Masters Degrees (Geohazards)

Ranked 2nd in the UK by Research Fortnight, our geomatics research is ground breaking. We publish in leading international journals, at conferences, in the media and through educational outreach programmes. Whether focusing on geodesy or geospatial engineering, you will work with experts to produce research of an international standard.

The School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences enjoys an international reputation for using the latest science to solve problems of global importance. Our research has significant relevance in non-academic settings and we regularly apply it through consultancy to industry, from the global offshore industry to local authorities and survey and engineering companies. We are a key part of the TSB Satellite Applications Catapult North East Centre of Excellence.

For geomatics we have MPhil and PhD supervision in the following areas:

Satellite geodesy

-GPS and geophysical modelling
-GPS/GNSS geodesy
-Precise orbit determination of altimetric and geodetic satellites
-Sea level
-Ice sheet mass balance
-Satellite altimetry
-Static and temporal gravity field and reference frame analyses from dedicated satellite missions
-SAR interferometry
-Geophysical and industrial deformation monitoring
-Geodynamics and geohazards
-Integration of GPS and INS
-Engineering geodesy

Geospatial Engineering

-Geoinformatics and advanced GIS
-Geospatial algorithm development
-Spatial modelling including network modelling, cellular automata and agent based approaches to spatial complexity
-Multimedia cartography and information delivery
-Temporal GIS
-Geospatial data management
-Airborne and satellite remote sensing applied to environmental impact assessment
-Land use, vegetation and pollution monitoring
-Earth observation of urban systems
-Photogrammetry
-Laser scanning
-Precise non-contact dimensional control

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This MSc provides a broad introduction to geohazards, together with advanced courses in seismology, volcanology, hydrogeological hazards and meteorology. A key goal is to provide an essential grounding in quantitative modelling that can be widely applied to several fields, from pure research to the commercial sector.

Degree information

The programme provides an introduction to the spectrum and impact of geophysical hazards, and a focus on quantitative models for hazard forecasting and assessment. Selected case studies illustrate how these models are essential for improving decision making during emergencies, for raising the awareness of vulnerable populations, and for evaluating and implementing mitigation strategies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Geological and Geotechnical Hazards
-Meteorological Hazards
-Research Methods
-Earthquake Seismology and Earthquake Hazard
-Physical Volcanology and Volcanic Hazard
-Meteorological, Climate and Hydrogeological Hazard

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project in geophysical hazards, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed reading and practical exercises. There are excellent opportunities for field investigations in the UK and abroad. Assessment is through unseen written examinations, practical problem-solving exercises and essays. The independent research report is assessed through the dissertation and an oral presentation.

Careers

The MSc programme in Geophysical Hazards will provide essential training for careers in hazard assessment and risk evaluation, including: industry, from engineering to insurance; academic research; civil protection agencies and government organisations; and NGOs related to aid and development. About one-third of previous graduates have continued with further research (PhDs), one-third have entered the insurance industry, and one-third have pursued careers in other fields.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Catastrophy risk analyst, Aon Benfield
-Geographic Risk Analyst, QBE
-Senior Catastrophy Halard, Hardy Underwriting
-Environmental Risk Advisor, HelpAge International
-Policy Adviser, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Employability
On graduation from this programme about one third of students have followed careers in global insurance and re-insurance and another third have pursued research with a PhD in hazard-related studies. The remaining third have developed careers in a wide range of sectors, from non-governmental organisations, through teaching, to the fields of emergency planning and environmental management.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Earth Sciences is engaged in world-class research into the processes at work on and within the Earth and planets.

Graduate students benefit from our lively and welcoming environment and world-class facilities. The department hosts UCL Hazard Centre, Europe's leading multidisciplinary hazard research centre, and engages in extensive collaborative work with the Royal Institution and the Natural History Museum.

This MSc aims to include a short field trip to locations that illustrate the impact of natural hazards. Previous trips have included the Neapolitan volcanic district, the Italian Alps and the Po Delta, and the Cádiz region in south-western Spain.

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EXPLORE PROCESSES AT OR NEAR THE EARTH'S SURFACE

The Master’s programme in Earth Surface and Water involves the study of natural and human-induced physical and geochemical processes, patterns, and dynamics of the Earth’s continental and coastal systems. This two-year programme provides you with knowledge that is essential to manage the planet sustainably, guarantee the availability of resources for future generations, and understand and avert natural hazards.

The main subject areas you will study consist of the dynamics of coastal and river systems, (geo-)hydrological processes, groundwater remediation, land degradation in dry lands and mountainous regions, natural hazards, and delta evolution on centennial and longer time scales.

Tracks

You can choose one of four tracks based on your interests in the field:

-Geohazards and Earth Observation: Land-degradation processes and natural hazards in and on the Earth's surface;

-Coastal Dynamics and Fluvial Systems: Natural and human-induces processes, patterns, and products in the world's coasts and
rivers;

-Hydrology: Movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth;

-Environmental Geochemistry: Processes that control the functioning of natural environments at the Earth's surface.

The Earth Surface and Water programme trains students to quantitatively study the natural and human-induced physical and chemical processes, patterns, and dynamics of Earth’s continental and coastal systems as well as their responses to global change. Students explore and understand the modelling capabilities of the past, present, and future as well as the evolution of Earth’s environment, including human impact on this evolution.

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Pipeline Integrity Management is a corporate validated award offered by Northumbria University in partnership with Penspen Ltd. as a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and a Masters (MSc).

Each award must be studied in sequence; therefore all modules shown in the PG Cert and PG Dip must be completed before the Masters Project may be studied. For more information on the PGCert and PGDip portions of this course, please view the relevant hyperlinks below:
PGCert - https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/pipeline-integrity-management-dtpimp6/

PGDip - https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/pipeline-integrity-management-dtppip6/

Oil and gas are the world’s major sources of primary energy, and 3,500,000 km of large diameter, high pressure pipelines transport most of these hydrocarbons around the world. The pipelines carry vast quantities of energy and represent big business; for example, a large pipeline transporting 1,000,000 barrels of oil per day, with oil priced at $US100/barrel, will deliver $US36.5 billion of oil each year!

Many of these pipelines are ageing – they are typically over 30 years old - but are required to operate for many more decades to meet increasing demand, and as new sources of oil and gas are discovered. Hence, their ‘integrity’ (safety and security of supply) is a major challenge for their operators. Pipelines have an excellent safety record, but failures do occur, sometimes with tragic consequences.

There is a shortage of skilled pipeline engineers in the world today, together with an increasing need, as the pipelines continue to age, for pipeline engineers with specific skills in pipeline integrity. This distance learning course enables students to understand and apply the theory and practice of pipeline integrity engineering in a work-based environment. The course aims to produce highly skilled and professional graduates in key aspects of pipeline integrity - in particular ensuring the continued safety of ageing pipelines.

This is the first course of its kind and a market-leader, its development primarily driven by the skills-crisis within the industry. The masters typically takes 36 months to complete (PG Dip + 12 months) and is available with January and September starts. It is achieved after completing a total of 180 credits (the PG Dip 120 credits in Integrity Assessments, Land Pipeline Engineering, Pipelines and Geohazards, Pipelines Risk and Materials Technology, plus a further 60 credits from the MSc Project).

On completion of the course, students will have relevant skills in dealing with the special problems facing pipelines: assessing pipeline damage, assessing risk, and corrosion problems, as well as general knowledge in pipeline engineering. The course presents a holistic view of pipeline integrity, which ensures students understand the history, theory, and foundations of the technologies they will use.

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Invest in your future

New Zealand is a recognised leader in disaster management, which makes it the perfect place to study the topic. Our significant, multi-hazard activity keeps disaster management at the forefront of government policy – and recent disasters both here and around the globe have highlighted a need for expert knowledge in managing them.

The Master of Disaster Management offers students a variety of knowledge and skills to implement a holistic approach to managing unexpected events such as disasters and emergencies. It focuses on key issues of disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction, ensuring you are equipped to apply this knowledge to planning frameworks, policy-making and devising solutions in different and complex environments.

This programme draws on expertise from across the University of Auckland – such as Science, Architecture and Planning, Development Studies and Environmental Law – and includes the world-recognised research we’ve undertaken to date.

The MDisMgt is intended to prepare you for a leadership role in a disaster management career and/or humanitarian aid field. Many professions, including engineers, urban designers, project managers, economists, health workers, aid workers, scientists and government officials, can benefit significantly from expert knowledge and skills gained in this highly relevant programme.

Programme structure

Taught (120 points or 180 points)
Full-time or part-time

The Master of Disaster Management is a flexible programme – you can study full or part-time, and depending on your existing qualifications, will undertake either a 120-point (12 months full-time/four years part-time) or 180-point (18 months full-time/six-years part time) degree. As well as the three core courses, you’ll select from a variety of electives to suit your schedule and interests.

The programme also includes a research element (45 points), where you will address a topic relevant to disaster management. The MDisMgt research project develops your knowledge of how to support community resilience and the built environment after a disaster. It will help you demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills, and give you the ability to independently solve a real-world issue in disaster settings.

Courses and electives

You’ll take three core courses (of 15 points each): Disaster Risk Management, Disaster Management and Resilience, and Project Management.

Depending on your degree (120 or 180 points), you’ll select two or six elective courses. Electives may include:

• Infrastructure Asset Management
• Construction Logistics Engineering
• Natural Resources Law
• Human Rights Litigation
• Global Public Health
• Gender and Development
• Geohazards
• Specialist Counselling Skills and Approaches
• Working with Grief and Loss

Next generation research at the University of Auckland

The Faculty of Engineering is dedicated to providing you with all the facilities, flexibility and support needed for you to develop the skills needed for the workforce. We boast research themes and programmes that provoke interdisciplinary projects, bringing together expertise from our five departments, other faculties, and industry partners and research organisations. Collaborative study is strongly encouraged – postgraduates in particular have the benefit of experiencing cohorts with diverse academic and industry backgrounds.

You will gain access to world-renowned experts who actively demonstrate the positive impacts research have on society. High-performance equipment and labs beyond industry standards are at your fingertips. Our facilities extend beyond study hours – we take pride in our involvement in student events and associations across the University, and are dedicated to providing you with academic, personal and career advice. We encourage you to take advantage of our resources, and use them to expand the possibilities of your research and career path.

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