Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES)

Engineering and Environmental Geologist

I am employed by the Geological Survey of Namibia as the Head of the Engineering and Environmental Geology Division. My work here involves conducting risk assessments (chemical and physical) for abandoned mine sites, investigation of geotechnically unstable sites in urban areas and proposed new town extensions such as sites/properties underlain and affected by structural features such as  faults or incompetent soil horizons, environmental monitoring of active mines which involves assessing contamination levels in soils and ground water within mine surroundings, producing contamination maps for such areas, and hence providing advice to relevant local authorities and landuse planners regarding the contamination and physical risks posed by mines within their  areas.

My work is underpinned by MSc modules such as Ground Engineering, Rock and Soil Mechanics, Ground Investigation and Assessment, Fundamentals of Contaminated Land, as well as the exposure I got on field trips within UK and in Hong Kong, which play a huge role in my current work. I highly recommend the MSc in Engineering Geology at Portsmouth University to prospective students who would like to see themselves becoming Engineering Geologists or Environmental Managers in future.   

Engineering Geologist

I am an Engineering Geologist working for Atkins Ground Engineering division based in Euston Tower, London. Atkins is one of the largest multi-discipline global consultants with offices all over the world including UK, Middle East, Far East and America. I currently work predominately within the Energy sector on medium to large scale oil and gas and renewable energy schemes but I have worked on large UK based infrastructure projects during my time with Atkins including Crossrail and M25 Widening. I am fortunate to currently be involved with many overseas projects including recent schemes in the Sultanate of Oman which has included extended trips to the Middle East to explore the hyper-arid desert. 

My work for Atkins encompasses a total geology approach right from original tender/bid stage to desk study and reconnaissance right through to detailed design. I owe a tremendous amount to the MSc course which I undertook at the University of Portsmouth without which I wouldn’t have been able to make the transition from a small site investigation company where I started to my present position within Atkins. Many of the skills developed from the MSc I still utilise today including geological mapping, rock and soil description and slope stability calculation.  The University of Portsmouth is also highly regarded in the industry and I would recommend this course to inspiring engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers or geomorphologists as it provides a range of important skills which are transferable to real life working situations.

Engineering Geologist

Stavroula Kazana

MSc Engineering Geology

I am an Engineering Geologist consultant for a Greek geotechnical company “Sotiropoulos and partners” one of the oldest construction companies in Greece. I currently work within both the site investigation and laboratory testing sectors. My involvement in these areas encompasses geological desk study reports, geological mapping, rock and soil description in construction sites and laboratory testing of rock and soil specimens in which I apply my site investigation and laboratory knowledge gained from my MSc course.

After having gained a BSc in Geology and Environmental sciences in Greece, I decided to start an MSc course in Engineering Geology at Portsmouth University and I never regretted it! The knowledge and a range of important skills I gained through my studies helped me become what I am today.

Many of my MSc modules such as Rock and Soil Mechanics, Ground Investigation and Assessment, Ground Engineering, Rock Engineering, Geoscience Risk Analysis, as well as the field trips within UK and laboratory experience appealed to my academic interests and were so useful that put me at once into the construction industry. Also, a highlight for me was the fieldwork being not only educationally interesting but also a chance to meet the real construction industry in a different part of the world.

I would thoroughly recommend the MSc Engineering geology course offered by the University of Portsmouth as it provides up to date knowledge and academic facilities, excellent, helpful lecturers and also valued skills and experience which can be used in both industry and academia. This MSc is ideal for those who want to see themselves becoming active Engineering Geologists in a global labor market.

Chartered Civil Engineer

Guy Brearey CEng MICE

MSc Engineering Geology

I am a Chartered Civil Engineer currently working as a contract manager for Laing O'Rourke. I joined Laing O'Rourke straight after my masters, into the Expanded Piling business. I worked on piling and ground engineering projects for four years including managing the diaphragm wall subcontract at London Gateway Port and a section of the piling at Canary Wharf Crossrail station project, for which I was highly commended in the Young Geotechnical Engineer of the year at the Ground Engineering Awards.

I was originally enrolled on the MGeol degree course at Southampton University but decided to take the BSc after 3 years and move to Portsmouth for my masters. This decision was based on enjoying engineering, in particular building things and solving problems and deciding I didn't want to work as a Geologist.

The MSc Engineering Geology at Portsmouth was excellent and taught me a broad range of geotechnical skills and opened my eyes to the different elements of engineering. However, for me the best thing about the course was the connections and access to industry. This was a key differentiator when choosing the course and was instrumental in me having several job offers to choose from well before graduation. The platform provided me with a great platform from which to launch my career into geotechnical engineer.