Professional Master of Engineering Geology
PMEG
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Professional Master of Engineering Geology (PMEG) is the only programme of its kind in Australasia. Engineering Geology is a multidisciplinary area applying geological sciences to engineering work, identifying and mitigating geological hazards, and aspects of land-use planning.
The PMEG is strongly applied and concentrates on professional training for practitioners, delivered in a 12-month format.
Graduates of the Professional Master’s will:
- meet the requirements for the Engineering New Zealand accreditation of graduate Engineering Geologists
- undertake a practice-focused personal project
- be taught by local and international experts and work with industry contacts
- concentrate on principles of geo-materials, geomorphology, risk, and communication as applied to real-life case studies, so they can provide knowledge and advice to engineers in the context of engineering projects.
You will need to have either:
- a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology or Earth Sciences; or
- a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours majoring in Civil, Environmental, or Natural Resources Engineering; or
- recognition of prior learning/work experience as assessed by the Programme Director.
In addition you will need 15 points of MATH 100-level courses and 15 points from STAT 100-level courses. This requirement may be waived by the Head of Department if you can demonstrate an existing level of ability in mathematics and/or statistics.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Relevance of undergraduate studies to Engineering Geology and the standard of achievement are the main criteria for approval. You may be required to pass a qualifying programme prior to commencing the PMEG.
A relevant tertiary qualification plus work experience may be deemed appropriate to meet the prerequisite training. You may also be required to complete preparatory courses prior to entry in this case.
Students entering with a Bachelor of Science in Geology or Earth Sciences will normally be required to have passed GEOL351 Advanced Field Techniques and GEOL352 Advanced Field Mapping, and 60 other points in GEOL 300-level courses (with a Grade Point Average of normally a B) that meets the approval of the Head of Department.
This is a limited entry programme – see 'How to apply' below.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Professional Master of Engineering Geology or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Entry to this programme is limited to 30 students per year and by special application by 12 January. Contact Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment for an application form.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The PMEG is made up of 180 points of courses and a dissertation.
Each course will incorporate a taught component (including field work) and online material. The programme comprises of compulsory courses (or other approved courses) taught over two semesters, plus a four-month dissertation. The dissertation will include at least one of the following:
- an individual investigation carried out under the supervision of a staff member, or
- a cooperative industry–university project where the student works alongside and with working professionals, and carries out an individual investigation based on a research question of interest.
The time limit for studying full-time is normally 1 year. The time limit for studying part-time shall normally be 3 years, but in exceptional circumstances the time limit may be a maximum of 5 years with approval from the Programme Director.
There are seven required courses, along with the dissertation ENGE691 Engineering Geology Project Portfolio:
- ENGE411 Engineering Construction Practice
- ENGE412 Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
- ENGE413 Soil Mechanics and Soil Engineering
- ENGE414 Applied Hydrogeology
- ENGE416 Engineering Geology Synthesis and Project Preparation
- ENGE417 Foundations of Engineering Geology
- DRRE402 Natural Hazard Risk Assessment
Or the Programme Director may approve other 400-level courses than the above.
UC offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering Geology.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2023 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $13,107 |
| 2022 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $12,756 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2022 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $56,250 | $48,913 |
| 2023 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $57,000 | $49,565 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Professional Master of Engineering Geology.
For study planning help, contact Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment.
Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email science@canterbury.ac.nz