PhD Autonomous Systems and Connectivity at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

PhD in Autonomous Systems and Connectivity builds on over 60 years of research in intelligent and autonomous systems, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, flight and flow control, avionics, navigation and control, space sciences engineering, and modelling and simulation. The thesis is a maximum of 80,000 words.

Faculty: College of Science & Engineering | Department: School of Engineering | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research areas are intelligent and autonomous systems; aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, flight and flow control; dynamics, avionics, navigation and control; modelling and simulation; communications, sensing and imaging; and space and exploration technology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a 2.1 honours degree with a significant component in Mechanical Engineering. Applicants submit transcripts and degree certificates, CV, research proposal, two references and named supervisor information. English language (applicants from non-English speaking countries as defined by the UK Government): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (General Training not accepted); TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests taken from 21 January 2026 (96 overall with Reading, Listening and Speaking at least 23 and Writing at least 24 for earlier tests); PTE Academic (test centre only) 70 overall with Reading 62, Listening 62, Speaking 75, Writing 68. Tests must be within 2 years 5 months of programme start and met in a single sitting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK full-time annual tuition fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK fee is to be confirmed. Part-time study is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). International and EU full-time annual tuition fee; part-time study is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may apply separately. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time

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