Program Overview

Engineering Geology MSc

The Engineering Geology MSc at the University of Leeds is designed to provide students with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to embark upon a rewarding career in the industry. This profession is crucial to all construction and infrastructure projects, and the demand for engineering geologists is high.

Course Overview

The course is established over 50 years ago and has strong links with industrial partners who are actively involved in ensuring the course content is up-to-date and industry-relevant. The program is accredited by The Engineering Council, the Geological Society of London, and the Joint Board of Moderators.

Why Study at Leeds

• Our Masters degree is accredited by The Engineering Council, the Geological Society of London, and the Joint Board of Moderators.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted here in our School of Earth and Environment and in the School of Civil Engineering feeds directly into the MSc course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in engineering and geology.
• Advance your knowledge and gain a grounding in the application of geological principles to a wide range of fields appropriate to ground, civil, environmental, and mining engineering.
• Conduct your own significant individual dissertation project, often involving organizations outside the University such as consulting engineers, civil engineering contractors, and the British Geological Survey.
• Contribute to the transition to sustainable engineering and the shift to sustainable development for society.
• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities including the RMEGG laboratories and computing facilities.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a program team made up of geoscientists and researchers from across two different Schools who specialize in industry-relevant areas.
• Study in a School that has been training Engineering Geologists for over 50 years and regularly hosts the Yorkshire Geotechnical Group (Institution of Civil Engineers) and is involved with the Yorkshire Regional Group of the Geological Society.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have pursued careers in related positions, working for reputable companies like Jacobs and ARUP.
• This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months to fit in with your lifestyle.

Guaranteed Industry Experience

While studying at Leeds, you'll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme. As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you'll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Course Details and Modules

You'll take two terms of lectures (class and computer-based practical work) and laboratory classes, as well as a significant period of individual work, leading to the submission of a dissertation. Taught modules cover the fundamental topics of the engineering geology discipline and will run over two semesters.

Compulsory Modules

• Geological Investigation and Characterisation – 30 credits: This module aims to develop your ability to characterize the ground for engineering geological purposes and develop various types of geological and geotechnical models.
• Soils Engineering – 30 credits: In this module, you will learn the basic principles of soil mechanics and foundation engineering as practiced by Civil Engineers.
• Rock Engineering – 30 credits: Rock Engineering is the application of engineering principles to the safe design of structures in rock for such purposes as mining, tunneling, underground space, storage, and infrastructure.
• Hydrogeology and Contaminant Process – 15 credits: Learn the basics of hydrogeology including the fundamental physics of flow and contaminant transport through porous media; aquifer hydraulic properties and how to measure them; aquifer structure and heterogeneity; issues of groundwater control in construction; and contaminated land investigation, assessment, and remediation.
• Hazards, Resilience, and Sustainable Engineering – 15 credits: Gain an overview of several key engineering geological hazards from landslides to climate change.
• Engineering Geology: Dissertation Project – 60 credits: From April to August, you'll undertake an independent research project. Using the knowledge that you've gained throughout your degree, you'll choose a topic from a range of subject areas and project themes for your independent dissertation.

Learning and Teaching

You'll be taught via lectures, individual and group class-based practicals, laboratory practicals, field courses, and independent project work. You'll be assigned a personal tutor, who will maintain contact with you throughout the year and offer pastoral guidance.

Assessment

You'll be assessed on your practical, written, and oral assignments, these include a range of activities from laboratory reports to examinations. Throughout the course, there are opportunities for formative feedback on assessments ahead of summative assessments.

Applying

Entry Requirements

• A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) earth science, civil engineering, mining engineering, or a related discipline.
• We require mathematics or physics to AS level (pass grade) or international equivalent.
• Alternative subjects which may be considered include, but are not limited to, physics, petroleum, environmental science, surveying.
• Applicants with a 2:2 (hons) will be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate relevant work experience or competence in a relevant specialist field.
• Professional qualifications and relevant experience can also be considered.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

Fees

• UK: £14,250 (Total)
• International: £33,500 (Total)

Scholarships and Financial Support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.

Career Opportunities

There is a strong and continuing demand for engineering geologists. The extensive skill set and advanced knowledge you'll learn on our Engineering Geology MSc will be highly sought after in many industries. From surveying to consultancy and management, your technical abilities and professional acumen in this field could lead you into many different career paths in construction — and beyond.

Work Placements and Industry Experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you'll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme. You'll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

Related Courses

• Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng)
• Exploration Geophysics MSc
• Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship MSc (Part-time)