Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start)Award Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectWhat's it all about?
Our MSc in Geotechnical Engineering provides you with cutting-edge knowledge and technical skills needed for modern geotechnical engineering practise. Whether you're looking to specialise in foundation design, offshore engineering, or sustainable ground engineering solutions, this programme offers a comprehensive pathway to expertise in this vital field.
Advanced Technical Focus
You'll gain expertise in advanced site investigation techniques, geotechnical engineering design, and offshore engineering. The programme emphasises practical application through industry-standard software and analytical tools, including finite element analysis. You'll be given the opportunity to collect and analyse data through fieldwork using the Pagani TG63-150 Cone Penetration Testing apparatus (pictured below). Abertay is the only university in Scotland to have this machine, providing a unique experience of advanced ground investigation techniques.
You'll complete an individual research project supervised by experts in your chosen specialisation.
Industry-Connected Learning
You'll benefit from our extensive industry connections and be taught by a team with over 60 years' experience in training engineers. Our close links with industry partners ensure the programme remains at the forefront of geotechnical engineering practise, whilst our strong research reputation in civil & environmental engineering within Scotland guarantees exposure to the latest developments in the field.
You'll gain the advanced skills and professional expertise needed to excel in senior geotechnical engineering roles. Whether you're looking to specialise or accelerate your career, this programme provides the perfect foundation for your ambitions.
Industry placement
Please note: you will be registered on the MSc Geotechnical Engineering, which includes a research project. All students will get the opportunity to apply to undertake an industrial placement as an alternative to the research project. Placements, subject to availability, are on a competitive basis and are subject to an application and interview with the placement provider. If successful, you will be moved on to the MSc Geotechnical Engineering with Industrial Practise.
The benefits
Career Advancement: Develop leadership and decision-making skills required for senior positions in the geotechnical engineering sector.
Research Excellence: Study at a university with a high research rating in Civil & Environmental Engineering within Scotland.
Industry Relevance: Gain practical experience with contemporary issues and emerging technologies in geotechnical engineering.
Flexible Learning: Choose between full-time and part-time study options to suit your professional commitments.
Specialised Expertise: Develop deep knowledge in a specific area of geotechnical engineering through your individual research project.
Network Building: Connect with industry partners and join a community of engineering professionals.
What you learn
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Integration of scientific and engineering principles for complex geotechnical problem-solving
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Advanced structural and geotechnical engineering concepts, including offshore applications
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Finite element analysis techniques and their practical applications
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Modern site investigation methodologies and interpretation
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Research methods and their application in geotechnical engineering
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Professional project management and risk assessment skills
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Sustainable design solutions for geotechnical challenges
Career Opportunities
A graduate of this degree can go on to work in a variety of engineering sectors, including:
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Construction and Infrastructure
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Energy
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Geohazard Management and Risk Assessment
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Environmental
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Offshore and Marine
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Transportation
... plus academia and research.
Modules
Structural Design and Geotechnical Engineering (EEM400)
Provides an understanding of the role of geotechnical engineering in the engineering design process and an advanced ability to analyse and design structures in timber and steel. Module content: Conceptual design; Design loads; Design of Steel Structures; Design of Connections; Plastic collapse of steel structures; Design of foundations; Design of retaining wall; Slope stability.
Offshore Geotechnical Engineering (EEM525)
Utilising knowledge and understanding in geotechnical engineering to solve complex geotechnical problems by considering advanced solutions which are cost-effective and environmentally-friendly.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management (EEM500)
Increasingly many organisations have recognised that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of legislative compliance. This module presents a series of practical management tools with which environmental issues can be managed, within both the public and private sector. This module enables those interested in the role of project management to examine the policy, legal & ethical framework in which projects operate and to develop the necessary skills to manage diverse teams in a sustainable manner.
Innovation in Design (EEM516)
This project module focuses on the theory and practice of identifying and implementing innovation of products and systems in organisations. It provides an opportunity for students to critically reflect on analytical, design, planning and evaluation tools that have been included in the programme and to apply these to the design and construction processes of a project that requires innovation and mimics the real-world feasibility design stage of a Civil and Environmental Engineering project.
Finite element analysis and application (EEM519)
Introduction to the theory of finite element analysis and its application in research and industry.
Advanced Structural and Geotechnical Engineering (EEM524)
The aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to investigate and solve structural and geotechnical problems related to the build environment.
Research Methods (ANF514) (ANF514)
This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical, historical and statistical concepts are taught in lectures, with hands-on practical lab sessions using both quantitative and/or qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.
MSc Dissertation (EEM517) (EEM517)
Individual in-depth investigation of a particular aspect of their own specialism. An opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth investigation in a relevant area of interest within an applied context in industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.
Structural Design and Geotechnical Engineering (EEM400)
Provides an understanding of the role of geotechnical engineering in the engineering design process and an advanced ability to analyse and design structures in timber and steel. Module content: Conceptual design; Design loads; Design of Steel Structures; Design of Connections; Plastic collapse of steel structures; Design of foundations; Design of retaining wall; Slope stability.
Offshore Geotechnical Engineering (EEM525)
Utilising knowledge and understanding in geotechnical engineering to solve complex geotechnical problems by considering advanced solutions which are cost-effective and environmentally-friendly.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management (EEM500)
Increasingly many organisations have recognised that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of legislative compliance. This module presents a series of practical management tools with which environmental issues can be managed, within both the public and private sector. This module enables those interested in the role of project management to examine the policy, legal & ethical framework in which projects operate and to develop the necessary skills to manage diverse teams in a sustainable manner.
Innovation in Design (EEM516)
This project module focuses on the theory and practice of identifying and implementing innovation of products and systems in organisations. It provides an opportunity for students to critically reflect on analytical, design, planning and evaluation tools that have been included in the programme and to apply these to the design and construction processes of a project that requires innovation and mimics the real-world feasibility design stage of a Civil and Environmental Engineering project.
Finite element analysis and application (EEM519)
Introduction to the theory of finite element analysis and its application in research and industry.
Advanced Structural and Geotechnical Engineering (EEM524)
The aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to investigate and solve structural and geotechnical problems related to the build environment.
Research Methods (ANF514) (ANF514)
This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical, historical and statistical concepts are taught in lectures, with hands-on practical lab sessions using both quantitative and/or qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.
MSc Dissertation (Industrial Practise) EEM518 (EEM518)
This modules provides the opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth work-based investigation in a relevant area of interest within the industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.
Entry Requirements
The programme welcomes graduates with a minimum of a second class (2:2) honours degree or equivalent in Building/Building Technology, Geotechnical Sciences, Geotechnology, Construction, Construction management, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering.
We also consider applicants with relevant professional experience through our Recognition of Prior Learning procedure.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants across the world.
Typically, international applicants should have:
- The equivalent of a second class (2:2) honours degree or equivalent in Building/Building Technology, Geotechnical Sciences, Geotechnology, Construction, Construction management, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering.
All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.
For questions about specific entry requirements, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk.
For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.
Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus
All Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering you to enhance digital skills with industry-leading tools.
In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.
The Adobe Creative Campus programme is an initiative involving a select group of colleges and universities dedicated to empowering staff and students across all disciplines with essential digital skills for success in both the workplace and the classroom.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Fees & funding
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.
Graduate School
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Join us as a Postgraduate
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll join a community of creative like-minded scholars. You will be working in our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
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