The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to announce the introduction of a number of MSc. Bursaries aimed at the promotion of Civil Engineering and in particular the specialisation in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology at Universities.

There are five bursaries available of £4000 each, which are open to Civil Engineering graduates embarking on a MSc. in Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics or Engineering Geology at the following universities: Newcastle, Dundee, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Surrey and Imperial College.

In addition to the much welcome financial support the FPS MSc. bursaries offer, they also have a number of unique features. Specifically, the FPS will work with the successful candidates to identify MSc. dissertation topics which are of interest to the piling industry, but more importantly, the successful candidates will undertake a 1-2 month placement with one of the Members of the FPS, and have the opportunity to work on their projects and gain some hands-on experience from a geotechnical specialist. They will also be invited to attend the FPS Awards dinner in October, where they can meet and network with industry people in a real-world environment.

Speaking about the bursaries, Alasdair Henderson, Chairman FPS said: “It is a fundamental obligation of the FPS that we work tirelessly to encourage more people into the geotechnical sector, doing as much as we can to prevent the skills shortage escalating further and even reversing the trend. Although only a small step, the FPS believes that the introduction of such bursaries will help promote the sector – creating a buzz and interest in civil engineering subjects and the wider geotechnical arena.”

To qualify for a bursary the applicants must be studying for a MSc. in Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics or Engineering Geology at the following universities; Newcastle, Dundee, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Surrey or Imperial College. The award is open only to Home and European students and the successful candidates will preferably hold a first degree in Civil Engineering (2:1 or above).

In order to apply, students interested should provide a written answer, of 300 words or fewer, to the question; “Why did you decide to study geotechnics?” The response should be sent, together with curriculum vitae to fps@fps.org.uk, addressed to the FPS Secretary, with “FPS MSc Bursary” as the title. Closing date for applications is 1st September 2016.