Engineering Geology MSc

Course overview

Engineering geologists have a unique understanding of the ground and geological processes, making them crucial to all construction and infrastructure projects. Without their expertise in these processes and the potential hazards, developments risk not being safe — which is why this profession will always be in high demand.

Our Engineering Geology MSc provides you with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to embark upon a rewarding career in an industry which could take you across the globe, on a wide range of exciting projects, from sustainable infrastructure design to the assessment of environmental and geological risk.

Established over 50 years ago, our Engineering Geology MSc Leeds has strong links with industrial partners who are actively involved in ensuring course content is up-to-date and industry-relevant.

Engineering geology is the largest employment sector of professional geoscientists, and our graduates have secured positions across the world working in various sectors within the industry, finding solutions to a wide range of problems.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in an earth science, engineering, civil engineering, mining or a related discipline. We require mathematics or physics to AS level (pass grade) or international equivalent.

Applicants with any of the following will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• The mathematics or physics AS level requirement can be waived on an ad-hoc basis given appropriate mathematical content of your first degree or industrial experience.
• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) where applicants can demonstrate significant relevant work experience in a relevant specialist field.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

There is a strong and continuing demand for engineering geologists. The extensive skill set and advanced knowledge you’ll learn on our Engineering Geology MSc will be highly sought after in many industries.

From surveying to consultancy and management, your technical abilities and professional acumen in this field could lead you into many different career paths in construction — and beyond.

Also, a Masters qualification is generally regarded as an essential requirement in the ground and civil engineering sectors as it significantly shortens the time in which an engineer can become chartered.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Here’s a snapshot into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Consultant Geotechnical Engineer, Jacobs Engineering Group
• Associate, ARUP
• Director, Denis McNicholl Technology Ltd.
• Consulting Engineer, AECOM
• Consulting, Amey
• Design and Consultancy, Arcadis
• Consulting Engineer, ARUP
• Consulting Engineer, Atkins
• Consulting Engineer, Golder Associates
• Consulting, Hyder
• Consulting Engineer, Mott MacDonald
• Engineering and Environmental Consultancy, RSK
• Geotechnical Contractor, Soil Engineering
• Consulting Engineer, Wardell Armstrong
• Consulting Engineer, WSP