BSc in Planetary Science with Astronomy (Full Time)  BSc in Planetary Science with Astronomy (Full Time) Birkbeck, University of London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1563773744Birkbeck-University-1.jpg

This is a very exciting time for planetary science, with new data being returned by spacecraft from the Moon, Mars, Venus and Saturn, with forthcoming missions to Jupiter, Pluto, several asteroids and a comet, and with planets now being discovered orbiting other stars. There is also considerable scientific interest in the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe. On this course you will learn more about all of this and develop your knowledge of the solar system and its astronomical context. You can also study by distance learning, wherever you are in the world.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

UCAS TARIFF POINTS

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The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.

GCSEs required at grade A*-C or new grade 9-4 (or equivalent) in mathematics.

ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES

Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in a science-based subject.

Students who successfully complete Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Earth History and Palaeontology, Forensic Geology, Geologyor Mineralogy and Volcanology will be considered for a place on the BSc, with the possibility of exemption from the first-year modules.

INTERNATIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

If you are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration.
• Courses of less than six months' duration.
• Pre-sessional English language courses.

International students who require a Tier 4 visa should apply for our full-time courses (with the exception of modular enrolment certificates of higher education and graduate certificates), as these qualify for Tier 4 sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.