Part Time2yrs
Full Time 1yr
This course is suited to those with an eye for materials, material structure and material mechanics.
Our course aims to extend your understanding of the core disciplines of civil engineering and widen your professional scope to include expertise in geotechnical engineering. From ground investigations to soil structure testing, you will gain the analytical and technical skills required to make informed decisions when faced with the complex geotechnical problems of construction projects.
On this course you can:
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
Doing a Master’s is a good opportunity to refresh my knowledge and experience and also to learn new skills and update my old skills to match today’s requirements.
John Cookson, civil engineering student 2012
The course is divided into three stages, the first two stages are generally taught through formal tuition, with stage three covering independent research in an academic or industrial setting.
You will build upon established fundamental civil/construction engineering and project management principles in order to confidently apply them to a range of complex construction project problems with due regard to related geotechnical factors.
Here are the units you will study:
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 and some optional units may not run every year. If a unit doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative unit.
Teaching on this course will focus on small lectures, seminars and discussion groups. It will also centre on supporting your independent learning strategies, which tutorials will help to develop.
Assessment can take many forms and is geared towards the subject matter in a way that encourages a deeper understanding and allows you to develop your skills. It includes:
We offer you a range of labs where you can carry out materials and structures testing, fluid flow modelling and chemical investigation, as well as an onsite environmental laboratory located at a real sewage treatment works. All are well equipped with industry-standard experimental and computational facilities.
We have active exchange opportunities with a variety of European universities, which are funded through the ERASMUS programme and allow you to experience learning within another context. Current partners include:
We offer a fully equipped geological, geochemical and a recently refurbished geotechnics lab. Brimming with ultra-modern equipment, here’s a taste of what you’ll be able to work on:
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
There may be extra costs arising from your studies which you will need to consider when planning your expenditure.
Some are common costs to all courses of study. These may include the cost of study texts, reference books, photocopying and computer supplies. Others relate to specific courses and may include field trips, materials and specialist equipment.
We provide you with hard hats and Hi-Vis vests. However, you will need to buy your own safety boots which cost approximately £35.
This course is designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and competencies that employers in the construction industry expect. Alongside the technical topics, you will develop commercial and interpersonal skills required of construction industry professionals.
There is currently a huge demand for geotechnical engineering specialists within the civil engineering sector. This fact, combined with the vocational nature of this course and the extensive training you will receive, means that you are likely to quickly find employment in the industry. Potential roles will include geotechnical engineers, mining engineers and tunnelling engineers for major mining companies, as well as environmental and geotechnical consultancies.
Overall, the delivery of this course and its opportunities for you to interact with the industry throughout your studies means the employment rate of our civil engineering graduates is excellent.
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degree students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree.
We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.
Regardless of whether you are seeking to build on your studies, further your career or pursue a career change, a postgraduate qualification adds to your achievement record.
Apply direct using our online form
Your application will be received by the University Admissions Centre for consideration.
Visit us on one of our Postgraduate Information Days on Wednesday 14 March or Wednesday 25 April 2018 from 4-7pm to meet subject specialists and admissions teams, who'll provide information and guidance on our taught Master's courses and research degrees.
Download our free walking tour PDF for a self-guided tour of the University.
We have an open-door policy so you will be able to take a look in our buildings, speak to some of our support services and get a feel for the campus.
Find out more about our self-guided walking tours.
If you can’t make it to Portsmouth, come and see us at one of the events we attend around the UK.
If you would like to speak with a member of staff about any courses you are interested in, please email postgraduate@port.ac.uk and we will arrange this for you.
Staff from our International Office also regularly attend overseas exhibitions. To find out more about these and our visits to your region see our International Office exhibitions page.
Find out more about fees and funding available to you at Portsmouth.
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to our terms and conditions as well as the University’s policies, rules and regulations. You should read and consider these before you apply.
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP
T: +44 (0)23 9284 8484
E: info.centre@port.ac.uk