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Accessibility statement
Award
Award
Duration
Duration
Start dates
Start dates
Application
Application
PhD (MPhil also available)
PhD (MPhil also available)
Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: 6–8 years
Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: 6–8 years
February and October
February and October
January to April
January to April
Our unique approach to the scientific aspects of astrobiology research combines fieldwork, laboratory simulations, thermochemical modelling and in situ observations. Our primary objectives are to:
To address these objectives, we draw on knowledge and techniques from a range of science disciplines, such as microbiology, organic geochemistry, minerology, planetary science and instrument development. We have world class planetary simulation facilities, which are part of Europlanet – a European Infrastructure project – and we use terrestrial field locations as analogues for extraterrestrial environments.
We study the feasibility of habitable environments existing elsewhere in the Solar System and how life could exist in such environments. We use this information to identify bio-signatures that could be used as evidence of life. Our work is fundamental for understanding the conditions in other planetary environments, which can inform future life detection missions, and is crucial for understanding the data (or samples) returned by such missions.
Members of the team are involved in international astrobiology-related exploration activities including the NASA Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), the ESA ExoMars programme, the ESA Expose missions and NASA's Europa Clipper.
Researchers span both the School of Physical Science and The School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences.
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
UK fee
UK fee
International fee
International fee
Full-time: £5,006 per year
Full-time: £5,006 per year
Full-time: £16,420 per year
Full-time: £16,420 per year
Part-time: £2,503 per year
Part-time: £2,503 per year
Part-time: £8,210 per year
Part-time: £8,210 per year
Some of our research students are funded via Doctoral Training Partnerships; others are self-funded.
For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.
To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.
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Get in touch
If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:
Email: AstrobiologyOU
Apply now
Please review the application process if you’re interested in applying for this research topic.
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