ObjectivesThrough an intensive practical and theoretical programme, we aim to develop your expertise and depth of understanding, and to formalise any practical experience in the area of satellite postitioning systems. The use of satellite positioning systems is growing rapidly, underpinning an ever-increasing range of practical applications from air, marine and land navigation to the synchronisation of telecommunications networks. The practical field course helps develop team-working, management skills and on-the-spot problem solving capabilities. The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) and we are an Approved Learning Provider for the HM Forces Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme, which applies to this course.
Entry requirementsThis course is aimed at science and engineering graduates, industrial practitioners, military and government personnel.
Course descriptionSatellite Positioning Technology (MSc)
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 - 3 years part-time
Course Content
Core modules are:
Fundamentals of Satellite Positioning
Advanced Satellite Positioning Systems
Satellite Positioning System Design
Navigation Systems and Integration
Analytical Methods
Geodetic Reference Systems
Practical Field Course
One optional module chosen from:
Physical Geodesy
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Digital Charting
Navigation Management.
Once you have completed the core and optional modules, you will undertake a supervised dissertation over 3 months. This independent research aims to stimulate creative thinking and improve your powers of critical analysis.
Course Structure
This MSc can be taken full-time in one year or part-time over two to three years. It is taught in one-week modules over the 8-month academic year; this structure has proved beneficial to candidates with work or family commitments. Candidates with specialist knowledge and/or qualifications may be considered for exemption from certain modules.
Each module comprises lectures, seminars, practical sessions and tutorial work. The field course is residential and held off campus.
Modules are assessed through coursework and examination.
Course credits total 180; 120 for the taught modules and 60 for the dissertation.
This course can be taken as a Postgraduate Diploma, which is the same content as the MSc above but without the dissertation
Key facts
The Institute, formerly known as the Nottingham Surveying Group, has been active for almost 40 years, covering major advances in terrestrial opto-mechanical equipment, automated acquisition systems, and the development of satellite-based systems such as Transit, GPS and GLONASS, EGNOS and the European Galileo system.
The Institute has excellent facilities for teaching and research with lecturers drawn from a group of highly respected academics and external experts. We work closely with industrial partners and government agencies and this provides excellent opportunities for our graduates to find employment with high profile organisations.