Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology MSc

Imperial College London

The Soil Mechanics courses explore the properties of soils and soft rocks in relation to civil engineering, the theory of geomechanics and practical geotechnical engineering. They provide students with a solid technical basis in the key areas of geotechnics through a coherent, coordinated and balanced degree programme, integrating core engineering science and recent research with practical applications. These courses feature strong links with industry, with an emphasis on fieldwork, laboratory testing using state-of-the-art facilities and numerical analysis using bespoke and commercial software. They are taught by leading experts in the field of geotechnics.

Graduates from these courses gain employment in a wide range of organisations, including international consultancies, contractors, governmental bodies and academic institutions. Our MSc graduates have an excellent employment record due to our strong engagement with industry. The course is supported by an Industrial Bursary scheme, currently supported by 13 international companies, which provides scholarship awards to the best applicants to our MSc course every year. The four course streams share approximately 80% of the curriculum, while the remaining 20% allows specialisation in the areas of advanced Soil Mechanics, Engineering Seismology, Environmental Geotechnics and Engineering Geology.

Choosing a stream

• The MSc in Soil Mechanics focuses on advanced aspects of soil behaviour, related theoretical frameworks and their application to geotechnical problems.
• The MSc in Soil Mechanics and Engineering Seismology is concerned with the solution of engineering problems connected with the study of seismic ground movements, their effect on foundations and building materials and engineering structures.
• The MSc in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics meets the growing need for advanced specialist geo-environmental education, including a grounding in the relevant topics in chemistry and biology.
• The MSc in Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology focuses on the solution of engineering problems connected with the study of geological factors, such as soil, rock, groundwater and other natural conditions.

This degree is professionally accredited by the following organisations on behalf of the Engineering Council:

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
• Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
• The Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)

Holding an accredited degree allows you to meet the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Registering as a Chartered Engineer will help provide improved career prospects, status, higher earning potential. It helps demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, the engineering profession and sustainable development.