Program Overview

Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship MSc

The University of Leeds offers a Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship MSc, designed to deliver the Geotechnical engineer (integrated degree) standard from the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education. This apprenticeship meets the demands of a range of job titles within the ground engineering sector, including Engineering Geologist, Geo-environmental Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Tunnelling Engineer.

Course Overview

The apprenticeship provides an extensive understanding of the ground, geological, and design processes vital to all construction and infrastructure projects. Students will have the chance to put taught theoretical skills into practice, with access to industry-grade equipment and facilities throughout the course. The program develops the knowledge and advanced skill set in soil and rock engineering, hydrogeology, ground investigation, and sustainable approaches to modern engineering required to progress a career in industry.

Why Study at Leeds

• Our globally-renowned research conducted across the School of Earth and Environment and the School of Civil Engineering feeds directly into the course, shaping learning with the latest thinking in engineering and geology.
• Advance 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.
• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities, including rock mechanics, engineering geology, and geotechnical laboratories, and dedicated computing facilities.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a program team consisting of geoscientists and researchers who specialize in industry-relevant areas like geo-engineering, innovative design, and sustainable approaches to modern infrastructure developments.
• Study in a School with over 50 years of experience in training ground engineers, which regularly hosts the Yorkshire Geotechnical Group (Institution of Civil Engineers) and is involved with the Yorkshire Regional Group of the Geological Society.

Guaranteed Industry Experience

While studying at Leeds, students will have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme. This experience gives the opportunity to build key industry connections and develop invaluable professional and practical skills highly valued by employers.

Course Details and Modules

The apprenticeship consists of four semesters of taught modules (class and computer-based practical work) and laboratory classes spread over two academic years, before entering into a significant period of individual work for the end-point assessment in year 3. Each module helps develop a holistic understanding of ground engineering processes and requirements, covering a range of inter-related topics.

Year 1

• Geotechnical Investigation and Characterisation 30 credits: Develop the ability to characterize the ground for engineering purposes, undertake geotechnical laboratory work, and develop various types of geological and geotechnical models.
• Hydrogeology and Contaminant Processes 15 credits: Learn the basics of hydrogeology, including the fundamental physics of flow and contaminant transport through porous media, aquifer hydraulic properties, and issues of groundwater control in construction.
• Hazards, Resilience, and Sustainable Engineering 15 credits: Develop knowledge in the identification, monitoring, and mitigation of engineering geological hazards which may result in impact on people or assets.

Year 2

• Soils Engineering 30 credits: Learn the fundamental principles of soil mechanics and foundation engineering as practiced by civil engineers.
• Rock Engineering 30 credits: Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of rock mechanics and introduces numerical modeling and rock engineering practices for underground excavation and tunneling.

Year 3

• Geotechnical Engineering End Point Assessment 60 Credits: Complete a significant and defined piece of work with a real business application, involving a 10,000-word report based on the development and testing of a hypothesis in relation to a geotechnical/ground engineering investigation.

Learning and Teaching

Students will have access to rock mechanics, engineering geology, and geotechnical laboratories, allowing them to collect and interpret data related to the geotechnical and mining sectors around the world. Teaching is delivered by expert academics and industry professionals, providing connections to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

In years 1 and 2, assessment is based on practical, written, and oral assignments, including laboratory reports and examinations. In year 3, the end-point assessment involves an independent project (report and presentation) and an interview (underpinned by a portfolio of evidence accrued during the apprenticeship).

Applying

Entry Requirements

• A bachelor's degree with a 2:1 (hons) in geoscience, civil engineering, or a related science or mathematical discipline where relevant subject areas to engineering geology or geotechnical engineering have been studied.
• Demonstrate strong engineering and maths knowledge.
• Be employed in an appropriate role and at an appropriate level, in either a levy-paying or non-levy paying organization based in England.
• Have a satisfactory application.
• Ordinarily have been a resident in the UK for at least three years before the start of the apprenticeship.

Applicants with a bachelor's degree with a 2:2 (hons) and significant relevant professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fees

Fees will be paid by the employer organization through the UK Apprenticeship Scheme, subject to eligibility. There will be no costs incurred by the student.

Career Opportunities

This apprenticeship is designed to equip students with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to advance in their career, whether working for contractors, asset owners and operators, consultants, developers, local government, and regulatory bodies. With over 50 years of experience training ground engineers, the University of Leeds provides expert teaching that helps enhance understanding and develop the advanced skills needed to take the next steps in industry.

Work Placements and Industry Experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, students will have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with the Global Industry Programme, developing key professional skills and gaining invaluable insight into working in their chosen field. This experience enhances the CV, helping to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving chances of securing the desired career.

Related Courses

The University of Leeds also offers:

• Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng)
• Engineering Geology MSc
• Exploration Geophysics MSc

Each of these courses provides specialized training in areas related to geotechnical engineering, offering students a range of options to pursue their interests and career goals.