Geotechnical Engineering MSc

MSc: 12 months full time; up to 48 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2013-14

UK and EU: full time £6,000 part time *
International: full time £14,750

*Please note that the part-time fees are calculated on a pro-rata basis, and include an annual administration fee.

More information is available about tuition fees and discounts.

Programme Overview

This programme provides you with specialist knowledge to meet the needs of the construction, environmental and extractive industries. It is accredited by the Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) and satisfies the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates with an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng Honours or Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc Honours degree.

You will learn the principles of geotechnical engineering and their application in a range of contexts. You will gain advanced knowledge and understanding of:

  • soils and rocks and their engineering properties
  • site investigation, testing, interpretation and reporting
  • construction practice and awareness of safe operation
  • key aspects of geotechnical design, such as foundations and slopes
  • application of mathematical methods and computational tools

Upon graduation you will be able to:

  • identify, generate and interpret data relevant to an engineering scenario
  • employ numerical methods for modelling and analysing problems
  • select and apply ideas, concepts and data to generate innovative designs
  • evaluate the quality of data through testing and measurement equipment in field and lab
  • present and summarise data and critically appraise its significance, using numerical techniques
  • formulate and test key hypotheses using logical and consistent quantitative or qualitative arguments

At Newcastle University you will benefit from our research led teaching that is coupled with significant industry involvement. This enables us to teach cutting edge solutions to today's civil engineering problems.

+Modules

You take compulsory modules plus optional modules, followed by a research project written up as a dissertation. 

Teaching methods include formal lectures, tutorials, seminars, open learning, group projects, computing workshops, laboratory and fieldwork, and site visits. Numerous contributions are made to the course by prominent visitors from the construction industry. Assessment is by formal written examinations, course work, the dissertation, and oral presentations. All modules are taught in one or two week blocks.

Find out  more detailed information about the programme modules

+Entrance Requirements

A second-class Honours degree, or an international equivalent, in civil engineering or geology. Other relevant degree subjects are considered, as is work experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English normally require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each category, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent. 

Our INTO Newcastle University Centre can provide extra tuition to help you meet the University's English language requirements.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has rules for international students regarding minimum English language requirements.

+Scholarships and Other Sources of Funding

International Students, consult your own government for funding. The University offers International Scholarships, and there are funding opportunities by external organisations available.

Students should consult their employers for sponsorship opportunities.

More information on scholarships, studentships, bursaries and other funding is available from our database.

+How to Apply

Visit our postgraduate application site.

Further application advice is available from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering.

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2013 entry should apply by Friday 12 July 2013 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

Please note: As a formal condition of the offer to study at Newcastle University, students from outside the UK/EU are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship for their chosen programme. The deposit payment is non refundable, but will be deducted from tuition fees upon registration.

+Further Information

For further information please contact:
Academic Secretary (Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology)
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 6418
Email: ceg.geotechnic@ncl.ac.uk

Subject Overview

This programme is within the subject area of Civil Engineering.