Discover a New Exoplanet
A Bespoke Research Programme in Exoplanet Science
This is a structured, one-to-one research programme designed for exceptional students who want more than a textbook introduction to astrophysics. Over fourteen sessions, you will work directly with an active Cambridge researcher to detect and characterise a real exoplanet — a planet orbiting another star.
This is not a tutoring course. It is an authentic research experience, built around the methods, data, and questions that professional astronomers work with today.
What You Will Do
Working with real astronomical data, you will learn how exoplanets are detected and what we can infer about their properties. By the end of the programme, you will have carried out original analysis and produced a research report documenting your findings.
The programme is suitable for two distinct groups:
Students preparing for competitive university applications, particularly those applying to research-intensive programmes in physics, astronomy, or related fields, who want to demonstrate genuine scientific experience beyond the school curriculum.
Undergraduate students preparing for postgraduate study, who want structured exposure to research methodology and astronomical data analysis before beginning a PhD or research Masters.
Who Delivers It
The programme is designed and delivered by Dr Matthew Hooton, a postdoctoral researcher at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, working within the group of Nobel laureate Didier Queloz. Dr Hooton has contributed to over 125 published research papers in exoplanet science.
Availability and Fees
A small number of places are available each year. The programme is delivered online, making it accessible to students worldwide.
Fees are available on request. To enquire about availability or to find out whether the programme is suitable for your student, please use the contact form.
What Students Say
“Placeholder testimonial — to be updated.”
Places are limited. Early enquiry is encouraged.