Understanding and predicting the behaviour of soil and rock as earth materials is imperative for creating safe, sustainable and economical civil engineering solutions.
Geotechnical engineers apply scientific principles and engineering methods for developing civil engineering infrastructure on the surface and within the ground including prediction, mitigation and prevention of geological hazards.
The major in geotechnical engineering is unique in Australia and designed to meet the demands of mining companies, geotechnical consultations and construction managers, who look for graduates with a qualification in geotechnical engineering.
The courses offered as part of this major will extend fundamental knowledge of the geotechnics of soils and rock to explore more complex processes, such as those associated with tunnels, mining operations, dams, roads, underground structures and waste management facilities.
State-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities combined with world-leading lectures and strong industry engagement will provide graduates of this major with a strong foundation from which they can contribute immediately to geotechnical engineering projects in industry.
Specialisations
To study this major, you'll have to choose an engineering specialisation first. The geotechnical engineering major is available to study within the civil engineering specialisation.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Project engineer
- Geotechnical engineer
Early-career salary
Geotechnical Engineer
payscale.com
Late-career salary
Geotechnical Engineer
payscale.com
“The civil and geotechnical engineering dual major caught my eye because of the broad career choices available. I saw this as a mix between working as a civil and mining engineer.”
Thejaswee ValluruCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“I chose to study at UQ as it has an internationally renowned reputation as a high quality educational institution. My dual major in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering provides me with endless career opportunities and the flexibility to choose which industry I would like to work in once I graduate.”
Elizabeth PumpaCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“Civil engineering is an incredibly diverse discipline with varying connections to the built-environment and society at large. While I had initially thought civil engineering was limited to buildings, bridges, and roads, there is so much more!”
Jiwoo AhnGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“My role as a geotechnical engineer at the Dugald River Mine involves performing underground inspections, keeping quality assurance documents up to date, core logging, and digitising face mapping and performing. It's exciting. I get to do something different everyday with new challenges daily – no two days are ever the same.”
Freya Van Der WalGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“The civil and geotechnical engineering dual major caught my eye because of the broad career choices available. I saw this as a mix between working as a civil and mining engineer.”
Thejaswee ValluruCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“I chose to study at UQ as it has an internationally renowned reputation as a high quality educational institution. My dual major in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering provides me with endless career opportunities and the flexibility to choose which industry I would like to work in once I graduate.”
Elizabeth PumpaCurrent student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“Civil engineering is an incredibly diverse discipline with varying connections to the built-environment and society at large. While I had initially thought civil engineering was limited to buildings, bridges, and roads, there is so much more!”
Jiwoo AhnGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
“My role as a geotechnical engineer at the Dugald River Mine involves performing underground inspections, keeping quality assurance documents up to date, core logging, and digitising face mapping and performing. It's exciting. I get to do something different everyday with new challenges daily – no two days are ever the same.”
Freya Van Der WalGraduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Geotechnical)
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How you'll learn
In 2022, we'll be teaching on campus, with online options (for most programs and plans) for students who can't attend in person. See the list of programs and plans you can't commence online.
Course delivery modes may change in future semesters.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Rock Mechanics
- Advanced Soil Mechanics
- Geotechnical Investigations
- Advanced Rock Mechanics
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