Advanced Geotechnical Engineering MSc - 2024/5
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGCert | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering |
| PGDip | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering |
Professional recognition
European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE)
This Programme is accredited by the European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE)
Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited Bachelor degree accredited for IEng only or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PFB61024 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PFB61025 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Distance Learning | PFB61026 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Engineering (Master)
Other internal and / or external reference points
UKSPEC
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Sustainability, Civil & Env Engineering
Programme Leader
IMAM Boulent (Sust & CEE)
Date of production/revision of spec
20/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- A comprehensive understanding of some of the challenges faced during the analysis, design and construction of foundation and geotechnical structures.
- The ability to select and apply most appropriate analysis methodology for problems in ground engineering including advanced and new methods.
- The ability to design foundations in a variety of ground conditions
- A working knowledge of the key UK, European and some International standards and codes of practice associated with the analysis and design of foundations and the ability to interpret and apply these to both familiar and unfamiliar problems.
- The necessary technical further learning towards fulfilling the educational base for the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer.
- To develop skills that enable active participation in the digital, connected discipline of geotechnical engineering
- To develop individual, interpersonal and professional skills, relevant to the professional field of geotechnical engineering.
- To develop competencies to engage effectively with people from different backgrounds in ways that respect the interests of cultural groups and individual rights
- To create the conditions in which students become resourceful and resilient
- Recognize issues related to sustainability in the domain of geotechnical engineering and develop skill to manage the associated complexity
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| A knowledge and understanding of the key UK, European and International standards and codes of practice relating to ground engineering | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| A knowledge and understanding of the construction of different types of geotechnical structure on different ground conditions | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| A comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering mechanics underpinning ground engineering | K | MSc | |
| Upon completing this programme students will have: The ability to understand the limitations of ground analysis methods | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| Upon completing this programme students will have: The knowledge and understanding to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| A knowledge and understanding of ground engineering in a commercial/business context | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development related to ground engineering | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| A knowledge and understanding of the common and less common materials used in ground engineering | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| An understanding of construction management | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| A critical awareness of new developments and research needs in ground engineering | K | MSc | |
| The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging ground engineering problems | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| A critical awareness of new developments in the field of ground engineering | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to critically evaluate ground engineering design principles and concepts | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The awareness of the commercial, social and environmental impacts associated with foundations | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| An awareness and ability to make general evaluations of risk associated with the design and construction of foundations including health and safety, environmental and commercial risk | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to interpret and apply the appropriate UK, European and some International standards and codes of practice to foundation design for both familiar and unfamiliar situations | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies. | P | PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to apply the appropriate analysis methodologies to common ground engineering problems as well as unfamiliar problems. | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to collect and analyse research data | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to tackle problems familiar or otherwise which have uncertain or incomplete data | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to use theory or experimental research to improve design and/or analysis | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| The ability to generate innovative foundation design | P | PGDip, MSc | |
| The awareness of professional and ethical conduct | P | MSc | |
| Oral and written communication (presentation skills) | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Synthesis and graphical presentation of data | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| 3D spatial awareness | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Use of sketching and engineering drafting | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Use of word processor, spreadsheet, drawing/presentation | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Technical report writing | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Independent learning skills | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Ability to develop, monitor and update a plan | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Reviewing, assessing, and critical thinking skills | T | PGDip, MSc | |
| Teamwork, leadership and negotiation skills | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Time management | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over three to five years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Distance Learning
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time/distance-learning over three to five years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 7
Students need to take the following modules:
ENGM265 Sustainability and Infrastructure
ENGM269 Advanced Soil Mechanics
ENGM270 Energy Geotechnics
ENGM272 Deep Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures
ENGM285 Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing
ENGM044 Dissertation Project
Plus, one from the following group:
ENGM264 Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
ENGM266 Infrastructure Asset Management
Plus, two from the following group:
ENGM031 Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
ENGM032 Steel & Composite Bridge Design
ENGM033 Durability of Bridges & Structures
ENGM041 Concrete Building Design
ENGM042 Steel Building Design
ENGM053 Structural Mechanics & Finite Elements
ENGM057 Water Resources Management and Hydraulic Modelling
ENGM264 Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
ENGM266 Infrastructure Asset Management
ENGM281 Building Information Modelling
ENGM289 Global Challenges in Water and Health
ENGM303 Nature Based Solutions in Environmental Engineering
ENGM263 Infrastructure Financing (*)
ENGM048 Soil-structure Interaction (*)
ENGM054 Earthquake Engineering (*)
(*) The modules ENGM263, ENGM048 and ENGM054 are offered only in the academic year 2024-25 and not beyond.
Unstructured (3-5 years) PT - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Unstructured (3-5 years) PT - FHEQ Level 7
Students need to take the following modules:
ENGM265 Sustainability and Infrastructure
ENGM269 Advanced Soil Mechanics
ENGM270 Energy Geotechnics
ENGM272 Deep Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures
ENGM285 Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing
ENGM044 Dissertation Project
Plus, one from the following group:
ENGM264 Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
ENGM266 Infrastructure Asset Management
Plus, two from the following group:
ENGM031 Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
ENGM032 Steel & Composite Bridge Design
ENGM033 Durability of Bridges & Structures
ENGM041 Concrete Building Design
ENGM042 Steel Building Design
ENGM053 Structural Mechanics & Finite Elements
ENGM057 Water Resources Management and Hydraulic Modelling
ENGM264 Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
ENGM266 Infrastructure Asset Management
ENGM281 Building Information Modelling
ENGM289 Global Challenges in Water and Health
ENGM303 Nature Based Solutions in Environmental Engineering
ENGM263 Infrastructure Financing (*)
ENGM048 Soil-structure Interaction (*)
ENGM054 Earthquake Engineering (*)
(*) The modules ENGM263, ENGM048 and ENGM054 are offered only in the academic year 2024-25 and not beyond.
Unstructured (3-5 years) DL - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Unstructured (3-5 years) DL - FHEQ Level 7
Students need to take the following modules:
ENGM265 Sustainability and Infrastructure
ENGM269 Advanced Soil Mechanics
ENGM270 Energy Geotechnics
ENGM272 Deep Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures
ENGM285 Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing
ENGM044 Dissertation Project
Plus, one from the following group:
ENGM264 Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
ENGM266 Infrastructure Asset Management
Plus, two from the following group:
ENGM031 Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design
ENGM032 Steel & Composite Bridge Design
ENGM033 Durability of Bridges & Structures
ENGM041 Concrete Building Design
ENGM042 Steel Building Design
ENGM053 Structural Mechanics & Finite Elements
ENGM057 Water Resources Management and Hydraulic Modelling
ENGM264 Infrastructure Interdependencies and Resilience
ENGM266 Infrastructure Asset Management
ENGM281 Building Information Modelling
ENGM289 Global Challenges in Water and Health
ENGM303 Nature Based Solutions in Environmental Engineering
ENGM263 Infrastructure Financing (*)
ENGM048 Soil-structure Interaction (*)
ENGM054 Earthquake Engineering (*)
(*) The modules ENGM263, ENGM048 and ENGM054 are offered only in the academic year 2024-25 and not beyond.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.