MsC Courses

MSc in Engineering Geology

Students on their first field course, in October, comparing the geomorphological

and geotechnical predictions they had made based on desk study data, with the

circumstances present on site.(A 20 tunnels and viaduct at Round Hill in Kent)

Course Director: Dr M.H. de Freitas

This is an Advanced Course of study which leads to the degree of Master of Sciences. It commenced in 1964 and since then over 450 successful students have graduated and secured employment. It is recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers as an "accredited MSc". Please click here for the MSc Programme Specification Document.

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here for Lectures of MSc Course}

Engineering Geology is concerned with the application of geology in engineering practice; it requires a quantitative knowledge of the behaviour of rock, soil, water and gas, as materials and en masse in both their uncontaminated and contaminated states.

The course is career-orientated is intended to provide appropriate training for professional geologists and engineers. Applications are also invited from undergraduates completing their first degree who have gained some industrial experience during their degree and who have the motivation for further study, either now or at a future date. Applicants may be recommended to obtain industrial experience prior to attending the course and advice on securing this can be given.

This one-year full-time course is suitable for graduates possessing a relevant degree in either a science or engineering subject and is recognised for the award of the DIC and the MSc degree. The course of study is integrated with the MSc courses in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics, and Engineering Rock Mechanics; it includes lectures, laboratory practicals and coursework, field courses and the preparation of a dissertation. Visits to civil engineering works, other sites and appropriate institutions are arranged; there(is a one-week study tour during the Easter vacation. The cost of travelling and subsistence will be approximately £600. In addition, independent fieldwork is usually required in connection with the dissertation.

The syllabus of lectures covers the full range of topics within the scope of engineering geology, including the related fields of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and groundwater hydrology and the application of engineering geology to the solution of problems in Environmental Geotechnics arising from waste disposal and waste management. There is an intensive supporting programme of tutorials, laboratory practicals and coursework, which amounts to about 200 hours. At the time of going to press arrangements are being made for the provision of a special option within the MSc entitled Engineering geology for urban renewal, details of which will be available on request. This option will focus on particular needs for work in the urban environment and require a dissertation on an appropriate aspect of the subject.Arrangements can be made for occasional students to attend.

Enquiries and requests for applications should be addressed to

Dr M H de Freitas CGeol

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Imperial College of Science, Technology & and Medicine

LONDON SW7 2BU

Email: m.defreitas@ic.ac.uk

Fax: 0207 225 2716

Tel. 0207 594 6023

Answers to commonly asked questions:

Are my qualifications adequate?

The minimum requirement set by the College for registration to the degree of MSc is a 2(ii) degree from a British University or its equivalent. If English is not your home language, you will also require to obtain a satisfactory pass in English Language : the Registry will provide you with details (see Imperial College Home Page).The course is suitable for graduates possessing a relevant degree in either science or engineering.

Do I require experience?

We used to make this a requirement and you will certainly find the course easier to manage and more use to you if you have experience. Unfortunately the opportunities available for new graduates to obtain employment in engineering geology have reduced considerably in the recent past. Given these circumstances we have been pleased to offer a limited number of suitable qualified new graduates a place on the course.

Is the course suitable for a geologist whose main interests are structural geology/geochemistry/mineralogy etc?

Most definitely. Engineering Geology requires the best geologists and the best geology. This is particularly so for work related to contaminated land and assessments of environmental risk.

Is the course suitable for engineers?

Many engineers have taken this course, not to make themselves geologists but to make themselves better engineers. The Institution of Civil Engineers recognises the course: it is accredited. This means that it counts towards Chartered Status. Candidates with an appropriate bachelor degree in science and mathematics plus an accredited MSc will be identified as meeting the Institution's educational requirements for Corporate Membership.

Will the course help me become a Chartered Geologist?

Yes it will. It provides the necessary length of study and standard of study recognised by the Geological Society of London for this purpose.

Are their opportunities for me to focus on a particular subject?

There are, via your project. Many students use their project to improve their breadth of experience in a particular subject.

How will I know if the course is right for me?

We offer every applicant from the UK the opportunity to meet us prior to making a final decision on attending the course. Applicants from overseas can be put in contact with former students who can provide them with background information.

Will I get employment afterwards?

Our employment record is 100% and former students are to be found around the world. Many of those who graduated in the 1960's and 1970's now hold senior positions in geotechnical companies.

What does the course entail?

It is a 12 month course which starts in October and ends in August. Term 1 and 2 (October to December) and (January to March) are largely devoted to teaching. The early part of Term 3 (May) is devoted to revision and the exams. From then on your time will be devoted to an independent project which is tailored to suit your career requirements.

What should I do next?

Contact Dr. M.H. de Freitas: a booklet describing the course in some detail will be sent to you.