Engineering Geology Newcastle University

The Engineering Geology MSc responds to a national and international demand for specialist engineering geologists with advanced training in geotechnical engineering. It provides you with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of engineering geology. You will study topics associated with the engineering behaviour of soils and rocks, site investigation and interpretation, geological hazard assessment, and geotechnical design.

The MSc is designed for both practising professionals and new graduates in:

• Earth Sciences
• Geological Science
• Geology
• Geophysics

You must have a maths background.

This course meets the growing need for skilled engineering geologists across the construction, environmental and energy industries. The course provides you with:

• advanced conceptual understanding
• detailed factual knowledge
• specialist technical skills
• an awareness of responsibilities to society and the environment

Our strong industrial engagement means our degree programmes are shaped by industry and government policy.

Delivery

You will study compulsory modules with a choice of optional modules in blocks of one or two weeks. Assessment is by formal written examinations, course work and oral presentations. You will write up your research project as a dissertation. A full range of teaching methods are used on the course:

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• open learning
• group projects
• computing workshops
• laboratory
• fieldwork
• site visits

Numerous contributions are made to the course by prominent visitors from the construction industry.

At the end of semester two you will benefit from an overseas residential field trip. This allows you to apply your technical knowledge and explore a wide range of exemplar sites.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) (comprising ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHIE), as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for students with an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng Honours degree or Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc Honours.

It is also accredited by the Geological Society (GeolSoc).

Facilities

The School of Engineering has an exceptional range of laboratories equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting our research, teaching and contract research projects.

Geotechnics and Structures Research Laboratories

You will also have access to a student common room based in Cassie Building; this resource facility and study space is perfect for group working.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:

• earth sciences
• geological science
• geology
• geophysics

You must have a maths background.

We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 6 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

• 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)
• 10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 1 sub-skill at a minimum of 5.0 and 3 sub-skills at a minimum of 5.5, including writing)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.