Positioning, Navigation Earth Observation PhD

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom, Nottingham

University RankQS Ranking

109

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/United Kingdom/Nottingham /University of Nottingham/Positioning, Navigation Earth Observation PhD

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,750 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Positioning, Navigation Earth Observation PhD

About

Research overview

This PhD is based within the Nottingham Geospatial Institute (NGI).

NGI is a leading cross-disciplinary research and teaching institute, specialising in spatial and location-based science and engineering, using the technologies of satellite positioning, remote measurement systems and integrated sensor technologies.

Research areas

Research can cover a range of disciplines including:

geospatial engineering and monitoring
photogrammetry and remote sensing
the technology and applications of satellite navigation systems such as GPS and Galileo
integrated positioning technology
environmental and atmospheric monitoring
physical and space geodesy

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Qualification

PhD

Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) and/or a masters at merit level or above in a relevant subject

Additional information

We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.

Engineering supervisors, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on our find a PhD supervisor page.

Details of research supervisors at the University can also be found on our research A to Z.

Qualification	PhD
Degree	2:1 (or international equivalent) and/or a masters at merit level or above in a relevant subject
International and EU equivalents	We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
Additional information	We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area. Engineering supervisors, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on our find a PhD supervisor page. Details of research supervisors at the University can also be found on our research A to Z.
IELTS	6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each element)
English language requirements	As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each element) IELTS:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language requirements:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Career

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

The Faculty of Engineering has excellent links with industry. Completing a research degree with us will ensure that you develop transferable skills that will be beneficial in a number of different careers.

Graduates within the faculty have gone on to have successful careers as:

researchers
production managers and directors
IT and telecommunication professionals
business, research and administrative professionals
science, engineering and production technicians
natural and social science professionals
teachers, lecturers and educators
various other roles in engineering and architecture

92.6% of postgraduates from the School of Engineering Research secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £33,689.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.