Masters degrees in Geotechnical Engineering offer advanced study of the formation, arrangement and structure of rocks in the earth’s crust. It includes the design of structures such as dams and building foundations.
Courses range from taught MSc degrees, to research-based MRes and MPhil programmes. Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as Geography, Planning or Civil Engineering.
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.
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.
Example module listing
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
Selected Structural Engineering Group Modules
Selected Construction Management Group Modules
Selected Infrastructure Engineering Group Modules
Selected Water and Environmental Engineering Group Modules
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.
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
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.
Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.
Modules are taught by academic members in the geotechnical area, and some lectures for the Advanced Geotechnical Engineering MSc will be delivered by visiting academics and practicing engineers from industry.
You will also be allocated a personal tutor to guide you during your time with us at the University. You can expect a varied, stimulating and rewarding time here and will receive all the support you need to progress your learning.
In addition to the University Library and Learning Centre’s extensive resources, our excellent testing facilities can support experimentally based MSc dissertation projects.
VJ Tech Prize for Best MSc Student in Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
A prize of £1,000, sponsored by VJ Tech, one of the world’s top geotechnical engineering manufacturers specialising in advanced soil testing equipment for labs.
The prize will be awarded to the best performing student(s) on the MSc Advanced Geotechnical Engineering based on module results and overall performance during the programme.
The £1,000 may be awarded to an individual student or split between two students displaying the best performance in their MSc programme.
Keller Prize for Best MSc Project in Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
A prize of £500 sponsored by Keller Group plc, the world’s largest independent ground engineering contractor.
The prize will be awarded to the student(s) with the best MSc Dissertation completed as part of the MSc Advanced Geotechnical Engineering, as defined by the course leader according to the module results and potential impact of the output of the individual project.
The £500 may be awarded to an individual student or split between a number of students displaying the best performance in their MSc Dissertations.
The only degree programme of its kind in Central Europe: In the English language master's programme Geotechnical and Hydraulic Engineering at TU Graz, you profit from a combination of two disciplines - geotechnical engineering and hydraulic engineering. You learn in a practical manner, participating in practice sessions in the laboratory and on-site, and taking part in field trips. For example, you pilot hydraulic projects in Austria’s largest water laboratory.
Georg M. Ausweger, master's degree student in Geotechnical and Hydraulic Engineering:
The tasks in our area are unique - in many different respects. To be able to solve them, you need solid specialist knowledge and the ability to apply an innovative approach. These fundamental aspects are taught well in the degree programme, and can even be applied by students during their internships, made possible by the teachers’ good connections to the industry.
Students acquire a solid knowledge of geology, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, rock mechanics, tunnelling, hydraulics and structural hydraulic engineering.
Core areas
Students choose from one of the following specialisations:
For the individual courses, please see the semester plan.
