Entry requirementsEntry requirements Second-class Honours degree (BEng, MEng, BSc – equivalent GPA 2.1–3.0) or MSc in Civil Engineering or other appropriate engineering, mathematics or science subject. Our standard English requirement is a TOEFL score of 575 (232 computer-based test) or IELTS grade 6.5 (with no marks less than 5.5), or equivalent. We will consider applicants with appropriate professional qualifications and experience. In this case we require a strong background in areas covered in your chosen course.
Graduates from our MSc in Contaminant Hydrogeology are in great demand, in a field that has seen career opportunities increase dramatically in response to changes in environmental regulations. Environmental consultancies, technology vendors, government bodies, regulatory agencies, local authorities, property redevelopers and other public and private sector organisations are all looking to recruit people with the knowledge and skills required to assess and interpret complex contaminated land and groundwater scenarios and able to select, design and manage technically sound remediation efforts, all within a cost efficient context. Meeting this challenge demands that hydrogeologists and other professionals working in this field must have the appropriate advanced training that provides the necessary underpinning theoretical knowledge and practical ability to solve these real-world problems using multidisciplinary analysis. This unique MSc course provides our graduates with these highly sought after skills, giving them a clear advantage in a competitive market.
Our MSc in Contaminant Hydrogeology effectively combines the wide range of applied science and environmental engineering disciplines that are represented in this field. The programme is a balance of technical, theoretical and practical aspects designed to provide the best preparation for a rewarding career. Module content is leading edge, drawing inspiration from research conducted in the Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group and elsewhere. Instructors are world recognised UK and international experts from both academic and industry backgrounds. Some modules are co-run with our popular and highly respected short courses in Continuing Professional Development, giving you an opportunity to learn from lecturers with a range of expertise, and interact with delegates already working in the field. It provides an ideal forum for you to meet industry practitioners, make contacts and develop future career opportunities.
Flexibility in study is built into this program. You can study full time over 1 year or part time over 2-3 years and all our modules feature web-based distance learning as well as in-class lecture time. Each module is delivered in a 3-week block, consisting of 2 weeks of distance learning delivered via the web, with 3-4 days of in-class lectures and practicals. Modules are sequenced within the programme to build knowledge and skills training incrementally, which maximises students´ development. The modular format is popular with both full time and part time students attending this course. It enables employed students wishing to undertake part time study to design a study programme around their work schedule. See the comments from our graduates on the value of this course.
Topics covered in this MSc
The course is designed to build knowledge and develop practical skills, through the integration of subjects which cover theoretical and applied aspects of contaminant hydrogeology. We start with the basics: hydrogeology, geochemistry and microbiology. We focus on fundamental hydrogeology and urban hydrogeology because the built environment is where most contamination resides. These contaminated sites represent valuable real estate, so there's a strong driver to restore them to productivity quickly. You will also learn the principles of groundwater geochemistry and environmental microbiology, as a basis to assess and interpret contaminant behaviour, fate and transformation in the environment.
Once the basics are in place, we introduce concepts in risk assessment and monitored natural attenuation, the cornerstones of environmental management in the UK. From there, speciality subjects like groundwater remediation, NAPL remediation, and landfill engineering and management apply the basic science to environmental engineering solutions. To complete the toolkit of skills, we have field investigation methods and methods of water analysis, both practical modules providing real-world exposure to the procedures required for the technical evaluation and quantitative analysis of contaminated land and groundwater.
One third of the MSc is dedicated to an individual dissertation topic, allowing original research and independent study into a subject selected by the student from a wide range of science, technology and industry-driven options. The dissertation allows students to develop their personal interests and significantly enhance their skills and abilities, in particular in problem solving, critical analysis and evaluation and time and resource management.
Course content
-Modules
-Hydrogeology
-Urban and Industrial Hydrogeology
-Environmental Chemistry
-Environmental Microbiology
-Methods in Water Analysis
-Groundwater Remediation Technology
-Soil/Groundwater Risk Assessment
-NAPLs
-Field Investigation Methods
-Landfill Engineering and Environmental Management
-Natural Attenuation of Pollution
-Dissertation planning.
-Dissertation