Masters Degrees (Geotechnical)

Invest in your future

The Master of Engineering Studies in Geotechnical Engineering programme aims to further educate graduate students in the discipline of geotechnical engineering so as to enhance their contribution to engineering practice.

Graduates will be able to take leading roles in planning, evaluating, designing, constructing, maintaining, and managing the geotechnical infrastructure.

The programme alsos provide valuable background expertise for those wishing to enter into asset management or to begin to pursue a career in research and development.

The Master of Engineering Studies in Geotechnical Engineering programme aims to build on the geotechnical content of the BE (Civil) degree and develop graduates with enhanced ability to contribute to geotechnical engineering practice.

New Zealand is a stimulating country in which to practise geotechnical engineering with its young and varied geology, seismic activity and diverse rainfall patterns. Many unique problems occur here as a result and these present challenges for innovative and novel solutions.

The programme has been designed with courses relevant to the New Zealand geotechnical environment, to fill the needs of the country.

There is a large demand for geotechnical engineers in the local workplace, as well as a worldwide shortage of geotechnical professionals.

Programme Structure

Taught (120 points)
The Geotechnical Engineering specialisation is offered as a taught masters (eight courses).

Electives

Elective enrolments may depend on your prior study and professional experience, but ultimately, choosing the appropriate courses and topics can allow you to concentrate on and develop strengths in your energy field of choice.

Our broad list of electives include courses in:
• Design of Earthquake Resistant Foundations
• Earthquake Engineering
• Rock Mechanics and Excavation Engineering
• Soil Behaviour
• Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
• Engineering Geological Mapping
• Geological Hazards
• Advanced Engineering Geology
• Hydrogeology
• Studies in Civil Engineering
• Foundation Engineering
• Slope Engineering
• Engineering Geology
• Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering
• Geotechnical Modelling
• Advanced Mathematical Modelling
• Surface Water Quality Modelling
• Risk, LCA and Sustainability

Next generation research at the Faculty of Engineering

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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This research intensive course is tailored for talented students who already have a very strong background in geotechnical and earthquake engineering, providing a unique opportunity to conduct cutting edge research combining analytical with experimental methods in a transnational environment. The research component is emphasized by the requirement to submit not only a thesis but a journal paper as well.

Why study Geotechnical Earthquake and Offshore Engineering at Dundee?

Civil Engineering at Dundee is ranked top in Scotland for research. Students of the highest calibre are therefore attracted to Dundee, being offered a unique opportunity to engage with cutting edge research.

Students studying on our masters programmes benefit from our renowned research expertise and industry experience, and our graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide.

What's great about Geotechnical Earthquake and Offshore Engineering?

The MSc in Geotechnical Earthquake and Offshore Engineering provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills:
- To design Civil Engineering works to resist the destructive actions applied by earthquakes
- To design offshore foundations and pipelines

Efficient aseismic design requires simultaneous consideration of both geotechnical and structural engineering. The course is unique in that it takes a holistic approach in considering the subject from both perspectives equally, emphasizing soil-structure interaction and providing advanced training for both components.

Laboratory of Soil Mechanics, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)

Please note that all teaching is carried out in English.

Research will be conducted jointly with the Laboratory of Soil Mechanics of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), introducing an international dimension that combines the core strengths of the two research groups, exploiting the state of the art 150g tonne capacity geotechnical centrifuge of the University of Dundee.

The latter is equipped with a latest-technology centrifuge-mounted earthquake simulator capable of reproducing any target waveform, making the Dundee centrifuge facility only one of 3 in Europe capable of earthquake replication. A specially designed split-box for simulation of seismic faulting and its effects on structures is also available, along with a variety of Strong and Equivalent Shear Beam (ESB) Boxes, and sensors (accelerometers, LVDTs, load cells, pore pressure transducers, etc.)

Who should study this course?

This course is research intensive and tailored to students with a very strong background in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

This course is taught by staff in the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics.

The start date is September each year, and the course lasts until the end of October in the following year (14 months in total). Students spend 50% of their time at the University of Dundee and 50% at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).

How you will be taught

Modules are taught via lectures, seminars, workshops, practical's and a research project.

What you will study

Students spend 50% of their time at the University of Dundee and 50% at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).

1st term at NTUA: September – December (4 months)

Research – 1st part: numerical and analytical methods.

2nd term at Dundee : January – April (4 months)

Core and Specialist Taught modules

Core Modules

CE52002: Health, Safety & Environmental Management
Specialist Modules

CE50005: Advanced Structural Analysis of Bridges
CE50023: Offshore Geotechnics and Pipelines
CE50024: Geoenvironmental Engineering
CE50025: Soil Dynamics
3rd term at Dundee : May – July (3 months)

Research – 2nd part: experimental methods

4th term at NTUA : August – October (3 months)

Research – 3rd part: Completion of MSc Thesis and Journal paper.

The distribution of allocated time between terms 3 and 4 will be flexible, and you may spend more time in either of the universities, depending on your project.

How you will be assessed

Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and exam. The research project is assessed by dissertation.

Careers

There is a continuing demand for civil engineers particularly in the energy and water sectors and the skills of the civil engineer are highly portable in the multi-disciplinary engineering sectors. The latest Institution of Civil Engineers Salary Survey for the UK (2010) indicates that the average total income of its senior members is nearly £100k, while that of recent graduates is £27.5k.

We are proud of our achievements in graduate employment. The blend of science, technology and management education and training gained in a unique learning environment that is both challenging and friendly, makes our graduates attractive to employers in civil engineering and a wider range of sectors.

Graduates from Dundee have gone on to achieve high level positions in most sectors of the profession. These include consulting engineers and contractors, the offshore industry and research organisations.

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Our MSc in Advanced Geotechnical Engineering is a European-Accredited Engineering Master Degree programme.

It will give you the skills you need to address real-world ground engineering problems and the technological challenges faced every day by the geotechnical engineering profession.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Advanced Geotechnical Engineering MSc will nurture and develop your understanding of the principles and theories behind ground engineering.

Topics include deep foundations in urban areas, tunnelling, foundations for energy infrastructure, deep water energy resources exploration and field monitoring.

During your studies you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and practical understanding of scientific methodology you have acquired on a research project under the guidance and advice of an experienced supervisor.

This will help you develop the skills to acquire, analyse, and critically evaluate data, and then draw valid, defendable conclusions that can withstand professional scrutiny.

Graduates are highly employable, and may progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied over one academic year (full-time) and between two and five academic years (part-time or distance learning). It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.

On successful completion of this MSc programme students will be deemed to have completed the further learning necessary to combine with a suitable BEng (Hons) degree fulfilling the academic base for the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer.

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
-Advanced Soil Mechanics
-Energy Geotechnics
-Geotechnical Structures
-Deep Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures
-Soil-Structure Interaction

Selected Structural Engineering Group Modules
-Subsea Engineering
-Structural Safety and Reliability
-Earthquake Engineering

Selected Construction Management Group Modules
-Construction Management and Law
-Construction Organisation
-Project and Risk Management

Selected Infrastructure Engineering Group Modules
-Infrastructure Systems Interdependencies and Resilience
-Infrastructure Investment and Financing
-Infrastructure Asset Management
-Sustainability and Infrastructure

Selected Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
-Groundwater Control
-Water Resources Management and Hydraulic Modelling
-Dissertation project

Students must choose eight modules from those listed above. For the main and subsidiary awards there are restrictions on the choice of modules within each module group. These are outlined in the table above.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme aims to provide graduates with:
-A comprehensive understanding of some of the challenges faced during the analysis, design and construction of foundation and geotechnical structures
-The ability to select and apply most appropriate analysis methodology for problems in ground engineering including advanced and new methods
-The ability to design foundations in a variety of ground conditions
-A working knowledge of the key UK, European and some International standards and codes of practice associated with the analysis and design of foundations and the ability to interpret and apply these to both familiar and unfamiliar problems
-The necessary technical further learning towards fulfilling the educational base for the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding
-A knowledge and understanding of the key UK, European and International standards and codes of practice relating to ground engineering
-A knowledge and understanding of the construction of different types of geotechnical structure on different ground conditions
-A comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering mechanics underpinning ground engineering
-The ability to understand the limitations of ground analysis methods
-The knowledge and understanding to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete
-A knowledge and understanding of ground engineering in a commercial/business context
-Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development related to ground engineering
-A knowledge and understanding of the common and less common materials used in ground engineering
-An understanding of construction management
-A critical awareness of new developments and research needs in ground engineering

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging ground engineering problems
-A critical awareness of new developments in the field of ground engineering
-The ability to critically evaluate ground engineering design principles and concepts
-The awareness of the commercial, social and environmental impacts associated with foundations
-An awareness and ability to make general evaluations of risk associated with the design and construction of foundations including health and safety, environmental and commercial risk

Professional practical skills
-The ability to interpret and apply the appropriate UK, European and some International standards and codes of practice to foundation design for both familiar and unfamiliar situations
-The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
-The ability to apply the appropriate analysis methodologies to common ground engineering problems as well as unfamiliar problems
-The ability to collect and analyse research data
-The ability to tackle problems familiar or otherwise which have uncertain or incomplete data
-The ability to use theory or experimental research to improve design and/or analysis
-The ability to generate innovative foundation design
-The awareness of professional and ethical conduct

Key / transferable skills
-Oral and written communication (presentation skills)
-Synthesis and graphical presentation of data
-3D spatial awareness
-Use of sketching and engineering drafting
-Use of word processor, spreadsheet, drawing/presentation
-Technical report writing
-Independent learning skills
-Ability to develop, monitor and update a plan
-Reviewing, assessing, and critical thinking skills
-Teamwork, leadership and negotiation skills
-Time management

[[GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES[[
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Why take this course?

This course is suited to those with an eye for materials, material structure and material mechanics.

Our course aims to extend your understanding of the core disciplines of civil engineering and widen your professional scope to include expertise in geotechnical engineering. From ground investigations to soil structure testing, you will gain the analytical and technical skills required to make informed decisions when faced with the complex geotechnical problems of construction projects.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Attend lectures and seminars given by practitioners from client, contracting and consulting organisations
Gain experience of environmental assessment techniques plus a range of other skills such as mapping using GIS, GPS and remote sensing technologies
Opt to study overseas at a variety of European universities through the ERASMUS exchange scheme

What opportunities might it lead to?

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Civil engineering
Mining companies
Petroleum companies
The military
Consultancy

Module Details

The course is divided into three stages, the first two stages are generally taught through formal tuition, with stage three covering independent research in an academic or industrial setting.

You will build upon established fundamental civil/construction engineering and project management principles in order to confidently apply them to a range of complex construction project problems with due regard to related geotechnical factors.

Here are the units you will study:

Environmental Management for Civil Engineering: This unit introduces you to the main environmental issues associated with civil engineering projects and how they are considered and mitigated in the Environmental Assessment process.

Civil Engineering Science: In this unit you will study integrated topics of analytical structural analysis, numerical analysis and solving engineering problems. Whilst being an introduction to the finite element method (FEM) and application of FEM software packages, this unit aims to give you the ability to solve engineering problems in the design of real structures.

Geotechnical Engineering Design Project: This unit gives you an opportunity to simulate the design activities of a civil engineering consultancy. Project briefs are typically drawn from the work of professional contacts in the civil engineering industry. You will be required to make professional contacts, obtain advice and guidance, carry out research and conduct site visits outside the University.

Strategic and General Management: You will cover management in the construction industry, and the development of organisational and project strategic direction, taking into account internal and external environments.

Independent Research Project: This covers the generic research framework within which new knowledge is discovered, and involves the practical application of research skills and techniques to a chosen system within the construction industry.

Programme Assessment

Teaching on this course will focus on small lectures, seminars and discussion groups. It will also centre on supporting your independent learning strategies, which tutorials will help to develop.

Assessment can take many forms and is geared towards the subject matter in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. It includes:

Examinations
Coursework
Projects
A dissertation

Student Destinations

This course is designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and competencies that employers in the construction industry expect. Alongside the technical topics, you will develop commercial and interpersonal skills required of construction industry professionals.

There is currently a huge demand for geotechnical engineering specialists within the civil engineering sector. This fact, combined with the vocational nature of this course and the extensive training you will receive, means that you are likely to quickly find employment in the industry. Potential roles will include geotechnical engineers, mining engineers and tunnelling engineers for major mining companies, as well as environmental and geotechnical consultancies.

Overall, the delivery of this course and its opportunities for you to interact with the industry throughout your studies means the employment rate of our civil engineering graduates is excellent.

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The MSc in Geotechnical Engineering is part of the Division of Civil Engineering's extensive programme of postgraduate studies and research. The course builds on the Division's renowned research expertise and industrial experience in current aspects of geotechnical engineering.

Why study Geotechnical Engineering at Dundee?

Key reasons include:
Better preparation for successful careers in industry, commerce or academia
Development of skills, knowledge and understanding in a specialist field
Participation in the research activities of a world-class department

A wide range of research projects are available in any of the following areas: earthquake engineering (foundations during earthquakes, liquefaction, faulting), offshore engineering (foundations, anchors, pipelines and offshore processes), foundation engineering and ground improvement. Some of these projects will be linked to industry

Development of transferable skills in research methods, communication and management of large and small scale projects

Part-time students have the option of relating their research project directly to ongoing work within their employment

Professional Accreditation: ICE/IStructE

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. Visit http://www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

What's great about Geotechnical Engineering at Dundee?

Civil Engineering at Dundee is ranked top in Scotland for research. You will have the opportunity to engage with leading edge research at Dundee, meaning we attract students of the highest calibre and our graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide. Students studying on our masters programmes benefit from our renowned research expertise and industry experience.

The Geotechnical Engineering research sub-group was established in 1997 and it has grown significantly since that time. In addition to its undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research activities, the group offers services to industry across a broad range of geotechnical engineering. The group has hosted a number of major conferences and symposia in Dundee.

Who should study this course?

It is designed both for people pursuing a higher degree soon or immediately after obtaining their first degree, and for those with considerable work experience.

"I love how specialised [this course] is, as very few universities offer such speciality in Earthquake and Offshore Engineering. The course taught me how to solve real-life challenging problems, not to mention the strong industry linkage with my future employer - Subsea 7."
Vithiea Pang, MSc student

The start date is September each year, and lasts for 12 months.

How you will be taught

Modules start at the beginning of the academic session in September and are taught by lectures and tutorials.

What you will study

There are three main elements to the course programme:

Core Modules
These provide skills generic to engineering and research. The two modules are:

Research Methods and Diploma Project
Health, Safety & Environmental Engineering
Specialist Modules
The specialist modules provide in-depth and advanced knowledge, and build upon our expertise. These cover the following topics:

Offshore Geotechnical Engineering
Advanced Soil Mechanics and Geo-Environmental Engineering
Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
Advanced Structural Analysis
Research Project
The research project gives you the opportunity to benefit from, and contribute to our research. At the end of the project students submit a dissertation based on their research. Students select their projects from a list offered by the academic staff or may suggest their own topic. Many of these projects are collaborative with industry, particularly those in offshore engineering (for Oil and Gas, Marine Renewables and Aquaculture)

How you will be assessed

The course is assessed by coursework and examination.

Students taking the Postgraduate Diploma carry out a shorter research project and complete an extended report.

Careers

There is a continuing demand for civil engineers particularly in the energy and water sectors and the skills of the civil engineer are highly portable in the multi-disciplinary engineering sectors. The latest Institution of Civil Engineers Salary Survey for the UK (2010) indicates that the average total income of its senior members is nearly £100k, while that of recent graduates is £27.5k.

We are proud of our achievements in graduate employment. The blend of science, technology and management education and training gained in a unique learning environment that is both challenging and friendly, makes our graduates attractive to employers in civil engineering and a wider range of sectors.

Graduates from Dundee have gone on to achieve high level positions in most sectors of the profession. These include consulting engineers and contractors, the offshore industry and research organisations.

Funded places

Due to an initiative from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) designed to support key sectors in the Scottish economy, there are 7 fully-funded places available to eligible students starting this course in 2013/14. This covers all tuition fees associated with the MSc programme and can be held by students classified as Scottish or EU for fee purposes only. Please indicate your interest in being considered for a funded place when you apply through UKPASS.

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Our geotechnical engineering and engineering geology research is revolutionary worldwide. You will work with academics who are leaders in their field so that your research has a real impact on civil engineering.

By pursuing research in the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences you will join an extremely successful research group focussing on geotechnical engineering and geology. Our mission is to foster, promote and conduct research of international quality. This means that we attract high quality graduates and researchers and train them to international standards.

Within the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences we have a research group focussed on geotechnics and structures, which deals with the fundamental concepts of material behaviour, construction and design technology. Our research has a central theme of Earth systems science engineering and management, focussing on the concepts of:
-Sustainability in construction
-Climate change and the effects on civil engineering

We provide MPhil and PhD supervision within the broad disciplines of geotechnical engineering and engineering geology. Our current research areas are:
-Seismic engineering and extreme loadings
-Slope stability
-Multi-phase flow and coupled multi-field analysis
-Soil modelling
-Waste minimisation and reuse
-Ground improvement
-Site characterisation

We also encourage multidisciplinary research, such as:
-Ground improvement and remediation
-In situ testing
-Geotechnical design
-Geotechnical processes in construction and the natural environment.

As a result of our research we have been able to revolutionise electrokinetic geosynthetics, self-boring pressuremeters, geothermal testing and construct a full-scale embankment for field experimentation.

Delivery

Off-campus study may be available in some circumstances, particularly if you have industrial sponsorship. Our programme includes intensive subject-specific supervision and training in research methodologies and core skills. You will also have an opportunity to undertake paid laboratory demonstrations and tutoring to gain teaching experience.

You will be taught by eminent academics who are experts in the field, such as:
-Dr Colin Davie, Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering
-Professor Peter Gosling, Professor of Computational Structural Mechanics
-Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Professor of Civil Engineering

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There is a wide range of opportunity in the Civil Engineering profession for geotechnical specialists, particularly those who combine geotechnical knowledge with essential managerial skills aspects associated with the Construction Industry.

Modern structures, such as buildings, embankments and dams, must satisfy exacting stability and deformation criteria, and they may have to be sited on weak or compressible ground. It is the responsibility of the geotechnical engineer to plan and direct the necessary ground investigations and laboratory testing, interpret the results, and propose methods of design and construction to overcome difficulties caused by inadequate ground.

The long-term performance of the structure must be predicted, and instruments may have to be installed to check the prediction. This needs a sound knowledge of engineering geology, soil and rock mechanics, current civil engineering design, and of construction management and practice.

This MSc programme is designed to support high level training and enhance both the technical and managerial skills of recent graduates or experienced personnel who work in, or aspire to a career in, the construction or related industries. This programme is aimed at Civil Engineers and Geologists who wish to widen their professional scope or to specialise in geotechnical engineering with the addition of modern managerial skills. To summarise the detailed information above, the teaching concentrates on essential aspects of the subject:

- Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks; ground investigation; field and laboratory testing
- Engineering geology and site investigation
- Analysis, design and construction of foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, embankments and slopes including methods of ground reinforcement and improvement.

About the School of Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is the key to many of the issues affecting our lives today. Civil Engineers solve problems, design, build and maintain our living and working spaces. You might design a new stadium, work on a local by-pass or railway line, assess a damaged structure, provide immediate and safe drinking water to a refugee camp, or manage a multi-million pound construction project.
We tackle the problems faced by society today: we aim to develop the knowledge and tools to build the communities of the future. Many of our projects have already had a significant impact on society; the impact of others will be felt by generations to come.
The performance of Civil Engineering in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, has shown that the majority of its research was rated as internationally excellent.
We work closely with industry, charities and research councils to encourage innovative thinking which has an impact on our lives. As a result we are proud of our heritage of internationally-recognised, multidisciplinary research in a stimulating research environment.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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There is a wide range of opportunity in the Civil Engineering profession for geotechnical specialists, particularly those who combine geotechnical knowledge with essential managerial skills aspects associated with the Construction Industry.

Modern structures, such as buildings, embankments and dams, must satisfy exacting stability and deformation criteria, and they may have to be sited on weak or compressible ground. It is the responsibility of the geotechnical engineer to plan and direct the necessary ground investigations and laboratory testing, interpret the results, and propose methods of design and construction to overcome difficulties caused by inadequate ground.

The long-term performance of the structure must be predicted, and instruments may have to be installed to check the prediction. This needs a sound knowledge of engineering geology, soil and rock mechanics, current civil engineering design, and of construction management and practice.

This MSc programme is designed to support high level training and enhance both the technical and managerial skills of recent graduates or experienced personnel who work in, or aspire to a career in, the construction or related industries. This programme is aimed at Civil Engineers and Geologists who wish to widen their professional scope or to specialise in geotechnical engineering with the addition of modern managerial skills. To summarise the detailed information above, the teaching concentrates on four essential aspects of the subject:

Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks; ground investigation; field and laboratory testing
Engineering geology and site investigation
Analysis, design and construction of foundations, retaining walls, embankments and slopes including methods of ground reinforcement and improvement.
Managerial skills for the construction industry, including groundworks and risk management, BIM in infrastructure and infrastructure planning process.

About the School of Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is the key to many of the issues affecting our lives today. Civil Engineers solve problems, design, build and maintain our living and working spaces. You might design a new stadium, work on a local by-pass or railway line, assess a damaged structure, provide immediate and safe drinking water to a refugee camp, or manage a multi-million pound construction project.
We tackle the problems faced by society today: we aim to develop the knowledge and tools to build the communities of the future. Many of our projects have already had a significant impact on society; the impact of others will be felt by generations to come.
The performance of Civil Engineering in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, has shown that the majority of its research was rated as internationally excellent.
We work closely with industry, charities and research councils to encourage innovative thinking which has an impact on our lives. As a result we are proud of our heritage of internationally-recognised, multidisciplinary research in a stimulating research environment.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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The Geotechnical Engineering MSc will give you the specialist knowledge required to meet the needs of the construction, environmental and extractive industries. You will learn the principles and application of geotechnical engineering in a range of settings.

The course provides an advanced knowledge and understanding of:
-Soils and rocks and their engineering properties
-Site investigation, testing, interpretation and reporting
-Construction practice and awareness of safe operation
-Key aspects of geotechnical design, such as foundations and slopes
-Application of mathematical methods and computational tools

Once you have graduated will be able to:
-Identify, generate and interpret data relevant to an engineering scenario
-Employ numerical methods for modelling and analysing problems
-Select and apply ideas, concepts and data to generate innovative designs
-Evaluate the quality of data through testing and measurement equipment in field and lab
-Present and summarise data and critically appraise its significance, using numerical techniques
-Formulate and test key hypotheses using logical and consistent quantitative or qualitative arguments

Delivery

You will study compulsory modules plus optional modules, followed by a research project written up as a dissertation. The teaching methods on the course include:
-Formal lectures
-Tutorials
-Seminars
-Open learning
-Group projects
-Computing workshops
-Laboratory work
-Fieldwork
-Site visits

Numerous contributions are made to the course by prominent visitors from the construction industry. Assessment is by formal written examinations, course work, the dissertation, and oral presentations.

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Professional geologists working in consultancies, regulatory authorities and government environmental agencies are required to apply a wide range of transferrable skills to their jobs. Candidates who are able to demonstrate skills in public engagement, communication, professional research and report-writing, in addition to academic knowledge and field skills, are therefore highly sought after in these professions.

This full-time MSc Applied Environmental Geology is part taught and part professional project. We aim to develop your transferrable skills in a professional context and give you a head start in the geology profession of your choice or starting a PhD.

Distinctive features:

• Our location in South Wales provides us with a wide range of highly relevant geoenvironmental and geotechnical locations, which we visit during fieldtrips and use in case studies.

• Embed your skills in professional practice through a five month professional project, usually as part of a placement.

• Strong links with industry and government agencies ensure the quality and relevance of the course, and give you the opportunity to make contacts.

• Fully integrated with the professional development (CPD) lecture programme of the Southern Wales Group of the Geological Society of London.

Structure

There are two stages to the MSc Applied Environmental Geology.

Stage 1 lasts for 7 months (September – April), where you will complete taught modules and fieldwork, with significant contributions from industry professionals.

In these modules, we will investigate general themes, such as the principles of geotechnical engineering and geophysics. We will also look into environmental themes in more depth including land contamination, environmental regulation, behaviour of soils and water.

If you pass Stage 1 you will progress onto Stage 2, which is a 5-month professional project from May to September culminating in a dissertation. We will, wherever possible, offer you an industrial placement with a professional company either in the UK or overseas over the summer to complete your project.

For the first seven months, from September to April, you will complete taught modules and fieldwork at Cardiff University. After this, you will progress onto a 5-month placement in the UK or overseas where you will undertake a professional project and complete your dissertation.

Core modules:

Project Planning, Design and Management For Applied Environmental Geology
Geotechnical Engineering
Engineering Behaviour of Soils
Contaminated Land
Environmental Assessment and Regulation
Remote Sensing and Applied Geophysics
Transferable Skills
Water in the Environment
Dissertation AEG

Optional modules:

Environmental Geology/Hydrogeology Report

Teaching

The methods of teaching we employ may vary from module to module. Generally we teach using a mixture of lectures, practical work and fieldwork. We also have a series of lectures with invited speakers from across the profession, as well as strong links with the Geological Society.

On the course, you will undertake laboratory work in several modules. This includes standard laboratory tests covering the physical and mechanical properties of soils, and water flow experiments to learn hydrologic and hydrogeologic concepts.

You will also develop your knowledge of numerical tools to model real-world geotechnical problems. Application software, such as CorelDraw, Surfer, ArcGIS, as well as professional geoengineering software, such as Rockscience and Landsim, are used throughout the course.

Throughout the course we encourage communication and teamwork. For example, we may ask you to work in teams in laboratories and on field-trips. Our project training includes skills in supervision and co-ordination of a range of tasks designed to address specific geotechnical and geoenvironmental problems.

Assessment

We use a wide range of assessment methods, depending on the module. These include exams, coursework, presentations, practical assessment, your industrial placement and dissertation (20,000 words).

Placements

You will undertake a professional placement in industry as part of the second stage of the course. This placement will last for 5 months (May - September), during which you will undertake a research project and complete your dissertation.

We endeavour wherever possible to place students with industrial partners. This placement can be located in the UK or overseas as long as the project is deemed to be logistically safe and academically viable.

Fieldwork

South Wales provides a wide range of highly relevant geoenvironmental and geotechnical case studies and site visits. These include site visits to the Cardiff Bay Barrage, acid mine drainage from abandoned mines and active landslides in the south Wales Valleys. Field work includes surveying skills, rock engineering to the Rhondda Valley and Cardigan, site investigation visits to the Mumbles, Bournville landslide, as well as contaminated land studies at Barry Docks and Bryn Pica landfill site. All fieldwork on this course is compulsory.

Career prospects

Our graduates are widely sought after in industry and often have an advantage in the job market, due to the applied nature of the course and the transferrable skills they have been equipped with.

Following this degree you may choose to work in consultancy, regulatory authorities or government environmental agencies across the world. You may also decide to conduct further research and complete a PhD.

Former students can be found working for the likes of Network Rail, Mott McDonald, Natural Resources Wales, Environment Agency England, WSP, Ove Arup, Atkins and numerous other specialist geo-environmental consultancies and agencies based around the UK.

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This fully accredited MSc programme helps graduate engineers to acquire advanced capabilities and in-depth knowledge across a range of civil-engineering disciplines, including bridge engineering, construction management, and geotechnical, structural and water engineering.

This well-established programme is delivered by experienced University staff, together with practising engineers from consultancies and local authorities.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

You can access six study streams on this Masters programme:
-Bridge Engineering
-Construction Management
-Geotechnical Engineering
-Structural Engineering
-Water Engineering and Environmental Engineering
-Infrastructure Engineering and Management

As well as supporting the career development of Civil Engineering graduates, this programme provides the necessary further learning for engineers working in the construction industry who hold related first degrees such as engineering geology or construction management.

It is also designed to update the technical skills of practising engineers engaged in the planning, design, construction and operation of civil-engineering works.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time / distance learning for between two to five academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation. This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

Structural Engineering Group Modules
-Steel Building Design
-Space Structures
-Structural Mechanics and Finite Elements
-Subsea Engineering
-Concrete Building Design
-Structural Safety and Reliability
-Earthquake Engineering
-Design of Masonry Structures

Bridge Engineering Group Modules
-Bridge Deck Loading and Analysis
-Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
-Durability of Bridges and Structures
-Bridge Management
-Steel and Composite Bridge Design
-Long-Span Bridges

Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
-Advanced Soil Mechanics
-Energy Geotechnics
-Geotechnical Structures
-Soil-Structure Interaction
-Deep Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures

Construction Management Group Modules
-Construction Management and Law
-Construction Organisation
-Project and Risk Management

Infrastructure Engineering Group Modules
-Infrastructure Investment and Financing
-Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
-Infrastructure Asset Management
-Sustainability and Infrastructure

Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
-Environmental Health
-Water Treatment Optional
-Wastewater Treatment
-Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
-Pollution Control
-Groundwater Control
-Regulation and Management
-Water Resources

Dissertation
-Dissertation Project

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The Civil Engineering programme aims to provide graduate engineers with:
-Advanced capabilities and in-depth knowledge in a range of specialised aspects of civil engineering
-It is also designed to update the technical skills of practising engineers engaged in the planning, design, construction and operation of civil engineering works and to contribute to a personal professional development programme
-A working knowledge of some of the UK and European standards and codes of practice associated with the design, analysis and construction of civil engineering structures and the ability to interpret and apply these to both familiar and unfamiliar problems
-The necessary further learning towards fulfilling the educational base for the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer in both a technical or non-technical capacity dependent upon module selection

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding
-The mathematical principles necessary to underpin their education in civil engineering and to enable them to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of multi-disciplinary open ended engineering problems
-The properties, behaviour and use of relevant materials
-The management techniques which may be used to achieve civil engineering objectives within that context
-Some of the roles of management techniques and codes of practice in design
-The principles and implementation of some advanced design and management techniques specific to civil engineering
-Mathematical and computer models relevant to civil engineering, and an appreciation of their limitations
-The role of the professional engineer in society, including health, safety, environmental, sustainability, ethical issues and risk assessment within civil engineering
-The wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles
-Developing technologies related to civil engineering and the ability to develop an ability to synthesize and critically appraise some of them
-The framework of relevant requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk issues (an awareness of)
-The advanced design processes and methodologies and the ability to adapt them in open ended situations.

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-Analyse and solve problems
-Think strategically
-Synthesis of complex sets of information
-Understand the changing nature of knowledge and practice in the management of culturally diverse construction environments
-Select and transfer knowledge and methods from other sectors to construction-based organisation
-Produce sound designs to meet specified requirements such as Eurocodes, deploying commercial software packages as appropriate
-Dynthesis and critical appraisal of the thoughts of others

Professional practical skills
-Awareness of professional and ethical conduct
-Extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools where appropriate
-Evaluate and integrate information and processes in project work
-Present information orally to others
-Show a capability to act decisively in a coordinated way using theory, better practice and harness this to experience
-Use concepts and theories to make engineering judgments in the absence of complete data
-Observe, record and interpret data using appropriate statistical methods and to present results in appropriate forms for the civil engineering industry

Key / transferable skills
-Communicate engineering design, concepts, analysis and data in a clear and effective manner
-Collect and analyse research data
-Time and resource management planning

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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This flexible MSc programme is suitable for individuals who already have an accredited undergraduate civil engineering degree and who are seeking to further their engineering skills and achieve chartered status.

The course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators as meeting the requirements for further learning for a chartered engineer (CEng) for candidates who already have an accredited CEng (partial) BEng(Hons) or an accredited IEng (full) BEng/BSc(Hons) undergraduate first degree.

You will study a range of advanced civil engineering subjects linked to cutting-edge research. These include earthquake engineering dynamics and design, advanced geotechnics and rock mechanics, bridge engineering and advanced hydraulics. You will also develop the skills demanded in civil engineering consultancy offices around the world.

On the course, you will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced technical software for numerical modelling.

The course is flexible and allows you to combine advanced civil engineering with related subjects including water environmental management, construction management and sustainable construction.

All of the taught modules are delivered by research-active staff and pave the way for a career at the forefront of ambitious civil engineering projects.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for this course. Please click the link below for more information.
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-finance/postgraduate/index.aspx

Course structure

Our courses are under continual review. If you have already applied you can find more information on the applicant portal.

The course has an emphasis on practical applications of advanced civil engineering concepts. You will make use of our advanced laboratories, modern computer facilities and technical software.

The MSc requires successful completion of six modules together with a dissertation on an agreed technical subject; a dissertation is not required, however, for the PGDip.

The taught component of the course comprises six core modules, and you can either take all six of these modules or choose four with an additional two approved modules from other MSc courses in the School of Environment and Technology. You can use this flexibility to study related subjects including water and waste-water treatment technology, construction management and sustainable construction.

Core modules cover geotechnical earthquake engineering, dynamics of structures with earthquake engineering applications, seismic design of reinforced concrete members, random vibrations of structures, bridge loads and analysis, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, coastal engineering and wave loading.

Areas of study

• Coastal Engineering and Wave Loading

This module provides a basic understanding of different wave theories and their applications in coastal engineering practice.

You will develop an understanding of the coastal sediment transport processes and the means to deal with issues associated with coastal protection and sea defence.

• Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

This module provides an understanding of advanced geotechnical design methods with an emphasis on seismic design. It focuses on current design methods for soil and rock structures and foundation systems subject to complex loading conditions.

You will gain experience in using a variety of commercial software.

• Rock Mechanics

The module gives you an understanding of the behaviour of rocks and rock mass and enables you to evaluate the instability of rock slopes and tunnels in order to design reinforcements for unstable rock.

• Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering Applications

You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of dynamics of structures. The module then focuses on analytical and numerical methods used to model the response of civil engineering structures subjected to dynamic actions, including harmonic loading, blast and impact loading, and earthquake ground motion.

• Random Vibration of Structures

The module gives you the confidence to model uncertainties involved in the design of structural systems alongside a framework to critically appraise probabilistic-based Eurocode approaches to design.

Stochastic models of earthquake ground motion, wind and wave loading are explored. Probabilistic analysis and design of structures is undertaken through pertinent random vibration theory.

You will become confident with the probabilistic analysis for the design against earthquake, wind and wave loadings through various checkable calculations.

• Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

The module gives you an understanding of the types and causes of damage to reinforced concrete structures. It then focuses on current techniques for repair and strengthening of existing structures.

Employability

The course is particularly appropriate for work in structural, geotechnical and coastal engineering.

Graduates have gone on into roles as structural engineers and civil engineers in a number of structural design offices around the world.

Others have been motivated by the research component of the course and followed a PhD programme after graduation.

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Why take this course?

Engineering geological expertise is critical to all types of civil engineering projects such as tunnels, dams, mines, quarries, offshore platforms and wind farms.

This course provides you with the advanced skills to carry out detailed investigations into surface and subsurface geology, identification of adverse ground conditions and the design of suitable remedial measures of engineering structures.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Be taught by internationally recognised experts with extensive expertise in engineering geology and geotechnics
Gain experience of environmental assessment techniques, plus a range of other skills such as mapping using GIS, GPS and remote sensing technologies
Go on numerous fieldtrips, both locally and overseas, to undergo specialist field training

What opportunities might it lead to?

This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London. It offers advanced professional and scientific training providing an accelerated route for you to attain Chartered Status, such as Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) on graduation.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Aid organisations
Environmental organisations
Offshore work
Civil sector roles
Mining
Insurance companies

Module Details

You can opt to take this course in full-time or part-time mode.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part comprises of the lecture, workshop, practical and field work elements of the course, followed by a five-month independent research project. The course is a mixture of taught units and research project covering topics including site investigation, soil mechanics and rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering design, contaminated land, slope stability and rock engineering.

Here are the units you will study:

Rock and Soil Mechanics: These topics are integral to the role of an engineering geologist. You will gain an advanced understanding of the geo-mechanical behaviour of rocks and soils and how they behave under different geotechnical design scenarios. You will also develop key skills in the assessment, description and testing of geological materials in order to understand and quantify their behaviour, using current British and Eurocode standards.

Soil and Rock Engineering: This unit will give you an advanced understanding of engineering and design in soils and rock masses, including fundamental design principles associated with common geotechnical solutions encountered on engineering geological and civil engineering projects.

Contaminated Land and Groundwater: These are important considerations in all types of construction and so an understanding of both is essential. You will learn key techniques for the identification and assessment of contaminated land and groundwater resources in an engineering geological context.

Ground Models: You will train in the development of geological ground models and geomorphological terrain models within the content of engineering geological practice, essential parts of any investigation.

Ground Investigation Techniques: You will gain advanced experience of ground investigation using invasive techniques, in-situ tests and geophysical methods – essential to an engineering geologist's skill base.

Landslides and Slope Instability: On this unit you will develop an advanced understanding of landslide systems, types of slides in soils and rocks and methods for identification and numerical analysis.

Field Reconnaissance and Geomorphological Mapping: The techniques covered on this unit are integral to the course and an essential skill for any graduate wishing to work in this area. You will have fieldwork training in techniques such as geomorphological mapping and walk-over surveys combined with interpretation of remote sensing and aerial photography imagery.

Spatial Analysis and Remote Sensing: On this unit you will cover the key tools for terrain evaluation and be trained in the acquisition and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery, and the integration and analysis of spatial datasets using GIS.

Independent Research Project: This give you the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research to academic or industrial standards, typically in collaboration with research staff in the department or external industry partners. In addition to submission of a thesis report, you also present the results of your project at the annual postgraduate conference held at the end of September.

Programme Assessment

The course provides a balanced structure of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You will learn through hands-on practical sessions designed to give you the skills in laboratory, computer and field techniques. The course also includes extensive field work designed to provide field mapping and data collection skills.

Assessment is varied, aimed at developing skills relevant to a range of working environments. Here’s how we assess your work:

Poster and oral presentations
Project reports
Literature reviews
Lab reports
Essays

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Running for over 35 years, this fully accredited MSc programme builds advanced capabilities in specialist aspects of bridge engineering.

Successful completion of this programme will aid you in pursuing a career as a bridge engineer with a consultancy, a specialist contractor or a local authority.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Graduate students will find the programme of substantial use in developing their knowledge and skills base for bridge analysis, design and management.

The programme also offers the opportunity for practising bridge engineers to update their knowledge of current design and assessment codes and guidelines, become familiar with developments in new techniques for the design, construction and management of bridges.

The Bridge Engineering programme encompasses a wide range of modules addressing the whole life-analysis of bridge structures from design to end-of-life.

Optional modules from some of our other study streams are also offered, covering structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering, construction management, and infrastructure engineering and management.

Graduates are highly employable and may progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied over either one year (full-time) or between two and five years (part-time or distance learning). It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

Bridge Engineering Group Modules
-Bridge Deck Loading and Analysis
-Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
-Durability of Bridges and Structures
-Steel and Composite Bridge Design
-Long-Span Bridges

Structural Engineering Group Modules
-Steel Building Design
-Space Structures
-Structural Mechanics and Finite Elements
-Subsea Engineering
-Concrete Building Design
-Structural Safety and Reliability
-Earthquake Engineering
-Design of Masonry Structures

Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
-Advanced Soil Mechanics
-Energy Geotechnics
-Geotechnical Structures
-Soil-Structure Interaction
-Foundation Engineering

Construction Management Group Modules
-Construction Management and Law
-Construction Organisation
-Project and Risk Management

Infrastructure Engineering and Management Group Modules
-Infrastructure Investment and Financing
-Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
-Infrastructure Asset Management
-Sustainability and Infrastructure

Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
-Environmental Health
-Water Treatment
-Wastewater Treatment
-Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
-Pollution Control
-Groundwater Control
-Regulation and Management
-Water Resources Management and Hydraulic Modelling
-Water Policy and Management
-Dissertation
-Dissertation Project

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme aims to provide graduates with:
-A comprehensive understanding of engineering mechanics for bridge analysis
-The ability to select and apply the most appropriate analysis methodology for problems in bridge engineering including advanced and new methods
-The ability to design bridge structures in a variety of construction materials
-A working knowledge of the key UK and European standards and codes of practice associated with the design, analysis and construction of bridge structures and the ability to interpret and apply these to both familiar and unfamiliar problems
-The necessary technical further learning towards fulfilling the educational base for the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding
-A knowledge and understanding of the key UK and European standards and codes of practice relating to bridge engineering
-The ability to interpret and apply the appropriate UK and European standards and codes of practiceto bridge design for both familiar and unfamiliar situations
-A knowledge and understanding of the construction of different types of bridge structures using different types of materials (e.g. concrete and steel)
-A knowledge and understanding of the common and less common materials used in bridge engineering
-A comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering mechanics underpinning bridge engineering
-The ability to critically evaluate bridge engineering concepts
-The ability to apply the appropriate analysis methodologies to common bridge engineering problems as well as unfamiliar problems
-The ability to understand the limitations of bridge analysis methods
-A knowledge and understanding to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete
-A Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development related to bridges
-The awareness of the commercial, social and environmental impacts associated with bridges
-An awareness and ability to make general evaluations of risk associated with the design and construction of bridge structures including health and safety, environmental and commercial risk
-A critical awareness of new developments in the field of bridge engineering

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-The ability to tackle problems familiar or otherwise which have uncertain or incomplete data (A,B)
-The ability to generate innovative bridge designs (B)
-The ability to use theory or experimental research to improve design and/or analysis
-The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
-Synthesis and critical appraisal of the thoughts of others

Professional practical skills
-The awareness of professional and ethical conduct
-A Knowledge and understanding of bridge engineering in a commercial/business context
-Ability to use computer software to assist towards bridge analysis
-Ability to produce a high quality report
-Ability of carry out technical oral presentations

Key / transferable skills
-Communicate engineering design, concepts, analysis and data in a clear and effective manner
-Collect and analyse research data
-Time and resource management planning

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This well-established and fully accredited MSc programme will develop the knowledge and skills acquired in your undergraduate programme. It builds the advanced capabilities in analysis and codified design in specialised aspects of structural engineering that are required by industry.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Our Structural Engineering postgraduate programme is delivered by the Faculty’s own staff, together with practising engineers from consultancies and local authorities.

For practising engineers engaged in the planning, design and construction of structural engineering works, this programme provides an opportunity to update their knowledge of current design practice and to become familiar with developments in codes and methods of analysis.

You will be able to choose from a rich and varied selection of specialist structural engineering subjects. The programme is offered in the standard full-time mode, in addition to part-time and distance learning options.

Graduates from the programme are highly employable and may progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time or distance learning over two to five academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

Structural Engineering Group Modules
-Steel Building Design
-Space Structures
-Structural Mechanics and Finite Elements
-Subsea Engineering
-Concrete Building Design
-Structural Safety and Reliability
-Earthquake Engineering
-Design of Masonry Structures

Bridge Engineering Group Modules
-Bridge Deck Loading and Analysis
-Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
-Durability of Bridges and Structures
-Bridge Management
-Steel and Composite Bridge Design
-Long-Span Bridges

Geotechnical Engineering Group Modules
-Advanced Soil Mechanics
-Energy Geotechnics
-Geotechnical Structures
-Soil-Structure Interaction
-Deep Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures

Construction Management Group Modules
-Construction Management and Law
-Construction Organisation
-Project and Risk Management

Infrastructure Engineering Group Modules
-Infrastructure Investment and Financing
-Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
-Infrastructure Asset Management
-Sustainability and Infrastructure

Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
-Environmental Health
-Water Treatment
-Wastewater Treatment
-Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
-Pollution Control
-Groundwater Control
-Regulation and Management
-Water Resources

Dissertation
-Dissertation Project

Apart from the usual full-time mode, there are also part-time options. The majority of Bridge, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering modules can be studied by distance learning through the use of an interactive web-based e-learning platform (SurreyLearn). This programme can be studied via distance learning, which allows a high level of flexibility and enables you to study alongside other commitments you may have.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme aims to provide graduates with:
-A comprehensive understanding of engineering mechanics for structural analysis
-The ability to select and apply the most appropriate analysis methodology for problems in structural engineering including advanced and new methods
-The ability to design structures in a variety of construction materials
-A working knowledge of the key UK and European standards and codes of practice associated with the design, analysis and construction of civil engineering structures and the ability to interpret and apply these to both familiar and unfamiliar problems
-The necessary technical further learning towards fulfilling the educational base for the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and understanding
-A knowledge and understanding of the key UK and European standards and codes of practice relating to structural engineering
-The ability to interpret and apply the appropriate UK and European standards and codes of practice to structural design for both familiar and unfamiliar situations
-A knowledge and understanding of the construction of different types of structures using different types of materials (e.g. concrete and steel)
-A knowledge and understanding of the common and less common materials used in structural engineering
-A comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering mechanics underpinning structural engineering
-The ability to critically evaluate structural engineering concepts
-The ability to apply the appropriate analysis methodologies to common structural engineering problems as well as unfamiliar problems
-The ability to understand the limitations of structural analysis methods
-A knowledge and understanding to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete
-A Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development related to structures
-The awareness of the commercial, social and environmental impacts associated with structures
-An awareness and ability to make general evaluations of risk associated with the design and construction of structures including health and safety, environmental and commercial risk
-A critical awareness of new developments in the field of structural engineering

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-The ability to tackle problems familiar or otherwise which have uncertain or incomplete data
-The ability to generate innovative structural designs
-The ability to use theory or experimental research to improve design and/or analysis
-The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
-Produce sound designs to meet specified requirements such as Eurocodes, deploying commercial software packages as appropriate
-Synthesis and critical appraisal of the thoughts of others

Professional practical skills
-The awareness of professional and ethical conduct
-A Knowledge and understanding of structural engineering in a commercial/business context
-Ability to use computer software to assist towards structural analysis
-Ability to produce a high quality report
-Ability of carry out technical oral presentations

Key / transferable skills
-Communicate engineering design, concepts, analysis and data in a clear and effective manner
-Collect and analyse research data
-Time and resource management planning

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

Read less