Classroom + laboratory · Birmingham campus & teaching laboratory

Foundation Course in Soil Mechanics

A six-week classroom and laboratory programme covering classification, strength, and settlement behaviour for practising engineers and graduates new to ground engineering.

Soil samples and shear box apparatus arranged on a laboratory bench

Who it is for

Civil and structural engineers, graduate ground engineers, and technicians moving into geotechnical design roles

What you leave able to do

Confidence to classify soils, interpret basic laboratory results, and apply effective stress principles to shallow foundation checks

Included

  • Twelve taught sessions with worked design examples
  • Four supervised laboratory practicals (Atterberg limits, particle size, oedometer, shear box)
  • Printed course notes and calculation sheets
  • Certificate of attendance suitable for CPD records

Not included

  • Advanced finite-element modelling software licences
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Site-specific design liability for live projects

How a place works

  1. Submit an enquiry with your current role and prior soil mechanics exposure
  2. Receive a place offer and reading list two weeks before the start date
  3. Attend alternating theory mornings and laboratory afternoons
  4. Complete a short set of design exercises assessed for feedback, not a formal exam

Preparation

Bring a scientific calculator and basic familiarity with Mohr’s circle. Prior undergraduate soil mechanics is helpful but not required.

Constraints

Maximum 16 places per cohort to keep laboratory supervision close. Steel-toe footwear required for lab sessions.

Ready to join a cohort?

Send your role and preferred dates. We confirm availability and invoice details within two working days.

Enquire about this course