Course description
This new course is run in partnership with industry and is therefore closely aligned with industry's needs. The industrial partners include major consultancies, such as Atkins, Jacobs, Donaldson Associates and Halcrow, specialist geotechnical contractors, such as Ritchies and Keller Ground Engineering, as well as the international site investigation specialist Fugro Engineering Services. Accreditation is sought from the Institution of Civil Engineers for the course to become a matching section.
The course acts as a geotechnical specialisation degree for civil engineering graduates, as well as a conversion degree for geology/physics/mathematics graduates who want to develop skills for a career in geotechnical engineering. The broad syllabus covers topics from applied mechanics and geotechnical design to geoenvironmental applications and geochemistry. The underlying theme is contribution to sustainability in geotechnical design. Hence the syllabus includes issues such as reuse of derelict land, sustainable use of materials and sustainable construction techniques, including recent advances in ground improvement.
The innovative feature of the course is the integration of modern techniques for analysis, such as numerical modelling using PLAXIS, within the syllabus. The recent introduction of Eurocodes for geotechnical design is fully integrated into the course. Individual modules will be offered also as stand-alone CPD modules. The case studies and design projects are based on real projects, developed in collaboration with the industrial partners, who also propose topics for industrially-relevant MSc projects and provide co-supervision.
The course consists of eight core modules, totalling 120 credits and a dissertation project. Dissertation topics will be selected by students in consultation with the course leaders. In addition to the project proposed by course leaders and the industrial partners, the students may propose topics themselves.
Core Modules
* Introduction to Geotechnics
* Geotechnical Engineering
* Site Investigation & Risk Assessment
* Rock Mechanics, Tunnelling and Groundwater
* Recycling Urban Land
* Ground Improvement and Reinforcement
* Soil Modelling and Numerical Analysis
* Geotechnical Design project
Course Length
* MSc: 12 months full-time; 36 months part-time
* PgDip/PgCert: 10 months full-time; up to 24 months part-time
