PhD in Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing is the practice of observing geographical phenomena from afar. It is revolutionising the field of Geography by reducing the need for manual fieldwork and allowing geographers to gather data about dangerous or inaccessible regions.

As a PhD candidate in Remote Sensing, you might focus on collecting and analysing data about a particular region, type of terrain or geographical phenomenon. You could also work on developing or improving remote sensing technologies.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Remote Sensing?

You’ll be assigned a supervisory team that will guide you through the completion of an extended dissertation. Your final thesis should make a significant original contribution to the field.

Possible research areas include:

• Automated crater detection and classification
• Monitoring wildfire emissions
• Carbon capture
• Identifying geohazards
• Semi-autonomous planetary exploration
• Arctic surveillance
• Weather forecasting

Your research might involve using sensors carried by planes, UAVs, satellites or drones. These sensors may have technological capabilities such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) or Sound Navigation Ranging (Sonar).

Alongside your research, you may be required to attend additional training in fundamental areas such as satellite data and machine learning. You may also have the chance to present at academic conferences and publish your work in journals.

There are a number of advertised projects available in Remote Sensing, but many candidates will design their own project.

PhD in Remote Sensing Systems entry requirements

To apply for a PhD in Remote Sensing, you’ll usually need a good upper-second class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject area. A Masters degree may sometimes be required. It’s worth noting that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and a postgraduate qualification will often be an advantage even if is not compulsory.

PhD in Remote Sensing funding options

Depending on your specific focus, PhD projects in Remote Sensing might be funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPRSC) or the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Research Councils provide studentships that cover your tuition fees and living expenses.

Full studentships are very competitive, so many students will need to self-fund their PhD. There are numerous options for candidates taking this route, including the UK government’s doctoral loan, support from charities or trusts, and part-time employment.

PhD in Remote Sensing careers

Many PhD graduates in Remote Sensing will go on to pursue a career in research. You may also wish to seek work as a professional remote sensing or geospatial intelligence analyst. Remote sensing has applications in many sectors such as resource management, environmental conservation, urban planning and security.