MSc in Soil Mechanics (H2U3), or

... [with Environmental Geotechnics (H2UN)], or

... [with Engineering Seismology (H2U4)], or
... [with Engineering Geology (H2EG)]

Established in 1950 the MSc course cluster in Soil Mechanics remains the flagship in its sub
ject. The staff profile, present and Emeritus (including four Rankine Lecturers), and first clas
s facilities make the course internationally renowned. Alumni from the course hold senior po
sitions around the world and their work and engagement in the profession ensures the high
reputation of these qualifications from Imperial College. Our close links with the Imperial Col
lege Engineering Geology, Environmental Engineering, Rock Mechanics and Hydrology Sec
tions ensure that our MSc students are exposed to the latest developments in all aspects of
Geotechnics.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from undergraduates completing their first degree, as well as those
with relevant industrial and professional experience. Applications may be considered from t
hose with degrees in other branches of engineering and earth sciences. The minimum entry
requirement for consideration is a good degree from a UK university (at upper second class
or above), or an overseas equivalent. Special cases, based on relevant postgraduate indust
rial experience, may be made in some circumstances.

Aims and objectives

Concerned with the application of soil mechanics in engineering practice; and kno
wn for making key advances in soil mechanics such as field instrumentation, resid
ual strength measurements, local strain measurement of soil samples, direct soil
suction measurements, advanced numerical modelling procedures, constitutive model
s and hollow cylinder soil testing techniques. We also strive to give our MSc stu
dents a broad knowledge of practical engineering, understanding the realities of
the physical world as well as the elegant theories.

The course is designed to provide students with a solid technical basis in the ke
y areas of geotechnics through a coherent, coordinated and balanced degree progra
mme, integrating core engineering science and recent research findings with pract
ical application.

Course structure
The 4 Soil Mechanics MSc courses share approximately 80% of the curriculum (see s
yllabus), while the remaining 20% allow specialisation in the areas of Advanced S
oil Mechanics, Engineering Seismology, Environmental Geotechnics and Engineering
Geology.

Distinctive features of this programme include strong links with industry, emphas
is on field-work, laboratory testing using state-of-the-art facilities and numeri
cal analysis using in-house state-of-the-art software, and teaching by leading ex
perts in the field of Soil Mechanics.

The course comprises two terms of lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and ind
ividual coursework assignments and one term devoted to a research dissertation. T
he lab classes offer first-hand experience of experimental soil mechanics in our
modern, purpose-built teaching laboratories.

The programme also includes three field trips; one weekend in each of the Autumn
and Spring terms to investigate the engineering geology and geotechnical issues i
n two distinct areas of the UK and a one-week study tour in the beginning of the
Summer term visiting several geotechnical and geological projects in Southern Eur
ope. A year comprises two separate periods. The first includes lectures, tutorial
s and individual coursework assignments, the second consisting of a research diss
ertation.  The dissertation may be undertaken at College or in collaboration with
industry. Other projects have involved a period of data collection or field study
in the UK and abroad. The combined cost of these trips will be around £1,300. 

Assessment
Assessments include individual and group courseworks; laboratory and fieldwork pr
ojects; presentations to industry; written and oral examinations and a research d
issertation. To complete the requirements of the degree, all assessments must be
undertaken to the appropriate level. Successful candidates will be awarded the MS
c degree of Imperial College London and the Diploma of Imperial College (DIC).

Links with industry

Our courses are supported by a group of Companies which make up our Industrial Bu
rsary Scheme.  Current members are: Arab Center for Engineering Studies (ACES), A
rdaman & Associates Inc, Arup Geotechnics, Atkins Consultants Ltd, Fugro Geoconsu
lting Ltd, Geotechnical Consulting Group, Geotechnical Observations Ltd, Klohn Cr
ippen Berger (KCB), Mott MacDonald, Royal HaskoningDHV, Tony Gee & Partners, Vatt
enfall and Pells Sullivan Meynink (PSM).  As well as supporting some of our stude
nts, a few of these companies host recruitment evenings during the year and also
give Visiting Lectures to our students.

Syllabus
To complete the MSc, all students must undertake all modules listed under their p
rogramme title.  
[H2U3] Soil Mechanics
[H2U4] Soil Mechanics with Engineering Seismology
[H2UN] Soil Mechanics with Environmental Geotechnics
[H2EG] Soil Mechanics with Engineering Geology
 
Find out more about our suite of Soil Mechanics MSc programmes. 

Further information about detailed courses can be accessed at link below :

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/civil-engineering/prospective-students/postgraduate-taught-admissions/
geotechnics-cluster/syllabus/
 Autumn Term
H2U3 H2U4 H2EG H2UN SDSMO
Module

 CIVE70027 Analysis and Constitutive Modelli

 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  
ng

 CIVE70022 Seepage and Consolidation  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  

 CIVE70026 Laboratory Testing and Data Inter

 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  
pretation

 CIVE70028 Site Investigation and Engineerin

 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  
g Geomorphology

 CIVE70021 Strength and Deformation  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  

 CIVE70007 Geotechnical Hazards  -   Compulsory  -   -  

 CIVE70024 Hydrogeology and Groundwater  -  -  Compulsory  -  

 CIVE70023 Containment Engineering  -  -  -  Compulsory  

Autumn term syllabus

Spring Term H2U3 H2U4 H2EG H2UN

 Autumn Term
H2U3 H2U4 H2EG H2UN SDSMO
Module

Module

 CIVE70036 Geotechnical Infrastructure: Slop

 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory
es and Embankments

 CIVE70034 Design of Foundations and Retaini

 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory
ng Structures

 CIVE70029 Current Developments in Geotechni

 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory
cal Engineering

 CIVE70033 Advanced Soil Mechanics  Compulsory  Compulsory  -   Compulsory

 CIVE70032 Applied Numerical Analysis  Compulsory  Compulsory  -  -

 CIVE70035 Geotechnical Processes and Field

 Compulsory  -  Compulsory   Compulsory
Monitoring

 CIVE70030 Rock Engineering  Compulsory  -   Compulsory  - 

 CIVE70037 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineeri

 -   Compulsory  -   - 
ng

 CIVE70031 Contaminated Land and Groundwater  -   -   Compulsory   Compulsory

 Autumn Term
H2U3 H2U4 H2EG H2UN SDSMO
Module

Spring term syllabus

Additional Requirements
H2U3 H2U4 H2EG H2UN
Module

 CIVE70025 Geotechnics Fieldwork 
 Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory  Compulsory
 (runs accross the academic year)

 CIVE70038 Research Project - Geotechnics  Core  Core  Core  Core

Additional requirements