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Help create our infrastructure, maintain our existing assets, make our cities safer and do so more sustainably. Specialise in this branch of engineering and become an in-demand global talent, whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional.
You'll learn how to engineer the ground to make sure modern structures like buildings earth dams, roads, railways and bridges are safe to use. From planning and directing investigations, to interpreting results and proposing solutions, this course prepares you to tackle key engineering challenges.
The MSc Geotechnical Engineering has enhanced my understanding of the behaviour of soil under different loading situations and equipped me with skills to undertake geotechnical analysis and design both analytically and numerically.
Teaching is typically delivered in self-contained module-blocks (part-time students attend on-campus sessions for approximatly 8 or 9 days per module). You'll develop your research skills while undertaking your individual project. Module-blocks include lectures, a practical, worked-examples/tutorials, as well as time dedicated for independent study. Assessments are completed within the module-block, giving more time in the summer period to focus on the project.
In the autumn term you'll cover several taught modules which focus on the fundamental behaviour of various ground conditions, and you'll be introduced to key approaches to understanding and quantifying these behaviours.
To help you maximise your abilities in the programme, an optional (non-credit bearing) pre-programme of maths and mechanics is offered. This is particularly useful if you have not practiced maths for a while or have not undertaken basic soil mechanic techniques previously.
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Blending theory and practice, our Geotechnical course will develop and enrich your career potential. It builds on our long-standing expertise and you’ll have lots of opportunities to benefit from our links with industry.
Network at talks given by professional bodies, gain insights from visiting industrialists and build your connections. You'll also be able to apply your knowledge and skills to design projects.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
Study a continually updated course that meets the ever changing environment faced by geotechnical engineers.
This is a 1 year full time course or 2-3 years if it is part time. The course is comprised of taught self-contained module-blocks (which include lectures and practical work) as well as an independent research project.
This course consists of 180 credits. This comprises a 60-credit individual research project plus 120 credits in taught learning.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Core modules:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Advanced Project | 60 | Full Term |
Analytical Approaches in Geotechnics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Geotechnical Assets (Creation and Management) | 20 | Semester 1 |
Ground Investigation (for Geotechnical Engineering) | 20 | Semester 1 |
Numerical Approaches and Design in Geotechnics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Professional Skills for Geotechnical Engineering | 20 | Semester 2 |
Soil Mechanics | 20 | Semester 1 |
The following may be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Geotechnical Core Concepts | 0 | Semester 1 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
In a relevant subject (e.g. Engineering, Science, Geology or Mathematics).
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Get ready to embark on an exciting career as a geotechnical engineer, where you'll master planning and directing ground investigations, interpreting results, and proposing innovative design and construction methods. Our graduates are highly sought after, often securing employment before graduation. You'll find thrilling career opportunities as a specialist geotechnical engineer in both dedicated geotechnical firms and leading general engineering organisations.
"For the past years, Atkins has recruited students from the MSc course at the University of Birmingham. I have found that the MSc course provided the students with a comprehensive and diverse understanding of Geotechnical Engineering, which has allowed the recruits to develop their careers. The course is successful in providing the essential technical aspects in the subject, but also allows a sound practical application of the skills learnt."
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.