Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course overview

The ground is the greatest area of technical risk in construction — therefore the demand for qualified specialists in geotechnical engineering is ever-growing, both in the UK and internationally.

Our Geotechnical Engineering MSc covers the practical application of geotechnical engineering to reduce construction risk and optimise the design of geotechnical structures to ensure they are safe, sustainable and resilient.

Understanding this risk is the underlying philosophy of this course. It brings together the expertise you’ll need to address a range of real-world geotechnical problems in industry, including shallow and deep foundations, soil-structure interaction, ground as a source of energy, environmental geotechnics, and slope and ground stabilisation.

You’ll study in the School of Civil Engineering which ranks highly globally and is actively involved in developing ‘internationally excellent’ research — much of which shapes the course.

This means you’ll be learning the latest insights in the field whilst building industry-relevant skills in investigation, characterisation, analysis, design and risk within a business context — all of which are highly sought after in this profession, and transferable across industries.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as energy geotechnics, numerical analysis of coupled flow and adapting geotechnical structures to climate change.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by industry.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience across many relevant areas such as engineering in complex soils, numerical modelling, experimental geotechnics, engineering design and the characterisation of the ground.
• Access research-grade equipment and specialist facilities in experimental geotechnics to enhance your learning.
• Conduct your own individual investigative project as part of your course and gain industry experience investigating a real-world problem.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as engineering, transport infrastructure strategy, numerical modelling, energy geotechnics and geotechnical investigation.
• This course offers flexible study options where you can study full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months.

Develop your academic and subject-specific terminology​

As part of your course, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Professional and Academic Communication module, providing you with valuable insight into studying a postgraduate degree in the UK and familiarising you with academic and subject-specific vocabulary.​

Through in person workshops and independent online study, you’ll evaluate the use of technology such as translation tools and generative AI to support communication, acquiring the language and literacy skills to become a more effective communicator on your course. ​

Related Course

Our Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship MSc is designed to deliver the Geotechnical engineer (integrated degree) standard from the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education.

The apprenticeship will provide you with an extensive understanding of the ground, geological and design processes vital to all construction and infrastructure projects.

Course details and modules

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of geotechnical topics and be trained in relevant field and laboratory techniques for the practice of geotechnical engineering. You’ll develop the skills required to use modern analytical and numerical approaches to solve geotechnical problems such as the design of foundations, slopes, retaining structures and underground space.

During the first half of the year, you'll cover a range of modules that will develop your skills in geotechnical design and analysis, preparing you for the second semester where you'll apply those skills to more advanced topics such as energy and geotechnical structures and transport infrastructure.

You’ll look at topics such as the properties and behaviour of the ground, mathematical and computer models relevant to geotechnical engineering and advanced design techniques.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Geotechnical Investigation and Characterisation – 30 credits

The key to geotechnical design is to create the ground model. Most of the risk in geotechnical design is linked to the ground model which depends on a study of the topographical, hydrogeological, geological, historical and geotechnical characteristics of a site. You will be introduced to these through case studies and practical work.

Pollution and Contaminated Land – 15 credits

Any geotechnical engineering project has the ability to contaminate the ground; urban geotechnical projects will have to deal with contaminated ground. Understanding ground contamination, how it can affect the soil behaviour and how it can be dealt with are a core component of any geotechnical design in urban areas.

Geotechnical Engineering (MSc) – 15 credits

Geotechnical engineering is about ground processes and geotechnical structures including tunnels, retaining walls, slopes and embankments. It covers analysis, design and construction concepts and how to adapt techniques to 3-dimensional analysis.

Foundation Engineering (MSc) – 15 credits

All structures are built on, in or with ground. Geotechnical engineering focuses on structures that are built with the ground or support the ground. Foundation engineering, a core subject for all civil engineering, deals with foundations of buildings. It focuses on the design and construction of shallow and deep foundations.

Energy Geotechnics – 15 credits

The ground is probably the greatest source of energy that is readily accessible. This can take the form of high-grade energy such as geothermal energy or low-grade energy created by solar energy in the upper layers. Innovative techniques to extract and store heat are covered.

Constitutive Models and Numerical Analysis – 15 credits

The spatial variation of soils and the uncertainty of dealing with these complex materials means that, increasingly, numerical methods are pursued to undertake sensitivity studies. Predicting ground behaviour using numerical methods requires an understanding of the constitutive models and the limitations of the methods of analysis; the basis of the module.

Transport Infrastructure Strategy – 15 credits

This module provides a holistic and systematic approach to the design of transport infrastructure focusing on the alignment and resulting geotechnical structures. It is assessed as an integrated project using teamwork to produce a viable, sustainable and resilient solution.

MSc Dissertation – 60 credits

Over the summer months, you’ll work with your supervisor to complete your independent research project which is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It’s a chance for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, undertaking a major investigation into an aspect of geotechnical engineering.

This can be a scientific study into soil behaviour, sensitivity study of a geotechnical structure, forensic analysis of a failure, numerical analysis or design of a geotechnical structure.

All our modules also include design projects which are based on real-life case studies.

Part-time study options

This course is also available to study part-time over 24 months. Please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss part-time study options.

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff, who are at the forefront of their disciplines, through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings. Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

A range of coursework, practicals and a dissertation contribute to your final assessment. There are many activities which may include individual and group work, presentations, technical reports, laboratory work, in-class tests and exams. We use formative assessment to help you develop your knowledge and understanding and improve your performance.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in civil engineering or a related engineering, science or mathematical discipline where relevant subject areas to geotechnical engineering have been studied. We would expect applicants to demonstrate strong engineering and maths knowledge.

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

• A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in civil engineering or a related engineering, science or mathematical discipline where relevant subject areas to geotechnical engineering have been studied with at least one year’s relevant experience
• Professional qualifications and relevant experience.

International

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

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

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 Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil 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.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

31 July 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Geotechnical engineers are integral throughout the whole process of building structures — from concept to construction. This means the demand worldwide for the expertise you’ll have once you graduate from Leeds is ever-growing, with the potential to take you across the world.

Studying our Geotechnical Engineering MSc degree will equip you with the advanced knowledge in all aspects of the field and a relevant skill set sought after by many industries, opening the door to an exciting amount of career opportunities.

Plus, The University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Geotechnical engineers work for client organisations including major asset owners, international consultants, main contractors and specialist consultants and contractors. The range of specialist skills that geotechnical engineers acquire means that they can develop either as technical experts or managers.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.