Engineering the underground of tomorrow
This globally unique master’s programme for working professionals offers you the opportunity to develop advanced expertise in tunnelling, with a strong focus on the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
The curriculum of the Master’s programme in “NATM and TBM Engineering” combines academic knowledge with practical engineering experience and covers the entire lifecycle of tunnel construction projects.
The Master’s programme comprises the following components:
A: Core modules in Engineering (30 ECTS)
B: Advanced modules in Engineering (30 ECTS)
C: Elective modules (15 ECTS)
D: Accompanying practical project (15 ECTS)
E: Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
A: Core Modules in Engineering – Geotechnics, Design and Construction
These six modules form the technical foundation of NATM engineering. You will gain an in-depth understanding of ground behaviour, as well as the modelling approaches and construction methods essential for safe and efficient tunnel construction.
- Investigation / Exploration Concepts and Parameter Evaluation
- Geological, Geotechnical and Numerical Models
- NATM and TBM Technologies
- Tunnel Design Methods
- Ground Modelling
- Excavation and Support Techniques (including practical work)
B: Advanced Engineering Modules – Digitalisation, Risk and Life Cycle
These 6 modules expand traditional tunnelling expertise to include future-oriented methods and interdisciplinary skills required for complex underground projects worldwide.
- Data Science and Machine Learning in Geotechnical Applications
- BIM in Tunnelling
- Special Construction Methods Related to Underground Infrastructure
- Health and Safety in Construction and Operation incl. Risk Assessment
- Cost Determination, Contracts and Site Management
- Maintenance and Refurbishment of Underground Infrastructure incl. M&E
C: Elective modules (select 3)
Select 3 modules relevant to you and round off your expertise.
- Exploration
- Design and Construction of Underground Structures
- Numerical Methods in Geotechnics
- Sustainability in Subsurface Engineering
- Tunnel Design Aspects including Numerical Methods
- Advanced Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling 1
- Advanced Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling 2
- Rock Mechanics Laboratory Testing
D: Accompanying practical project
During the Master’s programme, students must complete 10 weeks of full-time relevant professional work experience (in a field-related role within industry or non-university research) and document this in a work placement report.
E: Master’s Thesis
In your Master’s thesis, you will address a current topic linked to a module. You will present and defend this thesis as part of your final Master’s examination.
Our expertise – your benefits
- Strong focus on geotechnical engineering, NATM and TBM
- Integration of design, construction and operation
- Emphasis on digitalisation and data-driven methods
- International outlook and industry relevance
- Close link between theory, practice and application-oriented projects
- A Master’s degree from two universities that are recognised and valued by employers worldwide
Career prospects and opportunities
The ‘NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering’ Master’s programme will qualify you for:
- Design of tunnels and underground structures
- Construction supervision and site management
- Geotechnical engineering and engineering consultancy
- Digital engineering and BIM coordination
- Operation, maintenance and asset management of infrastructure
Cooperation
The Master’s programme in ‘NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering’ is a joint initiative between TU Graz and the Technical University of Leoben.
