In this globally unique Master's programme, you will deepen your knowledge of tunnelling, particularly in the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and in the field of tunnel boring machines (TBM).
Thanks to the modular structure of the programme, it is not only possible to qualify in stages, but also to participate in individual modules that are thematically relevant to you.
Dates and Deadlines
Microcredentials (MC) and CAS programmes
Start: Spring 2025
Dates and registration deadline: Available from November 2024
Master's programme and Academic Expert
Start: Autumn 2025 (subject to approval by the Senate)
Application deadline: available soon
Early bird bonus: available soon
Cooperation
The university programme in NATM Engineering is a cooperation between the Institute of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling at TU Graz and the Institute for Subsurface Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben.
Quick Facts
- Completion and duration part-time:
- Modules/Microcredentials (MC): approx. 8 – 12 weeks
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): approx. 4 months
- Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS): approx. 2 semesters
- Academic Expert (AE): 4 semesters
- Master: 5 semesters (incl. Master's thesis)
- ECTS-Credits:
- Modules/Microcredentials (MC): 5 ECTS each
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): 10 ECTS each
- Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS): 30 ECTS each
- Academic Expert (AE): 60 ECTS
- Master: 120 ECTS
- Language of instruction: German and/or English
- Particiapation fee:
- Modules/Microcredentials (MC): 1500 euros each (VAT-free)
- Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): available soon
- Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS): available soon
- Academic Expert (AE): available soon
- Master: available soon
These fees do not include travel, accommodation and catering costs. See also funding and grants.
- Study locations: TU Graz and Montanuniversität Leoben
- Curriculum (study plan): available soon
Video on the university programme
The university programme
NATM Engineeringis well established and worldwide known. With 2019 the teaching programme will be complemented by additional topics. It is my goal to provide the participants with in-depth knowledge in tunnelling (especially in NATM but also with a critical examination of different sequential excavation methods worldwide) for shallow and deep tunnel depths in urban and intercity highspeed connections).The participants shall understand the application of cyclical and continuous excavation methods from an economic point of view as well as feasibility aspects, including also discussions on risks and opportunities. Tunnelling is currently undergoing extreme development, both in terms of machine technology and in terms of measurement technology and digitalisation. I would like to give the participants an insight into the latest developments in tunnel design and construction.
The specialised university programme "NATM-Engineer" was created by the two universities Graz University of Technology and Montanuniversität Leoben to satisfy the continuously increasing worldwide demand for qualified tunnel engineers and aim at increasing the skills of the participants in the fields of geotechnical engineering and tunnelling, with an emphasis on the "New Austrian Tunnelling Method" (NATM).
The NATM engineering programme provides practical insight into all aspects of deep tunnelling from geological investigations, rock mechanics to scheduling, construction and risk management. Being a geotechnical engineer who is largely involved in surface and underground mining, the NATM programme was very useful as the design aspects use systematic approaches for modelling ground conditions and conceptually understanding ground behaviour for tunnels that are designed to remain serviceable for over 100 years, rather than say 5 to 10 years as is usually the case for mining. These approaches greatly supplement methods commonly used in the mining industry.
Contents and programme structure
The Master's programme consists of individual modules that can be completed in their entirety (Master's), individually (microcredentials) or in defined combinations. This results in the further degree options ‘Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)’, ‘Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)’ and ‘Academic Expert (AE)’.
Module/Microcredentials (MC) und Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) (copy 1)
CAS 1: From Exploring to Modelling
- MC 1: Investigation / Exploration Concepts and Parameter Evaluation
- MC 2: Geological, Geotechnical and Numerical Models
CAS 2: NATM and TBM-technologies; Tunnel Design Methods
- MC 3: NATM- and TBM-Technologies
- MC 4: Tunnel Design Methods
CAS 3: From Ground Modelling to Tunnel Construction at ZaB
- MC 5: Ground Modelling
- MC 6: Excavation and Support Techniques incl. Practical Work
CAS 4: Digitalization in Tunnelling
- MC 7: Data Science and Machine Learning in Geotechnical Applications
- MC 8: BIM in Tunnelling
CAS 5: Special Construction Methods / Health & Safety
- MC 9: Special Construction Methods
- MC 10: Health and Safety in Construction and Operation incl. Risk Asssessment
CAS 6: Project development – execution – refurbishment
- MC 11: Cost Determination, Contracts and Site Management
- MC 12: Maintanance and Refurbishment of Underground Infrastructures incl. M&E
Master's programme - further modules
Compulsory elective modules
- Exploration
- Design and Construction of Underground
- Numerical Methods in Geotechnics
- Numerical Methods in Rock Mechanics
- Advanced Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling
- Sustainability in Subsurface Engineering
In the Master's programme, 3 of the 6 modules must be selected.
Professional Practice
Alongside the Master's programme, you will work on a professional project in your own field of activity.
Master's Thesis - Master’s Thesis Module
Writing a Master's thesis is compulsory in the Master's programme.
Competences, career opportunities and professional fields
After completing the Master's programme, you will be able to independently plan and implement tunnels according to the principles of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method or accompany their implementation in an advisory capacity. You can take over the construction management for construction companies or work in a responsible function for clients and authorities.
With the modules of the programme, you will expand your skills in construction planning, construction consulting and construction supervision.
Application
Target group
The programme is aimed at
- engineers with training in civil engineering or mining technology and
- geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists with technical background,
who wish to specialise in the field of tunnelling and in particular the New Austrian Tunnelling Method.
Admission requirements
Admission to the Master's programme requires an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree or the completion of another degree programme comprising at least 180 ECTS (e.g. diploma programme). In addition, 2 years of relevant professional experience must be demonstrated.
There are no admission requirements for participation in the Microcredentials (MC), CAS and DAS programmes; they are open to all interested parties.
Registration and Application
Registration for MC/CAS/DAS from spring 2025
Details and application form available soon.
Application for AE and Master start spring 2025
Application deadline: to be announced
Required application documents:
- Completed and signed application form (available soon)
- Proof of academic degree or school-leaving qualifications and relevant certificates
- Relevant work certificates
- Copy of a photo ID
Send your complete application documents by e-mail or post to:
Montanuniversität Leoben
Subsurface Engineering
z. H. Patrizia Gäbler
Franz-Josef Street 18
8700 Leoben, Austria
natm@unileoben.ac.at
After your documents have been checked, you may have to complete an interview or a test before you are accepted onto the Master's programme.
Contact
Contact
Organisation
Patrizia GÄBLER
Subsurface Engineering
Phone: +43 3842 402 3416
natm@unileoben.ac.at
Programme Direction
TU Graz
Thomas MARCHER
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.-Ing.
Phone: +43 316 873 8114
thomas.marcher@tugraz.at
Montanuniversität Leoben
Robert GALLER
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.mont.
Phone: +43 3842 402 3400
robert.galler@unileoben.ac.at
Places to Stay in Graz and Leoben
Special offers are available for the programme participants in a number of hotels and other accommodations: Accomodations in Graz and Leoben.
