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Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Discover excellence in civil engineering with our Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management MSc programme. Immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of lectures, collaborative projects, and personalised research. The programme merges structural and earthquake engineering expertise with advanced resilience and risk modelling for natural hazards. This programme shapes engineers proficient in civil and structural sectors, alongside roles in risk modelling, catastrophe management, and disaster response.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (such as engineering or architecture), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Extensive work experience covering related areas will be considered in addition to academic qualifications.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Management programme at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Immerse in a dynamic blend of lectures, projects, and research, uniting structural and earthquake engineering prowess with advanced resilience and risk modelling for natural hazards. Graduates become skilled in civil and structural domains, as well as risk modelling, catastrophe management, and disaster response, ensuring a holistic impact on the field.

The programme empowers graduates with the ability to analyse, design, and assess structures according to seismic codes and unconventional methods. Evaluating vulnerability and resilience against earthquake and extreme conditions, students master pre-disaster risk mitigation and post-disaster management solutions. Delivered through collaborative teamwork experiences, this curriculum readies aspiring engineers for successful careers in civil engineering. The flexible structure accommodates diverse interests through optional modules, tailored to passions.

Enhancing the programme's distinction is the partnership with EPICentre, the UK's foremost natural hazard research centre. Enrolling in this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and research alongside global experts. EPICentre's robust industry links introduce students to engineers, catastrophe modellers, and disaster managers, enriching lectures and projects. Bridging theory and practice, this program equips graduates with insights to navigate present-day challenges with real-world proficiency.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideally suited for individuals with a background in engineering or architecture who possess a keen interest in areas such as structural design and assessment, catastrophe modeling, risk evaluation, and disaster management. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, if you aspire to delve into the intricate world of earthquake engineering and disaster management, this program provides an exceptional platform to expand your knowledge and contribute meaningfully to this critical field.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Discover unparalleled educational opportunities at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering. Located in the vibrant hub of London, our esteemed multidisciplinary department boasts a rich history of excellence in teaching and research. 

This programme, a testament to our diverse expertise and industry ties, hones skills through collaborative teamwork experiences. Aspiring engineers benefit from a curriculum designed to propel them towards successful professional careers in civil engineering. Our flexible structure includes an array of optional modules, enabling students to tailor their learning journey to their passions and interests (subject to timetabling requirements). 

The Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management MSc programme offers a distinctive advantage through its affiliation with EPICentre, the UK's premier natural hazard research center. Enrolling in this program allows students the unique privilege of collaborating and conducting research alongside globally renowned experts in the field. The programme's integration with EPICentre provides unparalleled exposure to groundbreaking research and state-of-the-art advancements, fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation.

Furthermore, students stand to gain from EPICentre's robust connections with the engineering and insurance industry. Distinguished professionals, including engineers, catastrophe modellers, and disaster managers, actively engage in delivering lectures, seminars, and hands-on support for students' research projects as industrial supervisors. This industry involvement offers a bridge between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, equipping students with practical insights and preparing them to address contemporary challenges in the field.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. Not only does it forge a path towards professional trajectories in civil, structural, geotechnical, and earthquake engineering, but it also illuminates uncharted avenues in sectors such as insurance and disaster relief. The proficiency gained in risk evaluation, catastrophe modelling, and disaster management amplifies the program's potential to shape impactful careers and contribute to vital global challenges. Equipped with a distinctive skill set, graduates become versatile global engineers, poised to tackle multifaceted challenges across sectors that demand insights into structural and geotechnical engineering, risk assessment, and disaster management. 

This MSc programme substantially enhances employability within the consultancy and construction industry, paving the way for roles as structural designers, civil or geotechnical engineers, while providing a well-established pathway to attain Chartered Engineer status through requisite professional experience. Additionally, graduates find themselves in high demand within insurance, finance, government departments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), marking their readiness to address critical issues on both national and international scales.

Employability

UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering graduates excel in diverse roles, contributing to consultancies, construction firms, governmental and non-governmental bodies. Their comprehensive education equips them with problem-solving prowess, technical expertise, and a contextual outlook, ensuring impactful contributions in various sectors of the engineering industry.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: Unveil earthquake engineering intricacies through expert-led lectures, covering formation, ground motion, and seismic hazard assessment. Gain contextual insight and decision-making skills to navigate complex seismic dynamics.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Forge practical skills by assessing structural responses to seismic actions. Collaborate on projects, backed by multimedia resources for self-study. Hands-on labs and case studies refine problem-solving, empowering real-world application.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: Evaluate seismic design methods critically and explore interventions post-earthquake. Gain industry insights for a well-rounded perspective. Cultivate research prowess to impact real-world earthquake scenarios.

Practical and innovative aptitude: Develop a holistic view of earthquake impacts on structures, society, and economies. Hone problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and self-learning skills. Varied assessments and multimedia resources foster practical and innovative thinking, essential in earthquake engineering and disaster management.

These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

The programme employs a diverse range of assessment methods to ensure comprehensive skill development. Expert-led lectures and seminars, facilitated by industry and academic professionals along with governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), form the backbone of the taught modules. The curriculum is enriched with multimedia resources and online training to support students' self-study. Each module encompasses a variety of assessment components, including technical and design reports, lab reports, numerical computer programs, presentations, and examinations. These multifaceted assessments are strategically designed to foster a holistic understanding of the subject matter and to equip students with a well-rounded skill set, vital for their professional growth.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.

The Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) consisting of seven core modules (105 credits) and one optional module (15 credits).

Modules

The programme structure for full-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits. Among these, four compulsory modules (60 credits) tailored to the chosen pathway form the core. Additionally, students will select four optional modules (60 credits) to complement their specialization, culminating in an individual research project (60 credits).

The programme structure for part-time students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of two years. In the initial year, four obligatory modules (60 credits) pertinent to the selected pathway will be undertaken. The second year focuses on four optional modules (60 credits) aligned with personal interests, followed by the completion of an individual research project (60 credits). This flexible structure allows both full-time and part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

The programme structure for modular/flexible students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of their studies. In the initial year, four obligatory modules (60 credits) pertinent to the selected pathway will be undertaken. The subsequent years focuses on four optional modules (60 credits) aligned with personal interests, followed by the completion of an individual research project (60 credits). This flexible structure allows both full-time and part-time students to tailor their learning journey, ensuring a comprehensive education that suits their pace and aspirations.

Compulsory modules









Optional modules



Earthquake Seismology and Earthquake Hazard





Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management.

Fieldwork

An annual week-long field trip is a pivotal component of the programme, focusing on regions recently impacted by significant earthquakes. This immersive experience enables students to witness firsthand the aftermath of seismic events and gain insights into cutting-edge structural reinforcement strategies. While students are responsible for covering their travel expenses for the field trip, typically averaging around £100, the invaluable knowledge and exposure gained through this experiential learning opportunity significantly enriches their understanding of earthquake engineering and disaster management practices.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses. 

While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

This programme qualifies for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, suitable for nationals residing in Commonwealth developing countries who wish to study a one-year taught UK Master's programme. The scholarship covers tuition fees and air fares to and from the UK.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:

  • Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in Civil Engineering.
  • What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
  • The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
  • How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
  • Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.

While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering
Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering

cege-pg-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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