are temporary research positions at universities or research institutions.

Postdoctoral researcher positions are typically short-term contracts (1-3 years) where you continue to conduct research, publish scientific papers, and often teach or supervise students. These positions help you build your research portfolio, expand your network, and gain more experience before applying for more permanent academic or industry roles.

Seek Permanent Roles

Eventually, you can apply for permanent positions such as university lecturers, researchers at space agencies, or scientists in related industries.

Permanent roles in planetary science can include becoming a university lecturer or professor, a research scientist at institutions like the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency (ESA), or at private companies involved in space exploration and technology. These roles often involve a mix of research, teaching, grant writing, and leading scientific projects.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Planetary Scientist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Planetary Scientist researches celestial bodies within and beyond our solar system, which directly aligns with the duties and qualifications of an Astronomer who studies the universe, including planets, stars, and galaxies.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You'll need a degree and postgraduate qualification to work as an astronomer. You'll usually need to have achieved a first class honours or 2:1 in your degree.

Relevant subjects include:

  • maths
  • physics
  • astrophysics
  • geophysics
  • astronomy
  • space science

You can also do an extended 4-year degree to get a postgraduate master's qualification. These courses include more independent research and can lead on to a PhD.

Many employers will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

More Information

Career tips

You can join an amateur astronomy group and attend astronomy summer schools to share your interest in space, make connections and get hands-on observation experience.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in astronomy from the Royal Astronomical Society and SpaceCareers.uk.

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