Overview
Overview Background - What is Engineering Geology?
Engineering geology is the application of geological principles to Civil and Mining Engineering (amongst others). The subject has expanded in recent years to include aspects of Engineering Geomorphology, Quaternary Geology, Contaminated Land, Risk Analysis, Geohazard and Resilience management. Engineering Geologists are found worldwide working on problems as varied as foundation and mine design to the assessment of seismic and landslide risk.
The School of Earth and Environment has a long history of training Engineering Geologists (greater than 40 years). We maintain close links with our alumni graduates who can be found in many different companies across the globe.
With increasing use of brownfield sites in Europe and the United States, and expanding use of marginal land in the emerging economies, the role of the engineering geologist has never been as important as it is in the modern geotechnical environment.
Understanding how pollutants travel through the ground may impact upon the safe design of waste disposal sites. Geological and geomorphological mapping may aid the identification of landslides and allow for safe housing development. The understanding of the ground and how it responds to static and dynamic loads can influence where important roads are sited and how emergency plans are formulated.
It is vital that at the start of the new millennium we design and build in a manner which is safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective and sensitive to climate change. Engineering geologists, with our unique understanding of the ground, and a broad appreciation of rates of geological processes over engineering time, are intimately involved in this process. From the design of site investigations through to the assessment of major geological hazards, engineering geologists will be active in the provision of effective development.
Chartered Status
The course is accredited as further learning through the Institution of Civil Engineers. MSc Engineering Geology is a European Accredited Engineering Program.
After completion of the course, employment prospects are excellent. A list of employers in the last few years includes, among many others, the following:
- Arups, Consulting Engineers
- Atkins, Consulting Engineers
- British Geological Survey
- British Waterways
- Burro Happold
- Byland Engineering
- Donaldsons Associates
- Golder Associates, Consulting Engineers
- Hyder
- Jacobs-Babtie Group, Consulting
- Halcrows, Consulting Engineers
- Mott MacDonald, Consulting Engineers
- Robinson Design Group
- Royal Haskoning
- Scott, Wilson, Consulting Engineers
- Soil Mechanics Ltd.
- Wardell Armstrong, Consulting Engineers
In recent years many of our graduates have found themselves in the fortunate position of having numerous job offers at the end of the course. Traditionally our students have taken jobs in Engineering Geology and the Geo-environmental sector attracting salaries of approximately £25,000 per annum, however there is a growing trend and demand from within the mining industry for Engineering Geologists where starting salaries are approximately £60,000 per annum and in exceptional cases in excess of £90,000 per annum for students graduating with a Engineering Geology MSc.
The aim of the course is to provide a concentrated one-year training in engineering geology and related geotechnical subjects. This training will prepare a graduate geologist and, or, engineer for professional practice in engineering geology and, or, geotechnical engineering. Studying engineering geology at the University of Leeds will provide you with excellent job opportunities as a result of high calibre academic training, as well as the development of strong skills in terms of both critical and independent thought and team work.
