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Planetary Scientist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

As a Planetary Scientist in the UK, you'd be at the forefront of exploring worlds beyond Earth. This fascinating career involves studying planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies within and beyond our solar system. Your work would typically involve analysing data from space missions, telescopes, and robotic probes to understand the formation, evolution, composition, and potential for life on these distant objects. This could mean anything from interpreting geological features on Mars to modelling the atmospheres of exoplanets or examining samples returned from asteroids. Your day-to-day could see you conducting laboratory experiments, developing complex computer simulations, writing research papers, or presenting your findings at international conferences. Many Planetary Scientists in the UK are based in universities, where they also teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, or at dedicated research institutes. It's a highly collaborative field, often involving teamwork with engineers, astronomers, geologists, and other scientists from around the world to push the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.

Planetary Scientist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Starting salaries for Planetary Scientists in the UK can range from approximately £25,000 to £35,000 for postgraduate research positions or entry-level roles. With experience, this can rise significantly, with senior researchers or academics earning £40,000 to £60,000+, and some highly experienced professionals potentially earning £70,000 or more.

Job Outlook and Opportunities

While a niche field, the UK has a strong space sector with universities, government agencies (like the UK Space Agency), and private companies contributing to planetary science research and missions. Opportunities often arise in academia (universities), research institutions (e.g., Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), and increasingly in commercial space companies focusing on data analysis or mission development.

Typical Working Hours

Working hours for Planetary Scientists can vary. In academic or research roles, a standard 37-40 hour week is common, but project deadlines, fieldwork, or attending conferences can sometimes require additional hours. Flexibility is often a feature, especially for those conducting independent research.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Astrobiologist

An Astrobiologist studies the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This includes researching the potential for life on other planets and moons, and investigating extremophiles on Earth to understand conditions that might support life elsewhere. This field combines aspects of biology, astronomy, and geology.

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Geophysicist specializing in planetary geology

A Geophysicist with a focus on planetary geology applies the principles of physics to understand the internal structure, composition, and physical processes of celestial bodies, including planets and moons. This involves studying seismic activity, gravity fields, magnetic fields, and heat flow to infer subsurface conditions and geological history.

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Remote Sensing Specialist for Space Missions

A Remote Sensing Specialist for space missions analyses data collected by spacecraft instruments, such as cameras, spectrometers, and radar, to study the surfaces and atmospheres of planets and other celestial bodies. They interpret images and spectral data to map geological features, identify minerals, and monitor atmospheric phenomena, contributing to our understanding of planetary environments.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Achieve Strong A-Levels

Focus on STEM subjects to prepare for a relevant university degree. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and further Maths are highly recommended.

To pursue a career in planetary science, a strong academic background in science and mathematics is crucial. Achieving high grades in A-Levels such as Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Chemistry (or even Geology/Computer Science if offered and relevant) will provide you with the essential foundational knowledge. These subjects will be vital for understanding complex scientific principles and developing analytical skills needed for higher education.

Complete an Undergraduate Degree

Undertake a Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field. Physics, Astrophysics, Geology, Earth Sciences, or Planetary Science are excellent choices.

A Bachelor's degree (BSc or MPhys) is your first major step. Look for programmes that offer modules in astrophysics, planetary geology, atmospheric science, or remote sensing. Many universities in the UK offer dedicated Physics with Astrophysics or Earth Sciences programmes. Consider universities with strong research departments in space science or geology, as this can offer early exposure to relevant projects and potential networking opportunities.

Pursue a Postgraduate Degree

A Master's (MSc) and/or a PhD are almost always essential for a research-focused planetary science role.

For most research positions in planetary science, a postgraduate qualification is indispensable. An MSc can specialise your knowledge further, perhaps in space exploration, planetary geology, or remote sensing. A PhD is typically required for independent research roles in academia or leading positions in space agencies. Your PhD research will likely involve contributing to an ongoing planetary science project, developing your expertise in a specific area, and producing original research findings.

Gain Practical Experience & Skills

Engage in Research Projects

Seek opportunities for research during your degree, such as summer placements, final year projects, or volunteer work in university labs.

Practical research experience is invaluable. During your undergraduate or postgraduate studies, actively look for opportunities to join research groups. This could involve summer research placements, assisting PhD students or postdocs, or developing your final year project around planetary science themes. Such experiences will help you apply theoretical knowledge, learn lab techniques, data analysis skills, and understand the day-to-day life of a researcher.

Develop Data Analysis & Coding Skills

Proficiency in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and experience with scientific data analysis software, are crucial.

Modern planetary science is heavily reliant on computational methods. Developing strong skills in programming (e.g., Python for data processing and visualisation, MATLAB for scientific computing) and statistical analysis is vital. Familiarise yourself with software used for image processing (e.g., ArcGIS, ENVI for planetary mapping) and large datasets. Online courses, workshops, and integrating these tools into your academic projects are excellent ways to build this expertise.

Attend Conferences & Network

Participate in scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars to learn, present your work, and connect with other scientists.

Networking is key in any scientific field. Attending national and international conferences (e.g., European Planetary Science Congress, Royal Astronomical Society meetings) will expose you to the latest research, allow you to present your own work (even posters as an undergraduate), and meet potential collaborators or future employers. Join relevant professional bodies such as the Royal Astronomical Society or the Geological Society for further networking and professional development opportunities.

Launch Your Career

Seek Postdoctoral Positions

After your PhD, a postdoctoral research position is a common next step to further specialise and lead your own research.

Following your PhD, most planetary scientists embark on one or more postdoctoral research positions. These are typically fixed-term contracts (2-5 years) where you'll work on specific research projects, often at different institutions or in different countries. This stage is crucial for building your independent research profile, publishing papers, and honing your grant-writing skills. It's also an opportunity to broaden your scientific network and explore different research environments.

Apply for Research Roles

Look for positions at universities, research institutions (e.g., STFC RAL Space), or space agencies (e.g., ESA, NASA).

Planetary scientists can find roles in various sectors. Universities offer academic positions (lecturer, researcher) combining teaching and research. Research institutions like the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) or the Open University's Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute offer dedicated research roles. Space agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA) or NASA (though primarily US-based, they collaborate internationally), employ scientists for mission development, data analysis, and scientific oversight. Competition is high, so tailor your applications meticulously.

Continual Learning & Specialisation

The field evolves rapidly; stay updated with new discoveries, technologies, and analytical methods through ongoing professional development.

Planetary science is a dynamic field with constant new discoveries and technological advancements. To remain at the forefront, continuous learning is essential. This includes staying updated with current scientific literature, participating in advanced workshops, learning new software or instrumentation techniques, and perhaps even pursuing further advanced qualifications. Specialising in a niche area, such as exoplanet atmospheres, Martian geology, or asteroid sample analysis, can also enhance your career prospects and contribute unique expertise to the global scientific community.

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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 is a specialist in the study of planets, moons, and planetary systems, which falls directly under the broader field of astronomy.

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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