Project Overview: This PhD project at the University of Southampton investigates how glaciers respond to climate change, with a particular focus on the role of subglacial hydrology in controlling glacier movement and subsequent sea level rise. As global temperatures increase, glacier melt accelerates, contributing to rising sea levels. However, the rate and nature of glacier retreat are strongly influenced by the presence and movement of water at the glacier bed, which affects the 'slipperiness' or effective pressure beneath the ice. Research Focus: The project aims to use advanced remote sensing techniques, specifically Sentinel-1 satellite imagery, to analyze glacier velocity and infer the nature of subglacial drainage systems across a range of glaciers worldwide. By applying offset tracking methods, the student will distinguish between distributed and channelized drainage systems, which have different implications for basal friction and glacier dynamics. The research will generate new insights into how subglacial hydrology modulates glacier speed, retreat, and their contribution to sea level rise, with findings relevant to both present and future climate scenarios. Training and Environment: The successful candidate will join the IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award programme, benefiting from comprehensive personal and professional development opportunities. Training will cover glaciology, remote sensing, GIS, UAV survey, and photogrammetry. The student will use the European Space Agency's Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) for data analysis and have access to high-specification workstations and the IRIDIS research computing facility at Southampton. The project is based in the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, offering a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment with strong academic, industrial, and policy networks. Funding: The IGNITE DLA provides 3.5 years of funding (full- or part-time), including a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), Home tuition fees, and a Research Training Support Grant of £2,200 per year. The University will waive the difference between Home and International tuition fees, making the opportunity accessible to both UK and international students. Additional support is available for conference attendance and training needs. Eligibility: Applicants should hold a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject (e.g., glaciology, geography, earth sciences, environmental science), or an international equivalent. English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components, or equivalent). The programme encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants from racially minoritised groups. Application Process: Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on 8 January 2026. Prospective students are strongly advised to contact the lead supervisor to discuss the project and their suitability before applying. Applications should be tailored to this project, though a maximum of two projects may be applied for. Both UK and international students are eligible, but international studentships are limited and highly competitive. For further details, visit the University of Southampton website or contact the IGNITE DLA team.