"Geotechnical Engineering" Program
Become a Specialist in Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineering is a distinct field in the research, design, and execution of the underground components of building structures and facilities. This academic specialization exists in almost all technical universities worldwide.
The need for advanced Master's training in geotechnical engineering is driven by the complex engineering-geological conditions in Bulgaria—foundation work in specific soils (loess, silt, etc.), landslide areas, rockfalls, and seismic regions.
Urban construction requires structural measures (reinforcement and stabilization) to protect existing buildings and infrastructure. In recent years, facilities related to environmental protection (landfills, solid waste deposits, and the conservation of existing mining and metallurgical deposits) have also become critical. Increasingly, construction failures are primarily due to insufficient knowledge of geotechnical issues.
Geotechnical engineers are in high demand on the labor market, as every construction project requires geotechnical investigation and design.
Professional Skills
Students will master modern methods for studying the properties, stress, and deformation state of soil and rock masses, specialized foundation structures, landslide reinforcement, environmental geotechnics, seismic-resistant geotechnical facilities, numerical methods in design, embankment structures, engineering rock mechanics, and applied engineering geology.
PROFESSIONAL REALIZATION
The acquired qualification provides opportunities for graduates to work as researchers, designers, consultants, and experts in specialized construction firms and government regulatory bodies.
Educational-and-qualification degree
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) (Full-time: paid) - two semesters
Is this PROGRAM right for me?
If you are looking for a dynamic and challenging career in the construction industry, geotechnical engineering offers numerous opportunities. As a geotechnician, you will participate in projects of all scales, from small buildings to massive infrastructure developments.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must have graduated from programs in Field 5.7 "Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy" with a Higher Education Diploma GPA not lower than "Good", as follows:
- Students who have completed the five-year integrated Master’s course in engineering at UACEG (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, or Faculty of Transport Engineering).
- Students who have completed a Master’s degree at "L. Karavelov" University, Varna Free University, or "T. Kableškov" University in "Structural Engineering" or "Transport Construction."
- Students who have graduated from the University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski" with a major in "Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology" (Specialization: Engineering Geology) or those holding a Master’s degree in "Engineering Geology."
Program Structure
Duration: two semesters (the final semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis).
Intake: Winter/Summer semester
If you have specific questions regarding admission requirements, please contact us.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Geol. Assia Bozhinova-Haapanen – Head of the Department of Geotechnics
Tel: +359 2 9635245 ext. 234
E-mail: assia_fte@uacg.bg