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Overview
Apply your geological knowledge to engineering and construction projects both onshore and offshore with our MSc Engineering Geology degree.
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Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Read more about our amazing earth and environmental sciences postgraduate research
You'll learn the advanced skills needed to understand the impact of geological conditions on engineering structures such as tunnels, dams, mines, quarries, offshore platforms and wind farms. You'll plan and conduct detailed investigations into surface and subsurface geology to identify adverse ground conditions, and design suitable remedial measures for these types of structures.
Geological expertise is critical in all types of civil engineering projects – and when you graduate, you'll be able to meet the industry requirements for specialist engineering geologists. The course will lead to a career in the environmental, engineering geological and geotechnical sectors, and is an important step on the path to becoming a Chartered Geologist.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Learn about the advanced application of geology to the built environment from staff and researchers with extensive expertise in engineering geology and geotechnics
- Build the skills and knowledge required for a career as a chartered geologist
- Get hands-on experience of engineering geological mapping techniques, geomorphological and terrain analysis, applied GIS and remote sensing using current industry standard applications and techniques
- Become skilled in lab techniques using our suite of labs and testing facilities, including our soil and rock mechanics laboratories
- Develop your advanced engineering geological and geomorphological mapping and data collection skills with an overseas residential field trip to Southern France, which is part of the course and covered by the course fees
- Complete your own research project in the UK or abroad with opportunities to work with industrial partners on a joint project
Accredited by:
This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London. It offers advanced professional and scientific training, providing an accelerated route for you to attain Chartered Status, such as Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) on graduation.
Number 1 in the UK for student satisfaction and support
Our geography, earth and environmental studies courses are ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction and support, and second for teaching, in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsChat to your course leader
Whether you want to ask about modules, assessments or your career prospects come graduation, our academics are on hand to help. Book in a one-to-one session with your course leader and get your questions answered.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
January 2025 start
- A second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant Earth Science or Civil Engineering field such as Geology, Earth Science, Civil Engineering or a related discipline. Applicants with industrial and work experience will also be considered.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant Earth Science or Civil Engineering field such as Geology, Earth Science Civil Engineering or a related discipline. Applicants with industrial and work experience will also be considered.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2025 start)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £5,200 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £5,200 per year
- Full time: £19,200
- Part time: £9,600 per year
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
- Full time: £19,200
- Part time: £9,600 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Environment, geography and geosciences scholarships
International students may be eligible for the School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences (SEGG) Scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Field trips: Travel and accommodation for the visit to Southern France is included in the course fee.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
All modules on this MSc Engineering Geology are core.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Define and evaluate the principles and framework of contaminated land investigation, remediation and redevelopment.
- Categorise contaminated land within a geoscience and geoenvironmental framework.
- Implement risk-based contaminated land investigation and design a conceptual site model
- Assess and interpret evolving guidance and legislation relating to groundwater protection, and to understand and be able to evaluate source protection zones around abstraction wells.
- Determine the relationship between groundwater quality and quantity and the implications for groundwater resource management.
- Analyse and predict water quality implications in the context of groundwater pollution and its prevention.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design integrated ground investigations and critically evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different ground investigation methods in different terrains.
- Critically discuss and systematically compare the principal methods of geophysical and invasive ground investigation techniques.
- Explain the concepts of a geotechnical risk register and critically evaluate their use in site investigations.
- Critically evaluate the importance of geological history in site investigation and theoretically examine the engineering problems associated with specific terrains.
- Systematically identify, map and evaluate geologically important features including slope failure, rock slopes, discontinuities, and geological structure according to type and age and anticipated geotechnical performance using remote sensing information and field based mapping techniques.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design and implement an advanced research project that is based upon the systematic collation, synthesis and analysis of primary data acquired by the student.
- Prepare a comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate and discuss the research literature in the context of the students own research project.
- Systematically analyse primary and/or secondary data using new skills and knowledge and use this new information to critically evaluate a clearly defined research hypothesis.
- Undertake advanced analysis to generate new understandings and critically discuss these results in relation to identified limitations and within context of previous published research.
- Report scientific results through different media including: thesis report written to a specified word limit using publication quality diagrams and figures.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse the basic response of intact rock to changes in stress state.
- Critically review the concepts of strength and deformability under a range of applied stress regimes, and be able to specify, analyse and interpret standard tests to characterise strength and deformability.
- Analyse the strength and deformability of rock at a range of scales.
- Collect and collate appropriate rock mass and discontinuity data and understand how this data informs rock engineering design in a range of contexts.
- Identify, analyse and critically evaluate the nature, cause and prevention of stress induced failure in surface and underground excavations.
- Identify, analyse and critically evaluate the nature, cause and prevention of structurally controlled failure in surface and underground excavations.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review the importance of the ground profile in geotechnical design and how this profile is developed.
- Critically analyse complex ground data-sets to develop appropriate geological, ground and geotechnical models.
- Analyse how soil characteristics are derived and be able to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise soil.
- Critically analyse and evaluate soil behaviour in a range of engineering contexts.
- Review the geotechnical design process and the role of design codes.
Part-time
Optional
On this course, you'll study two optional modules in year 1.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Define and evaluate the principles and framework of contaminated land investigation, remediation and redevelopment.
- Categorise contaminated land within a geoscience and geoenvironmental framework.
- Implement risk-based contaminated land investigation and design a conceptual site model
- Assess and interpret evolving guidance and legislation relating to groundwater protection, and to understand and be able to evaluate source protection zones around abstraction wells.
- Determine the relationship between groundwater quality and quantity and the implications for groundwater resource management.
- Analyse and predict water quality implications in the context of groundwater pollution and its prevention.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design integrated ground investigations and critically evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different ground investigation methods in different terrains.
- Critically discuss and systematically compare the principal methods of geophysical and invasive ground investigation techniques.
- Explain the concepts of a geotechnical risk register and critically evaluate their use in site investigations.
- Critically evaluate the importance of geological history in site investigation and theoretically examine the engineering problems associated with specific terrains.
- Systematically identify, map and evaluate geologically important features including slope failure, rock slopes, discontinuities, and geological structure according to type and age and anticipated geotechnical performance using remote sensing information and field based mapping techniques.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse the basic response of intact rock to changes in stress state.
- Critically review the concepts of strength and deformability under a range of applied stress regimes, and be able to specify, analyse and interpret standard tests to characterise strength and deformability.
- Analyse the strength and deformability of rock at a range of scales.
- Collect and collate appropriate rock mass and discontinuity data and understand how this data informs rock engineering design in a range of contexts.
- Identify, analyse and critically evaluate the nature, cause and prevention of stress induced failure in surface and underground excavations.
- Identify, analyse and critically evaluate the nature, cause and prevention of structurally controlled failure in surface and underground excavations.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review the importance of the ground profile in geotechnical design and how this profile is developed.
- Critically analyse complex ground data-sets to develop appropriate geological, ground and geotechnical models.
- Analyse how soil characteristics are derived and be able to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise soil.
- Critically analyse and evaluate soil behaviour in a range of engineering contexts.
- Review the geotechnical design process and the role of design codes.
Core
On this course, you'll study one core module and two optional modules in year 2.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design and implement an advanced research project that is based upon the systematic collation, synthesis and analysis of primary data acquired by the student.
- Prepare a comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate and discuss the research literature in the context of the students own research project.
- Systematically analyse primary and/or secondary data using new skills and knowledge and use this new information to critically evaluate a clearly defined research hypothesis.
- Undertake advanced analysis to generate new understandings and critically discuss these results in relation to identified limitations and within context of previous published research.
- Report scientific results through different media including: thesis report written to a specified word limit using publication quality diagrams and figures.
Optional
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Define and evaluate the principles and framework of contaminated land investigation, remediation and redevelopment.
- Categorise contaminated land within a geoscience and geoenvironmental framework.
- Implement risk-based contaminated land investigation and design a conceptual site model
- Assess and interpret evolving guidance and legislation relating to groundwater protection, and to understand and be able to evaluate source protection zones around abstraction wells.
- Determine the relationship between groundwater quality and quantity and the implications for groundwater resource management.
- Analyse and predict water quality implications in the context of groundwater pollution and its prevention.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design integrated ground investigations and critically evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different ground investigation methods in different terrains.
- Critically discuss and systematically compare the principal methods of geophysical and invasive ground investigation techniques.
- Explain the concepts of a geotechnical risk register and critically evaluate their use in site investigations.
- Critically evaluate the importance of geological history in site investigation and theoretically examine the engineering problems associated with specific terrains.
- Systematically identify, map and evaluate geologically important features including slope failure, rock slopes, discontinuities, and geological structure according to type and age and anticipated geotechnical performance using remote sensing information and field based mapping techniques.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically analyse the basic response of intact rock to changes in stress state.
- Critically review the concepts of strength and deformability under a range of applied stress regimes, and be able to specify, analyse and interpret standard tests to characterise strength and deformability.
- Analyse the strength and deformability of rock at a range of scales.
- Collect and collate appropriate rock mass and discontinuity data and understand how this data informs rock engineering design in a range of contexts.
- Identify, analyse and critically evaluate the nature, cause and prevention of stress induced failure in surface and underground excavations.
- Identify, analyse and critically evaluate the nature, cause and prevention of structurally controlled failure in surface and underground excavations.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review the importance of the ground profile in geotechnical design and how this profile is developed.
- Critically analyse complex ground data-sets to develop appropriate geological, ground and geotechnical models.
- Analyse how soil characteristics are derived and be able to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise soil.
- Critically analyse and evaluate soil behaviour in a range of engineering contexts.
- Review the geotechnical design process and the role of design codes.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities
Geotechnics laboratory
Gain experience with fully automated testing equipment and kit for characterising fine and coarse grained soils in our geotechnics lab, also known as the soils lab.
Rock mechanics laboratory
Measure the strength and elasticity of minerals and rocks under simulated geological stress conditions using high-pressure hydraulic apparatus in this lab, and explore properties including fluid-flow permeability, rock and joint friction, and induced seismicity.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
Full-time (1 year)
- On-campus, in-person teaching, 2 days per week
- 10-20 hours independent learning per week, with support from extensive online materials
Part-time (2 years)
- On-campus, in-person teaching, 1 day per week
- 5-10 hours independent learning per week, with support from extensive online materials
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- fieldwork
We also organise networking and professional development opportunities, including a programme of visiting speakers from businesses and industry.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- poster and oral presentations
- technical reports
- lab reports
- online tests
- essays
- examinations
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Assessments are industry-relevant and designed to help with employability.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Reading the Rocks
Listen to MSc Engineering Geology course leader, Dr Malcolm Whitworth, discuss the ways that he and his team study landscapes in order to predict and prepare for natural hazards, such as erosion or earthquakes as part of the Life Solved podcast series.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, and run from January to the following January. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
This course offers potential for career advancement in a range of engineering and geological disciplines, or entry into more senior roles.
It builds on the topics that you'll have covered as part of undergraduate geology or civil engineering studies and offers the opportunity to specialise in geotechnical and geo environmental engineering.
Accreditation by the Geological Society of London recognises the advanced professional and scientific training offered by this course.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Engineering geologist
- Environmental engineer
- Geo environmental engineer
- Geo environmental consultant
- Geologist
- Geoscientist
- Geotechnical engineer
- Land referencing consultant
- Oil and gas engineer
- Project engineer
- Site engineer
- Surveyor
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Aecon
- WSP
- Fugro
- Structural Soils
- Optikos
- Hydrock Consultants
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
I needed to specialise as it is more competitive now and having a Master’s helps me have an edge above the rest. The University has helped me build up my CV with relevant skills to my chosen career path.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2025
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Start this course in January 2026
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.