University of Canterbury

Overview

Professional Engineering Geology at the University of Canterbury is a practical postgraduate programme aimed at developing specialized skills in engineering geology, natural hazard risk assessment, and the understanding of subsurface ground behavior. Spanning 12 months, this course prepares graduates for careers in hazard evaluation, geotechnical and environmental fields, and informed land-use decisions.

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in engineering geology through a series of focused modules, including:

• Applied Hydrogeology
• Natural Hazard Risk Assessment
• Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
• Soil Mechanics and Soil Engineering
• Structural Geology
• Environmental Geology and Mining

Students engage in applied coursework that emphasizes real-world problem-solving in engineering geology. Assessment methods typically combine assignments, technical reports, and practical problem sets.

Note that course availability and sequencing may vary. For the most current curriculum details, please refer to the University of Canterbury programme handbook and website.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this programme, applicants should have one of the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology or Earth Sciences; or
• A Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Civil, Environmental, or Natural Resources Engineering; or
• Recognition of prior learning and/or relevant work experience, evaluated by the Programme Director.

Additionally, candidates must have 15 points of MATH at 100-level and 15 points of STAT at 100-level. These requirements may be waived by the Head of Department for individuals demonstrating equivalent mathematics and/or statistics proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Professional Engineering Geology programme are well-equipped to embark on diverse career paths within engineering geology, geotechnical consultancy, environmental assessment, and land-use planning. The skills acquired from this programme enable professionals to effectively address natural hazard risks and contribute to sustainable development initiatives across various sectors.