Title: Funded MPhil Studentship
School/department: Geography
Supervisors: Dr Booker Ogutu and Prof Heiko Balzter
Start Date: 01/07/14 at the latest- earlier preferred
Entry Requirement: UK/EU only – first degree (BSc) obtained in last three years only
Closing Date: 01/06/14 (extended until 8 June)
Applications are invited for a 12 month research studentship in Novel platforms and applications for Ground Penetrating Radar funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)- IRSA grant, the University of Leicester and Sterling Geophysical Surveys Ltd.
The MPhil studentship will cover a maintenance grant for 12 months and a small amount for research expenses and travel. Full University student fees for UK/EU students for will be covered by Sterling Geophyscial Surveys Ltd. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Booker Ogutu for an informal discussion on 0116 252 7496 or by email to boo7@le.ac.uk.
The student will be based in the department of Geography, University of Leicester (http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/geography). The student will be encouraged to complete all aspects of the MPhil including submission by the end of the 12 month grant period.
Project Overview (as below or similar)
The project will use data collected by the student from both ground based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and UAV mounted GPR equipment. The project will cover the following areas:
1. Techniques for analysing and estimating the accuracy and precision of data from UAV mounted GPR.
2. Test the applicability of existing georeferencing methods on the data collected by the UAV mounted GPR.
3. Research the different factors causing inaccuracy and error, and make recommendations to resolve identified issues and problems.
4. Evaluate the applicability of the UAV mounted GPR in determining peat depths.
5. Produce a final report suitable for submission for an MPhil award.
The University of Leicester has access to a number of sites that could be used to carry out field work and collect data. These include, a GPR test site, the site of a Roman villa that the Department of Archaeology are currently working on, and an area of extensive peat bog-land of interest to the Geography Department
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a first-class or high upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) obtained in the last three years (2011, 2012, 2013 BSc graduates) in Geography, Geology, Geophysics or Surveying or a closely related subject and and complete the university online application process on http://www2.le.ac.uk/study/research/how-to-apply/online
Students must meet the University’s standard English language entry requirements.
This studentship is only available to new applicants who are permanently resident in the UK or another EU country. The studentship is for full-time study only and applicants must be able to commence their studies by 1st July at the latest.
Details of IRSA can be found at
Date of advertisement: 5th May 2014
Closing date for applications: 1st June 2014 (extended until 08 June)
Shortlisting of candidates on 2nd June 2014, invitations to interview
Interviews will be held on week beginning 9th June 2014 and we anticipate making an offer within 24 hours of interview.
