BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology and Geotechnics

Modules

Year 1

In your first year, you'll concentrate on the fundamentals of the geological sciences, as well as focusing on engineering mathematics and materials. You'll also develop key field skills on several field trips.

Core modules this year include:

• Earth Materials – 20 credits
• Engineering Geology and Geohazards – 20 credits
• How the Earth Works – 20 credits
• Mathematical Principles – 20 credits
• Sedimentology and Palaeontology – 20 credits
• Soils & Materials 1 – 20 credits

There are no optional modules this year.

Year 2

In year 2, you'll specialize in the more applied areas of the subject and do fieldwork, which is a vital component of this geoscience degree.

Core modules this year include:

• Geoenvironmental Risk Management – 20 credits
• Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing – 20 credits
• Ground Investigation – 20 credits
• Professional Skills for Geoscientists – 20 credits
• Soils and Materials 2 – 20 credits
• Structural Geology – 20 credits

There are no optional modules this year.

Placement year (optional)

In this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in the industry.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Year 3

In your final year, you'll complete an independent project where you can decide the geological and engineering-based topic, collect samples, carry out lab tests and report on your findings.

Core modules this year include:

• Engineering Geology and Geotechnics Project – 40 credits
• Geohazard Risk Management – 20 credits
• Quaternary Geology & Geomorphology – 20 credits
• Rock Engineering – 20 credits
• Soils and Materials 3 – 20 credits

There are no optional modules this year.

Placement year

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year in the UK or overseas to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. A placement year allows you to apply your knowledge in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you stand out to employers after the course.

We're the only university in the UK to offer this Engineering Geology and Geotechnics course with a sandwich work placement year. Your placement will give you at least 44 weeks of paid work experience.

You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.

You’ll return to university to complete your studies in year 3 with first-hand industry knowledge and valuable experience on your CV.

Potential destinations

We have great links with employers in the ground and mining engineering industries and will support you in finding a placement. Previous students have secured placements at:

• Ramboll UK
• Mott McDonald
• BAM Ritches
• Atkins
• Peter Brett Associates
• Wardell Armstrong
• Socotec
• Miller Piling
• Keller
• Keltbray

Engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers apply their knowledge of earth, soil and rock to develop the built environment. They assess the geological suitability of locations chosen for the construction of projects such as bridges, dams, roads and tunnels so that they can be built safely and sustainably.

Both engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers are in high demand in the UK and worldwide. The Working Futures demand forecast, reported by Engineering UK, predicts the number of environmental professionals in the construction sector will increase by 35% by 2024.

The role of engineering geologist was also added to the UK's shortage occupation list in 2020.

Study the UK's only engineering degree taught in science

With this BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology and Geotechnics degree, you'll develop fundamental knowledge of geological science, engineering, mathematics and materials, as well as practical skills and techniques that you'll use throughout your career.

You'll graduate with high levels of employability, ready to play a key role across many sectors, including construction, mining and quarrying, and offshore and onshore renewable energy. The knowledge, technical skills and confidence you'll develop on this course, which includes the option of a year working in the industry, will open doors to excellent career prospects and opportunities to work for consultants and contractors across the globe.

Fast track your engineering geology and geotechnics career

This degree offers a fast track towards a career as a Chartered Engineering Geologist or Chartered Geotechnical Engineer when you do additional training.

After you complete the course, you'll be in high demand for engineering projects in global locations such as Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Canada and Hong Kong, as well as in the UK.

What areas can you work in with engineering geology and geotechnics degree?

Recent graduates have been involved with:

• major site investigations for international projects
• investigation and stabilisation of old mine workings
• coastal engineering
• flood alleviation projects
• dam site investigation and design
• major tunnelling projects in the UK and overseas
• development of deep mines in South Africa and Australia

What jobs can you do with engineering geology and geotechnics degree?

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

• graduate engineering geologist
• graduate tunnelling engineer
• graduate geotechnical engineer
• graduate mining geotechnical engineer
• graduate foundation engineer

Ongoing careers support

After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.