Engineering the Underground of Tomorrow: Advanced Continuing Education in Tunnelling and Underground Engineering
What will I learn from this master's programme?
Who is this master's programme for?
Start: 1 October 2026 (online kick off meeting), further dates
Application deadline: 15 July 2026, application
Information sessions (online via Webex):
- 23 June 2026, 07:00 – 8:00 CET, link to join
- 23 June 2026, 15:00 – 16:00 CET, link to join
Duration: 4 semesters (incl. master's thesis)
Completion: Master of Science (Continuing Education), MSc (CE)
ETCS credit points: 120
Language of instruction: English
Participation fee: EUR 23,900 (VAT-free), these fees do not include travel, accommodation and catering costs
Locations: TU Graz, TU Leoben, online
Number of participations: 25
What will I learn from this master's programme?
The curriculum of the master's programme "NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering" combines academic knowledge with real-world engineering practice and covers the entire lifecycle of tunnel projects:
- site investigation
- design
- construction
- operation
The master’s programme consists of following components:
- A: Core Engineering Focus (30 ECTS)
- B: Advanced Engineering Focus (30 ECTS)
- C: Elective modules (15 ECTS)
- D: Accompanying practical project (15 ECTS)
- E: Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)
These 6 modules build the technical foundation of NATM Engineering.
You develop a deep understanding of ground behaviour, modelling approaches and construction methods essential for safe and efficient tunnelling.
- Investigation / Exploration Concepts and Parameter Evaluation
- Geological, Geotechnical and Numerical Models
- NATM- and TBM-Technologies
- Tunnel Design Methods
- Ground Modelling
- Excavation and Support Techniques (incl. Practical Work)
These 6 modules extends classical tunnelling expertise with forward-looking 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
Select 3 modules that are 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
During the master’s programme, you must complete 10 weeks of full-time professional work experience (relevant work experience in industry or research, undertaken at external non-university institutions) and document this in a work placement report.
In your master’s thesis, you will explore a current topic related to a specific module. You will present and defend your thesis as part of your master’s final examination.
What are the benefits for me?
- Strong focus on geotechnics, NATM and TBM
- Integration of design, construction and operation
- Emphasis on digitalisation and data-driven methods
- International orientation and industry relevance
- Close link between theory, practice and applied
- projects
- A master’s degree from two universities which are recognised
- and valued by employers worldwide
The ‘NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering’ master's programme will qualify you for:
- Tunnel and underground structure design
- Construction and site management
- Geotechnical and consulting engineering
- Digital engineering and BIM coordination
- Infrastructure operation, maintenance and asset management
"The university programme 'NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering' is a well-established and internationally recognised continuing education programme. Following the integration of additional topics in 2019, the curriculum will be substantially expanded in 2026. The programme provides participants with comprehensive expertise in tunnelling, addressing both NATM and TBM methods and critically discussing excavation philosophies applied worldwide for tunnels at shallow and great depths.
Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of cyclical and continuous excavation methods, considering both economic aspects and technical feasibility, including the evaluation of risks and opportunities. As tunnelling is experiencing rapid innovation - especially in machine technology, monitoring systems, and digitalisation - the programme offers valuable insights into the latest developments in tunnel design and construction."
"The specialised master's programme 'NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering' was created by the two universities Graz University of Technology and Technical University of 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)."
Who is this master's programme for?
The master’s programme "NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering" is designed for
- civil engineers
- mining engineers
- geotechnical engineers
- engineering geologists
who have a strong technical background and wish to specialise in tunnelling.
Who can participate?
Applicants must provide evidence of the following qualifications:
- A degree in a technical, scientific or economic subject comprising at least 180 ECTS credits from a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution
- At least two years’ relevant, qualified professional experience
- Sufficient knowledge of English (language of instruction)
How can I participate?
Required application documents:
- Completed and signed application form
- 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 email or post to:
TU Graz Life Long Learning
Stremayrgasse 16
8010 Graz, Austria
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.
Organisation:
Programme Direction:
TU Graz
Thomas MARCHER
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.-lng.
phone: +43 316 8738114
thomas.marcher@tugraz.at
TU Leoben
Robert GALLER
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.mont.
phone: +43 3842 402 3400
robert.galler@unileoben.ac.at
What does the master's programme involve?
The ‘NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering’ master’s programme is specifically designed for working professionals and international participants.
The programme is based on a blended learning approach:
- 2 weeks of face-to-face teaching per semester at TU Graz or TU Leoben
- Online: With our virtual “TeachCenter”, you can connect with lecturers and other participants outside of the face-to-face sessions
- Self-study phases
Dates for on-site sessions:
1st Semester:
- 08 – 13 February 2027
- 15 – 20 February 2027
2nd Semester:
- 06 – 11 September 2027
- 13 – 18 September 2027
3rd Semester:
- On-site attendance depending on the elective modules
4th Semester:
- No on-site attendance required
Robert GALLER
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.mont.
Chair of Subsurface Engineering, MU Leoben
Thomas MARCHER
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr.-Ing.
Here you will find a list* of accommodations and hotels in Graz: Accommodations Graz
Here you will find a list* of accommodation and hotels in Leoben: Accommodations Leoben
*no claim to completeness, update 2025
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
NATM stands for New Austrian Tunnelling Method, a flexible tunnelling concept that uses the surrounding ground as part of the support system.
TBM stands for Tunnel Boring Machine. TBM tunnelling uses tunnel boring machines to excavate tunnels efficiently in different geological conditions.
Yes. The programme is designed specifically for professionals working in tunnelling and underground construction who want to deepen their expertise while continuing their careers.
Each semester includes a three-week block of face-to-face teaching at TU Graz Graz or TU Leoben. In addition, there is a virtual learning environment where lecturers and participants can interact with one another.
The programme is designed for professionals working in tunnel construction, geotechnical engineering, underground infrastructure and related engineering fields.
This expertise is required for projects involving underground rail systems, railway tunnels, motorway tunnels, hydroelectric tunnels and underground utility networks.
Graduates receive a Master’s level qualification in NATM and TBM Tunnel Engineering: Master of Science (Continuing Education), MSc (CE)
Yes. The programme provides advanced technical knowledge that can support career development in tunnel design, construction and project management.
