Program Overview

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MSc Hydrogeology

The MSc Hydrogeology program is designed to prepare students as functional hydrogeologists to meet the needs of industry, regulators, non-governmental organizations, government, and consultants. The program focuses on the theoretical and practical skills required to succeed in a career as a hydrogeologist.

Why this course?

Throughout the globe, the issues of water scarcity, water security, water economics, and health and sanitation all rely on high-quality hydrogeology knowledge. This MSc will prepare students to address these challenges.

Course content

The program consists of eight core classes and a range of optional classes. Each class is normally taught two hours per week over eight to 11 weeks. The course covers topics such as:

• Environmental Geochemistry
• Aquifer Mechanics
• Contaminated Land
• Global Water Policy
• Groundwater Flow Modelling
• Research methods for quantitative & qualitative approaches
• Site Investigation & Risk Assessment
• Hydrogeology

Optional classes include:

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Fundamentals of Environmental Forensics
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry
• Waste Management & Landfill Design
• Water & Environmental Management
• Principles of Environmental Microbiology
• Engineering Hydrology

MSc research project

Following successful completion of the taught component, students will undertake a dissertation project, providing valuable and varied learning opportunities and practical experience.

Site visits

Site visits introduce students to the geology and hydrogeology of the study area, providing practical experience in conducting pump tests, recovery tests, and chemical sampling.

Work placement

As part of the class Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry, students undertake a work placement where they report to the offices of a hydrogeological organisation and actively contribute to one of their ongoing projects.

Industrial placement

Students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement class where they will work with a hydrogeological organisation and actively contribute to one of their ongoing projects.

Attendance

One year full-time study involves attendance at classes over two terms, plus a dissertation during the third term. Part-time (open to UK/EU students only) involves class attendance in Years 1 & 2 and a dissertation in Years 2 or 3.

Flexible learning

If students cannot attend this course full-time on campus, there are various Flexible Learning options available, including online distance learning over 36 months.

Facilities

The university's £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate environmental & molecular microbiology, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, geomechanics & soil quality, and structural design & material science.

Teaching staff

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Strathclyde has one of the strongest Geo-Engineering focuses of any related department in the UK. The course leader is Dr. Christopher Gallacher.

Entry requirements

• Academic requirements: A first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in earth sciences, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related disciplines.
• English language requirements: If English is not the first language, students must visit the university's English language requirements page for full details.

Fees & funding

• Scotland: £11,900 (£5,100 for distance learning per 60 credits)
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900 (£5,100 for distance learning per 60 credits)
• Republic of Ireland: If an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, students will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £30,250 (£5,100 for distance learning per 60 credits)
• Available scholarships: Students can take a look at the university's scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Careers

Graduates with an MSc in Hydrogeology are in very high demand, with starting salaries for hydrogeologists with a relevant Master's degree up to £25,000 per year. Experienced professionals and managers may earn in excess of this. The university's location in Glasgow provides students with access to a thriving international community and a wide range of career opportunities.