Postgraduate opportunities – virtual drop-in session
Key features
- A unique programme combining environmental and engineering geology with an interdisciplinary approach to allow the communication and the collaboration between civil and geotechnical engineers, environmental experts, professional geologists, stakeholders to develop and promote sustainable projects and management of risks.
- An employability focused programme with training in laboratory and site investigations.
- The proximity - with an outstanding geology and several important sites where geohazards, contaminated land and engineering geology issues can be investigated directly in the field.
- A wide spectrum and expertise in environmental and geoscience subjects and MSc’s taught in Plymouth and in sustainable geoscience and communication at the Sustainable Earth Institute.
- State of the art laboratories in chemistry, Earth science and physical geography as well as a geotechnical laboratory.
- A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about
equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .
Course details
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Year 1
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The MSc Environmental Engineering Geology programme provides an employability and practically focused curriculum in environmental and engineering geology to meet the current and future needs of the engineering geology industry through post graduate training.During the first two semesters of this one-year programme, you will study a range of core taught modules – from understanding the subsurface and soil / rock properties to developing a range of skills needed when undertaking site investigations and assessments. Two of these modules are designed specifically for this degree, the others draw upon our long standing expertise in environmental science. You will also undertake a placement, complemented by field based experiential learning to provide an interdisciplinary foundation to environmental and engineering geology. In the final semester you will complete an independent dissertation project.Throughout your studies, we will support you in gaining the research and professional skills to help you get the most from the programme – and launch a successful career.
Core modules
GEES515
Professional Practice in the Environmental SectorThis module examines the place of sustainability and environmental management in modern business practice, and prepares students for professional work experience in semester 2. It also provides students with a critical understanding of the principles, ethics and methods of environmental law and regulation, and examines the role of economics in characterising and addressing human interaction with the environment
GEES520
MSc DissertationThe student will complete an independent research project that they have designed in semester 1 as part of their research skills development. The record of the research will communicate the project aims, research problem, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, discussion/synthesis and conclusions in the format specified and to a professional standard.
GEES528
Soil and Rock Mechanics, Characterisation and Field Skills 20 creditsThis module covers the principles of soil and rock mechanics. How soil and rock behave under loading and what are the main parameters to characterize those behaviours. Laboratory testing is used to give an insight on the basic principle of soil and rock strength and how these are determined. Ground investigation techniques used to assess soil and rock characteristics are also described and demonstrated in the field.
50% Practicals
50% Examinations
GEES500
Professional Placement ExperienceThis module provides an opportunity to experience professional practice via work experience with a company / host organisation. It will allow you to apply and develop your subject skills and knowledge, learn more about professional careers within the sector aligned to your degree, develop contacts with potential employers, and refine your career aspirations.
GEES532
Geohazards and the Built Environment 20 creditsThis module will introduce geohazards and their impacts, exploring how to assess, monitor and mitigate them. Students undertake an assessment of a natural geohazard and produce a professional report on that assessment with a proposal for remediation. They will also learn about anthropogenic hazards and develop skills in public communication of these issues, via a practice based assessment.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES533
Site Investigation and Land QualityThis module introduces all the phases of a site investigation, including the assessment of contamination, how it may impact upon receptors and, remediation strategies. Students undertake a desk study and write a related report of known sites where historical land use may have impacted land quality. Non-intrusive assessment techniques and the use of novel and advanced remediation technologies are covered in the module.
GEES534
Water Management and Sustainability in MiningThis module considers sustainable water resource management and mitigation of environmental damage from mining. Threats to ground and surface water resources are explored at all stages of mine operation from exploration to closure and reclamation. Students develop necessary theoretical geochemical, hydrological and hydrogeological knowledge to predict and manage outcomes according to current international best practice.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Entry requirements
Fees, costs and funding
New student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 |
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Home | £10,700 | £11,350 |
International | £19,800 | £20,400 |
Part time (Home) | £590 | £630 |
Find out more about your eligibility for a postgraduate loan
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
- For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)
Postgraduate scholarships for international students
How to apply
When to apply
Before you apply
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Disability Inclusion Services
International students
Submitting an application
What happens after I apply?
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions policy
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022*
QS World University Rankings 2023
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2023
The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators Award
Scholarship opportunity
"Studying Environmental and Engineering Geology at the University of Plymouth gave me the practical experience and insightful knowledge to transition to industry. I found the course's practical approach to learning particularly effective, as well as enjoyable.
The placement I undertook as part of the course was invaluable in gaining experience within the industry and proved beneficial in my search for postgraduate employment. I am now working as a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer at a leading geotechnical consultancy where I apply the skills I learned to solve geoenvironmental and geotechnical issues at various sites across the UK."
Related research
Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES)
Sustainable Earth Institute
Journey to the Bottom of the Celtic Sea
Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the south west.
People
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Dr Matt Bailey Ross
Lecturer in Environmental and Engineering Geology
Programme Leader
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Dr Alison Turner
Lecturer in Chemistry and Environmental Geochemistry (Education)
Module Leader
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Dr Sarah Boulton
Deputy Head of School and Associate Head of School - Marketing and Recruitment
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Dr Paul Cole
Associate Professor of Volcanology
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Dr Edward Ellis
Lecturer in Civil Engineering (Education)
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Dr Paul Lunt
Associate Professor in Environmental Science
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Professor Anne Mather
Professor in Geomorphology
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Dr Zoe Mildon
Associate Professor in Earth Sciences
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Professor Tony Morris
Professor in Geophysics and Geodynamics
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Dr Andrew Parsons
Lecturer in Geosciences
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Dr Munira Raji
Sustainable Geoscience and Natural Capital Research Fellow
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Dr Martin Stokes
Associate Head of School - Graduate Outcomes
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Dr Jessie Woodbridge
Lecturer