Master in Geological Engineering

After successful completion of this training module, students are awarded Master In Geological Engineering.

Specialty 1. Geotechnical Engineering

• Optional Subjects 15 credits

After successful completion of this training module, students are awarded Specialty 1. Geotechnical Engineering

Specialty 2. Geological Resources

• Optional Subjects 15 credits

After successful completion of this training module, students are awarded Specialty 2. Geological Resources

The objective of the Master's degree in Geological Engineering is to provide scientific, technical, and methodological training for professionals in this field such as consultancy, analysis, design, calculation, project, planning, management and administration, construction, maintenance, conservation, and operation of works, facilities and actions carried out in the field of Geological Engineering and related sectors, such as geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, natural resources, land planning, and natural risks.

One of the most important features of the Master's degree in Geological Engineering is its extensive applied technical training, which is obvious in the several types of practical classes included in the study program:

• Problem-solving seminars: through activities that apply theoretical content, develop complementary aspects of the subject, and solve questions and problems that the teacher proposes to the students to encourage active and critical student participation.
• Practical laboratory and computer classes: experiments, calculations, data processing, and analysis procedures are proposed and developed, and the results obtained are interpreted.
• Tutoring sessions in groups: where a more direct and personal monitoring of the students is carried out, which makes them focus on the subject; to know and develop their interests and attitudes; to work and discuss specific questions; to solve specific difficulties and to follow up the daily work related to the subject.
• Field practices: with visits to building sites and facilities to analyze the real application of the concepts seen in the subject.

Another fundamental aspect of this Master’s degree is the possibility of extra-curricular work experience in companies in the geological engineering sector, which allows students to receive more extensive training and first contact with the professional world that they will join once they have completed their Master's studies and which, in many cases, is a gateway to the company where the students have carried out their work experience.

Focus

Professional and researcher.

Engineering Geologists are competent to lead and manage the organization of work and human resources, to carry out and manage research, development, and technological innovation, to lead and supervise all types of actions, works, facilities, processes, systems, and services of all the areas of knowledge related to Engineering Geology. Those areas include design, execution, management, and inspection of geotechnical works and structures (ground containment structures, surface, and deep foundations, special actions, earthworks, cuttings and drains, earth dams and dikes, underground works, works to reinforce, improve and condition the ground, stabilization of slopes and hillsides, etc.). Also drafting geotechnical and land characterization studies, hydrological and hydrogeological studies, designing, executing, managing, and inspecting groundwater catchment works, assessing and mitigating natural risks, carrying out studies and projects for intervention in works and infrastructures affected by pathologies of a geological/geotechnical nature, organizing and managing the territory sustainably, designing, executing and leading actions aimed at the treatment and storage of waste, evaluating the environmental impact on the geological and hydrogeological environment, carrying out actions on seismic-resistant structures, studies on land characterization and seismic zoning, as well as the economical use of geological materials.

The Master's degree in Geological Engineering is highly employable in the national and international job market, with a low unemployment rate currently and the most common professional opportunities:

• Engineering Consultancy
• Construction
• Special Foundations
• Geotechnical and Quality Control Laboratories
• Technical Control Organisations (TCO)
• Natural Resources Research
• Environmental Assessment and Regeneration
• Thematic Mapping and GIS Services
• Water Resources Management
• Waste Treatment and Management
• Research and Development
• Any company related to the previous ones.

The research profile allows for access to Ph.D. Programs and other professional and/or research postgraduate courses in accordance with current regulations to carry out a Ph.D. thesis.

Intensive Spanish