MSc Programme

Master of Science in Engineering specialising in Geotechnical Engineering (MSc)

Aims 

The primary purpose of the programme is to provide graduate civil engineers and geoscientists with the advanced conceptual understanding, detailed factual geotechnical knowledge, and specialist technical skills appropriate for a fruitful career as a geotechnical engineer in the construction, consulting and/or environmental industries.

In addition to the academic and technical skills, the programme also aims to equip its graduates with a suite of transferable skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to employ IT and library resources appropriately, the ability to prioritise work and to meet deadlines, the ability to work alone and with others, and the ability to use initiative and to solve problems.

Intended Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, the graduates will have acquired a much deeper knowledge and understanding of Geotechnical engineering. Specifically, they would have gained:

• An advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles of geotechnical engineering and of their applications in a civil engineering context.

• An advanced knowledge and understanding of the engineering properties and characteristics of soils.

• An advanced knowledge and understanding of the site investigation process from design, through testing and interpretation, to reporting.

• An advanced knowledge and understanding of the geotechnical design process, and of the design of foundations, slopes and earth retaining structures.

• The ability to identify the geotechnical data relevant to a given engineering scenario, generate such data through the employment of appropriate testing techniques, and interpret these data in an engineering context.

• The ability to select and apply ideas, concepts and data, from both science and engineering, in order to generate creative and innovative designs which provide optimal solutions to geotechnical problems.

• The ability to formulate or recognise key hypotheses, to test hypotheses using logical and consistent quantitative arguments.

• The ability to communicate by means of well prepared, clear and confident presentations and concise and grammatical written documents.

• The ability to plan, organise and prioritise work activities in order to meet deadlines.

Degree Programme and Timescale of Study

The degree programme is based on a template of four (4) core taught modules, one (1) elective course and three (3) core non taught modules. The MSc programme (180 credits) is predominantly research based whereby the dissertation carries 120 credits and the coursework is 60 credits.

Following the successful completion of the taught courses, the student undertakes the MSc research dissertation which requires approximately 1200 hours of independent study and research. The subject of research is agreed between the student and the dissertation supervisor, who is a suitable member of academic staff.

The module/credit breakdown and the details of courses to be undertaken are given in tables below. 

The minimum duration for the MSc programme is two (2) academic years for full time study. The taught element of the programme takes the first year followed by the completion of the research dissertation in the second.

On a part-time basis, the programme typically takes over 36 months.