Concerned with the application of soil mechanics in engineering practice; and known for making key advances in soil mechanics such as field instrumentation, residual strength measurements, local strain measurement of soil samples, direct soil suction measurements, advanced numerical modelling procedures, constitutive models and hollow cylinder soil testing techniques. We also strive to give our MSc students 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 key areas of geotechnics through a coherent, coordinated and balanced degree programme, integrating core engineering science and recent research findings with practical application.

The full-time programme is taken over 12 months, with a single entry point per year at the beginning of October, part-time study is available on a Term Release part-time basis only.

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Term release

The Soil Mechanics MSc programme may be taken part-time, on a term-by-term basis, as follows:

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

Distinctive features of this programme include strong links with industry, emphasis on field-work, laboratory testing using state-of-the-art facilities and numerical analysis using in-house state-of-the-art software, and teaching by leading experts in the field of Soil Mechanics.

The course comprises two terms of lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and individual coursework assignments and one term devoted to a research dissertation. The 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 in 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 Europe. A year comprises two separate periods. The first includes lectures, tutorials and individual coursework assignments, the second consisting of a research dissertation.  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. 

• View the full syllabus

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

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

Our courses are supported by a group of companies which make up our Industrial Bursary Scheme. The Scheme aims to provide industrially funded bursary awards to our students. Funding normally covers the full home-level fees as well as a contribution towards subsistence costs and is available to all students. Other funding opportunities include a number of Departmental scholarships.

Companies forming the bursary group organise recruitment events and regularly recruit our MSc graduates contributing to the excellent employability record of our graduates.

• A good Upper Second or First Class Degree result (or International equivalent), in engineering or another numerate discipline, or Masters level degree qualification
• Good mathematical skills (B or above at A-level or equivalent qualification)
• Relevant Postgraduate industrial experience is favoured
• English Language qualification (where relevant)

Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to present an English language qualification, passed at the appropriate level. This may follow the application if not available at the time of submission. Please see the College English language requirements for postgraduate applicants for information. Please also check that your previous study meets the minimum academic requirements by country index. 

Note: The Department may set higher requirements than those specified by the College as minimum entry requirements and that places are not guaranteed for any applicant.  Relevance of degrees and eligibility can be checked with the Department.  

Visit this webpage for information about scholarships and funding opportunities. 

Visit this webpage for information on the application process and essential information.