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Geotechnical Engineering

MSc

The MSc in Geotechnical Engineering is part of the Division of Civil Engineering's extensive programme of postgraduate studies and research. The course builds on the Division's renowned research expertise and industrial experience in current aspects of geotechnical engineering.

Closing date: For entry Sept 2012, apply before 15th Aug 2012 (if you need a visa to study in the UK)

Why study Geotechnical Engineering at Dundee?

Key reasons include:

  • Better preparation for successful careers in industry, commerce or academia
  • Development of skills, knowledge and understanding in a specialist field
  • Participation in the research activities of a world-class department
  • A wide range of research projects are available in any of the following areas: earthquake engineering (foundations during earthquakes, liquefaction, faulting), offshore engineering (foundations, anchors, pipelines and offshore processes), foundation engineering and ground improvement. Some of these projects will be linked to industry
  • Development of transferable skills in research methods, communication and management of large and small scale projects
  • Part-time students have the option of relating their research project directly to ongoing work within their employment

Professional Accreditation: ICE/IStructE

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree. Visit www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

What's so good about Geotechnical Engineering at Dundee?

Civil Engineering at Dundee is ranked top in Scotland in every league table and among the top in the UK, meaning we attract students of the highest calibre and our graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide. Students studying on our masters programmes benefit from our renowned research expertise and industry experience.

The Geotechnical Engineering research sub-group was established in 1997 and it has grown significantly since that time. In addition to its undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research activities, the group offers services to industry across a broad range of geotechnical engineering. The group has hosted a number of major conferences and symposia in Dundee.

Who should study this course?

It is designed both for people pursuing a higher degree soon or immediately after obtaining their first degree, and for those with considerable work experience.

"I love how specialised [this course] is, as very few universities offer such speciality in Earthquake and Offshore Engineering. The course taught me how to solve real-life challenging problems, not to mention the strong industry linkage with my future employer - Subsea 7."
Vithiea Pang, MSc student

Related courses

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff in the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics.

The start date is September each year, and lasts for 12 months.

How you will be taught

Modules start at the beginning of the academic session in September and are taught by lectures and tutorials.

What you will study

There are three main elements to the course programme:

Core Modules
These provide skills generic to engineering and research. The two modules are:

Specialist Modules
The specialist modules provide in-depth and advanced knowledge, and build upon our expertise. These cover the following topics:

Research Project
The research project accounts for half of the programme and gives you the opportunity to benefit from, and contribute to our research. At the end of the project students submit a dissertation based on their research. Students select their projects from a list offered by the academic staff or may suggest their own topic.

How you will be assessed

The course is assessed by coursework and examination.

Students taking the Postgraduate Diploma carry out a shorter research project and complete an extended report.

Careers

There is a continuing demand for civil engineers particularly in the energy and water sectors and the skills of the civil engineer are highly portable in the multi-disciplinary engineering sectors. The latest Institution of Civil Engineers Salary Survey for the UK (2010) indicates that the average total income of its senior members is nearly £100k, while that of recent graduates is £27.5k.

We are proud of our achievements in graduate employment. The blend of science, technology and management education and training gained in a unique learning environment that is both challenging and friendly, makes our graduates attractive to employers in civil engineering and a wider range of sectors.

Graduates from Dundee have gone on to achieve high level positions in most sectors of the profession. These include consulting engineers and contractors, the offshore industry and research organisations.

"The Career Service in Dundee organises multiple events throughout the year to increase employability for students. These include many employers presenting and meeting students at the University, as well as holding mock-interviews from which I benefited significantly. It has been very helpful and undoubtedly one of the main factors in helping me obtain my upcoming employment as a Graduate Engineer.

Collaborating with Subsea 7 for my dissertation has certainly helped me develop understanding of the company, and subsequently securing employment with them. I am excited about what the future has in hold for me, when I begin my career in September."
Vithiea Pang, MSc student

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally have, or expect to have an honours degree at 2.2 or above, or equivalent professional or overseas qualifications, in a relevant academic discipline. For applicants with a non-technical degree, they should hold a 2:1 honours degree or above, and their suitability for one of the MSc programmes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 6.0 with minimum of 5.5 in any component (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Fees and Funding

Academic Year Home/EU Overseas
2011-12 £3,400 £13,700
2012-13 £3,400 £14,385
2013-14 to be confirmed to be confirmed

Sources of Funding

Information about the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics scholarships can be found on the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics scholarships webpage.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

Apply online via UKPASS

Course Contact

Postgraduate Admissions Tutor
Dr R I Mackie
Civil Engineering
School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384702 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384702 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 384816 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 384816 (from outside the UK)

Email: r.i.mackie@dundee.ac.uk

Admissions Contact

Postgraduate Admissions
Admissions and Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)

Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk

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Did you know?

We are one of the top departments in the UK for Civil Engineering degrees as determined by national league tables compiled by the Independent (6th), the Guardian (6th) and the Times (7th).