Civil and Geoenvironmental Engineering (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Modules are delivered through a series of lectures, tutorials, practical’s, workshops as well as research-led activities. These methods vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on subject matter and the method of assessment. Supplementary resources are also provided to both aid student learning and provide stretching activities.  

Individual modules provide further information on how to study and guidance on learning resources and further support. 

You’ll undertake a series of short, workshop style training courses covering practical applications, integrating professional practice issues with the scientific and engineering foundation of the course. These workshops are delivered by recognised professional practitioners in the industry.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessments are designed to best reflect practical relevance and to be authentic, while evidencing achievement of the learning outcomes. Formative assessments which carry no marks are used to assist students in preparing for summative assessments. This gives a measure of performance to inform you, us as staff, and potential employers about your progress and achievement. It can also help the learning process by highlighting areas of success and areas needing more attention. 

Assessment involves a blend of methods that are selected to suit the outcomes of each module and the course as a whole including: 

• Written assignments such as reports, essays and posters 
• Planning, conduct and reporting of project work 
• Problem-based exercises based on real-world challenges 
• Presentations – oral live and recorded 
• Peer review 
• Reflective practices 

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor to assist with both your academic progress and pastoral support in an informal and confidential manner. We take pride in providing a warm and welcoming environment for all. 

Your personal tutor will see you regularly during the programme. For the dissertation stage, you’ll be allocated a supervisor and if appropriate, an industrial mentor in your specialist field, whom you’ll be expected to meet with regularly. 

In addition to the broad range of support services provided centrally by Cardiff University, our Senior Personal Tutor will be available to help and advise on any personal matters. 

You’ll have access to a comprehensive handbook appropriate to your programme, containing details of the School’s procedures and policies. We make extensive use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Learning Central) to share information, teaching materials and support your learning. 

Feedback is an essential element of your learning experience and will be provided during the duration of your studies. Each module will have feedback mechanisms to aid in your learning and development. Formative assessments which have no marks will have feedback that assists you in developing your knowledge, understanding and skills. Feedback following summative assessments will outline the evidence used to mark your submission against set criteria and provide constructive comments towards developing your knowledge, understanding and skills for the future. 

Dedicated School Careers Advisers and staff from Student Futures will also support you to achieve your future career goals and develop your skills to be successful in the Graduate recruitment process. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Apply advanced knowledge of mathematics, geotechnical and environmental engineering principles to complex geoenvironmental problems. 
• Select, apply and critically evaluate soil, groundwater and contaminant behaviour in relation to complex infrastructure development and environmental protection issues. 
• Evaluate environmental impacts and sustainability considerations in geoenvironmental engineering practice. 
• Plan and critically evaluate an independent research project in civil and geoenvironmental engineering using appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques, culminating in a coherent and scholarly dissertation.

Intellectual Skills

• Formulate and analyse complex geoenvironmental engineering problems considering uncertainty in environmental data, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• Select and apply appropriate analytical and computational techniques to model ground behaviour, contaminant transport and soil–structure interaction discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• Select and critically evaluate geoenvironmental literature, environmental data and regulatory guidance.

Professional Practical Skills

• Design geoenvironmental engineering solutions for complex ground improvement, environmental protection and contaminated land management, that respond to societal, environmental, economic and regulatory requirements. 
• Apply a systems approach to ground–environment–infrastructure interactions. 
• Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights in a civil/ geoenvironmental engineering context. 
• Use laboratory and monitoring techniques to investigate complex civil/ geoenvironmental engineering problems. 

Transferable/Key Skills

• Communicate complex geoenvironmental engineering information effectively to diverse stakeholders. 
• Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams addressing environmental and infrastructure challenges. 
• Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion 
• Critically evaluate the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in complex civil/ geoenvironmental problems.