From 2011-2021, the University of Warwick ran the excellent MSc course in tunnelling, ably led by Benoit Jones, followed by Alan Bloodworth. Content included lectures from experienced people in industry and attendees appreciated the unique balance between practical and theoretical that the course provided.
Many students have since gone on to become leading figures in our tunnelling industry. They show passion, dedication, drive and are exactly the calibre of people we need to provide growth and innovation. Their employers’ benefit by way of having these highly skilled and motivated engineers within their organisations.
So why did the course stop? Covid, primarily, and those involved wanted to move on to other experiences. At that time, the new trend of degree apprenticeships at master’s level led to pursuing that option. But, just as development was in the final stage, near government approval, funding for this route was pulled.
The last few years has offered time to assess the MSc at Warwick and there is a real desire to restart, driven not least by past attendees. The BTS is leading the drive, with a target restart of September 2028, and at Warwick, although that is not yet confirmed; links are already in place, and obtaining course approval will be quicker than going to a new university.
The funding model for the restarted MSc is being finalised. The expectation is that a “pick’n’mix” package of options will be available. This includes a combination of full-time UK and international students, 2yr parttime students, and a bundle of one week contacttime modules. A target of 20 students is considered necessary to make funding viable.
There is confidence the course will attract international students. UK education is highly prized. What is needed is sustained support from UK employers – contractors, clients, consultants.
Support includes a commitment to sponsor employees, granting time for studies, and getting much in return as they contribute to improving the skill set in the industry.
Soon, the group planning to restart the course will contact major UK employers to seek support. Former students continue acclaim the ongoing value of their MSc studies and networks.
Dan Garbutt, CEng. MICE, and UK Member Nation Representative to ITA-AITES, obtained the MSc part-time while working in industry. “What set Warwick apart was its industry-led teaching, supported by strong BTS engagement.” He adds: “I could immediately apply realworld insight, not just theory.”
Sandeep Nirmal, CEng, MICE, and Principal Tunnel Engineer, Jacobs UK, says MSc was pivotal to his career. “Building on my experience in India, it helped me to establish my career in the UK, prepared me to work on major tunnelling projects, paved the path to obtain ICE Chartership.” He started a young members group in India and was Young Tunneller of the Year 2019.
Asil Zaidi, MSc, PMP, GMICE, and who was ICE President’s Future Leader 2021-2022, and currently BTSYM Chair, attended the MSc full time, in 2019-20. Amongst all the specialised MSc courses in tunnelling recognised by ITA, only this course accepted undergrads – “which set it apart for someone like me who had been working as a Tunnel Engineer (in India) for 4.5 years before joining the course.”
Vasile Gornea, CEng, MICE says the course had “perfect balance” between academic and industryled teaching, and “provided a great insight into the tunnelling industry.” With many new connections made, most colleagues had employment secured by the end of the course – which “says it all.”
Mehdi Hosseini, CEng, FICE, and Director of Tunnel Engineering Ltd, joined the MSc in 2014, having more than 14 years of industry experience. “I stepped away from work to complete the course full-time, and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my career.”
Robert Harding, CEng, MICE says the MSc had “a great mix of design, construction, safety and geotechnical modules, and the industry-led nature of the course set it apart.” He has met alumni and lecturers from the course on each tunnelling job since.
Gerard Quigg, Engineering Manager – Tunnel, with CPB Contractors (in Melbourne, Australia), attended part time over 2013-2015 while working with Donaldson Associates/ Cowi. “The learning directly informed my contribution to tunnelling projects.” He strongly recommends the course to engineers looking to “accelerate their development and broaden their capability across both design and construction.”
Peter Coppenhall, CEng, MICE. Associate Director at OTB Engineering, attended the course early, over 2011-2012, and says it gave him “a definitive edge” and “helped create valuable connections within the industry that truly kickstarted my career.”
Divik Bandopadhyaya, BTS Committee Member, BTSYM Chair 2020-2021; former Member of ITAym Steering Board, says the MSc “not only underpinned my knowledge of tunnelling and my further career within the industry, but it also led to lasting friends with fellow students, alumni, and lecturers alike.”
