MSc in Geotechnics in Partnership with Industry

MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Geotechnics in Partnership with Industry

From academic year 2009/2010 the MSc is run jointly with the University of Glasgow, with a joint award.

Jump to:

• Introduction
• Topics Covered
• Course Length
• How to Apply
• Entry Requirements

Introduction

This innovative course taught by staff at the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow, Scotland, 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, Halcrow and Scott Wilson, specialist geotechnical contractors, such as BAM Ritchies and Keller Ground Engineering, as well as the international site investigation specialist Fugro Engineering Services. Accreditation has been 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 an exciting 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. Consultancies across the world have currently over 6000 PLAXIS licenses and 2D analyses have become routine. The course enables students to be at the leading edge of their profession. Additionally, the course has a major design element, culminating to a major group design project that integrates all their knowledge and acts as a platform for structured self-learning. The recent introduction of Eurocodes for geotechnical design is fully integrated into the course. Individual modules are offered also as stand-alone CPD modules and part-time students can attend the course through day-release. 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 modules, including two optional 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.

Main topics covered in the course include:

• Fundamentals of Basic and Advanced Soil Mechanics
• Design of Slopes and Earth Retaining Walls (using GEO-SLOPE and ReWard)
• Design of Shallow and Deep Foundations
• Design of Ground Improvement and Reinforcement
• Site Investigation and Risk Assessment
• Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling
• Groundwater and Dewatering
• Soil Modelling and Numerical Analysis (using PLAXIS)
• Geo-environmental Engineering

Course Length

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip: 9 months full-time; 18 months part-time
• PgCert: 6 months full-time; 12 months part-time
  

How to apply

Download the postgraduate application form or apply online here.

You can also request an application form from:
Registry - Engineering
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow, G1 1XQ
t: +44 (0)141 553 4172

Entry Requirements

Normally, first- or second-class Honours degree from a UK University (or equivalent) in engineering, earth science, physics or mathematics. Alternative qualifications may be considered.