# Geotechnical Engineering
**Source**: https://www.dtu.dk/english/education/graduate/msc-programmes/civil-engineering/specialization/geotechnical-engineering
**Parent**: https://www.dtu.dk/english/education/graduate/msc-programmes/civil-engineering
## Specialization (4): Geotechnics
All civil engineering constructions are in continuous contact with the ground, and, as such, interact with it. While the ground supports the structure, it may also be the source of loading and risk, as in earthquakes, earth pressures, and subsidence-induced stressing. Geotechnical Engineering is a central branch of civil engineering that deals with the design and construction of foundation systems, retaining walls, embankments, excavations, and tunnels, under various cyclic and static loading conditions, and through consideration of soil-structure interaction. It deals with the stressing and deformation of ground and associated structures such as piles, walls, pipelines, and tunnels.
The **programme-specific courses** for this specialization are:
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [12421](https://kurser.dtu.dk/course/2025-2026/12421?menulanguage=en) | Advanced Soil Mechanics | 5 | point | Autumn E2B (Thurs 8-12) |
| [12422](https://kurser.dtu.dk/course/2025-2026/12422?menulanguage=en) | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering | 5 | point | Spring F4A (Tues 13-17) |
| [12431](https://kurser.dtu.dk/course/2025-2026/12431?menulanguage=en) | Principles of Rock Mechanics | 5 | point | Autumn E3A (Tues 8-12) |
| [12451](https://kurser.dtu.dk/course/2025-2026/12451?menulanguage=en) | Pavement Mechanics | 5 | point | Autumn E1B (Thurs 13-17) |
\
Other relevant courses, though **not needed** for receiving the specialization, include: Numerical Modelling in Soil Mechanics; Principles of Rock Mechanics; Mineral Resources; Concrete Technology; GPS, GIS and Surveying; Dynamics of Structures – Theory and Analysis; Seismic and Wind Engineering; Probabilistic Modelling in Civil Engineering.
*Specializations are merely recommended ways of choosing the courses in the curriculum. Applicants are not admitted to a specialization but to the programme and it is possible to choose among all the courses in the curriculum following the directions given. However, if a specialization has been fulfilled the title of the specialization may be added to the diploma.*
### Study track responsible