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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 23,000
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
73 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Geophysics | Geomatics | Surveying | Navigation Technologies
Area of study
Natural Science | Engineering
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 23,000
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Positioning, Navigation Earth Observation PhD

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

  • 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

Entry Requirements

Home / UK Students

  • 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.

EU / International Students

  • 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.


Fees

  • Home / UK: £5,006
  • International: £30,750

Additional Information for International Students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).


These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).


Funding

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.


Support

Researcher Training and Development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.


Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.


Graduate Centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.


Each space has areas for:


  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student Support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:


  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.


There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:


  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.


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.


Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.


  • 90% of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4) or 'internationally excellent' (3)
  • 100% of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact

Duration

  • Full-time: Up to 4 years
  • Part-time: 6 to 8 years

Start Date

  • September 2025

Program Outline


Careers:

  • 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

Other:

  • The program is based within the Nottingham Geospatial Institute (NGI).
  • NGI is a leading cross-disciplinary research and teaching institute, specializing in spatial and location-based science and engineering.
  • Research areas include 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.

  • Home / UK: £5,100
  • International: £21,500 or £28,600 depending on the nature of your project
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Foundation

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Total programs
816
Average ranking globally
#102
Average ranking in the country
#9
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


Home / UK students

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

EU / International students

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

Language Proficiency Requirements:

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