Although I've really enjoyed my geology course, so far (I do love the subject matter, in most of it's forms), I do find myself wondering if civil engineering may be a better field to get in to (pun intended), professionally.
I've contacted UCL about their MSc in Earthquake Engineering, but they've recommended doing the Post-grad Diploma in Civil Engineering, first. I've also found that Heriot Watt do a distance learning Civil Engineering Diploma. The Civil Eng. route may be more useful, even if I don't go into Earthquake Engineering.
So, what do you think? From experienced architectural tech, to geology, to civil engineering tech?
Well I am currently studying for my masters in MechEng however my brother has just finished his masters in CivEng at NEwcastle Uni. I can't comment on much however can give you the advise that doing some form of placement year or multiple internships in engineering is critical to gaining employment after you graduate.
He's finished top 5 in his year but with only 1 summer internship under his belt is struggling to find work as is everyone else with limited or no experience.
[url= https://www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/geology-geotechnical-and-ground-engineering ]https://www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/geology-geotechnical-and-ground-engineering[/url]
Best of both worlds... apply geology to engineering. Engineering geology, geotechnical engineering or ground engineering; whatever you want to call it.
Earthquake Engineering may restrict your options a bit. What about a Geotechnical Engineering Masters?
I did a Structural Engineering Masters after my Physics degree. Not the classic route but I have never struggled for work in London, everyone is crying out for Engineers here.
EDIT: Neilforrow +1
Second the geotechnical engineering route. Many moons ago I worked in geotechnical engineering for a few companies doing piling/ground improvement design. My first degree is in physical geography but I did some geology and geomorphology modules. I really liked it and I really got to use my geology/soils knowledge, however as I didn't have a formal qualification in geotechnical engineering i was quite cornered job wise... (also the work was not in a region of the country I enjoyed living...) when I left my boss was designing the piles for the shard! My work buddy now is a civil engineer and his experience is mainly in drainage. Oh and for the record I'm a landscape architect now! Might have some contacts somewhere if you want to send some CV's about as getting some experience is vital.
@gazc - BBGE by any chance?
TO the OP, earthquake engineering will very much limit your options in the UK, I'd have thought your only chance would be a job with one of the (few remaining!) big boys, Arup, CH2M, etc. and even then you'll likely have to ace all your results (as well as considering if you want to work for a consultancy that big, they have their plusses and minuses like anywhere).
For what it's worth, I studied geology followed by a masters in geotech, and have worked both in contracting and consultancy. Both are good options and you can always switch between the two. I maybe have a slight bias, but if you;re really thinking about the engineering side then I'd go towards the geotech option rather than engineering geology. There tends not to be much difference but you'll normally do a bit more detailed design and soil mechanics. I can recommend the course at Birmingham Uni on the basis of having worked with a few folk who guest lecture there. I think the courses at Newcastle have gone downhill a bit now sadly following departure of some staff. Another option is a pure soil mechanics course at Imperial, it'll be bloody hard work, but in my experience once you know soil mechanics everything else is easy to learn.
Give me a shout if you want to know anymore, etc.
+1 Geotechnical Engineering / Engineering Geology after a suitable Masters.
You can move your career in either direction depending on your leanings towards calculation/analysis or ground characterisation/modelling.
However, there is considerable overlap and a sound understanding of both aspects is always useful. You could certainly have a varied and interesting career.
There's a lot of money going to be spent on infrastructure so try to find a related route in there
I'm a chartered civil engineer.
There is nothing wrong in specialising but I'm unsure how many earthquake opportunities there are in the UK. Unless you don't mind moving abroad.
How about just a standard civil engineering degreee or masters degree instead and keep your options open?
[url= http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/msc-engineering-geology/ ]We do a MSc in Engineering Geology[/url]. Its so popular, its over subscribed for next year. I'd keep it broad at MSc level to keep employment options. Earthquake engineering sounds interesting, but maybe do a boarder MSc and focus on your dissertation in this area if its something that interests you?
There is nothing wrong in specialising but I'm unsure how many earthquake opportunities there are in the UK. Unless you don't mind moving abroad.
I don't mind moving abroad. I appreciate it's not a big industry in this country, but it's what I'm interested in, and I would look to go overseas with it.
We do a MSc in Engineering Geology. Its so popular, its over subscribed for next year. I'd keep it broad at MSc level to keep employment options. Earthquake engineering sounds interesting, but maybe do a boarder MSc and focus on your dissertation in this area if its something that interests you?
Thanks, but wrong end of the country for me 😥
Thanks for the suggestions, and more general geotechnical engineering is certainly on option.
markingenjör here in Sweden (Gruund engineer is literal translation)
I would go for a standard degree and then go where the wind takes you. There are opportunites the world over, fantastic degree to have. All the best
Just to clarify: I was thinking of doing the PG Diploma in Civil Eng , followed by the Earthquake Eng. MSc. Not one or the other. I agree, it's better to get a good, general foundation before specialising.
The biggest area for Earthquake Engineering in the UK is nuclear. Any building with significant nuclear consequences is designed against earthquakes; also some seismic work upgrading older facilities and in decommissioning Sellafield.
The biggest area for Earthquake Engineering in the UK is nuclear. Any building with significant nuclear consequences is designed against earthquakes; also some seismic work upgrading older facilities and in decommissioning Sellafield.
Very true. You need to prove that a fault has remained inactive for 120-130 years [I think] for large-scale infrastructure projects like that.
Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering. As soon as I'm back on UK soil I'm applying for one of either Cardiff, brum or Portsmouth courses. There's a lot of variation, I know guys who solely do analysis from behind a desk Vs guys who live in the field. I've been fairly field intense and looking to make the jump towards more design work with the masters.
Sorry, those figures above should have 000 after them
Did a Civils MEng and did my placement for a ground engineering company and loved it. Would of happily gone in to geotech but life went a different direction. Def interesting work and seems like it will be in demand for a good while.
Funny how things change with the person above saying its hard for grads to find a job. When I graduated in 2007 we all had multiple job offers and companies were fighting for civils grads.