Master of Mining Engineering
The Master of Mining Engineering is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time Master of Engineering by coursework. In the full-time version, students will take four subjects in the first semester and four in the second semester.
This course aims to meet the educational needs of students interested in obtaining knowledge of the mining industry, and gaining qualifications acceptable for employment as mining engineers in the mining industry, which has a great unfulfilled demand for more professional engineers. These subjects are planned with sufficient background material so that a graduate with a good quality 4-year degree in geology, or civil, mechanical or mining engineering, or equivalent, will be able to learn successfully.
There will be only one intake per year and this will be in the first semester. Part-time students will have to complete successfully 4 subjects in the first year, taking two subjects per semester, before progressing to the remaining four subjects in the second year.
The course will be offered in a flexible delivery mode to meet the need Australian students who are employed full time. The Graduate Certificate in Mining may be offered to students who enter the Master of Mining Engineering who successfully complete 4 subjects and wish to exit with a Graduate Certificate.
Objectives
On completion of this course, students should have developed the skills and knowledge to understand how mineral deposits are formed, found, evaluated, extracted, and processed. Students should also be able to design mining excavations and sequences, for both surface and underground mining operations and understand how to dewater and ventilate mines, and preserve the health of workers against the hazards caused by dust, smoke, and radiation.
Students should also understand the principles of risk management and hazard reduction, and the framework of state mining legislation.
Scholarships
A number of partial fee remissions will also be awarded to suitably qualified candidates.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
- A 4-year degree in earth science (Hons.) with a major in geology and substantial mathematics and physics knowledge; or
- A 4-year degree in civil, mechanical or mining engineering, with at least H2B (70%) average, or equivalent; or
- A relevant postgraduate diploma with at least H2B (70%) average.
- The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests, and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
English language requirements
All students at the University of Melbourne must satisfy the University’s English language entry requirements. For details, see www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/english
Subjects
- Mineral Economics
- Mineral Processing & Waste Management
- Soil, Rock and Tailings Mechanics
- Surface Mine Planning and Mining Methods
- Underground Mining and Planning Methods
- Mining Geotechnics and Mine Design
- Mine Dewatering, Ventilation and Power
- Risk and Safety Management
Professional Recognition
Accreditation with the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) at the status of Chartered Mining Professional is proposed.
Career Outcomes
Mining engineers command high salaries and can secure excellent work conditions and opportunities for advancement and travel. Many mining engineers establish careers across several Australian states or internationally, in positions at residential mine sites or ‘fly-in-fly-out’ roles.
Mining engineers who progress through industry to a management role require technical knowledge plus management and financial acumen. With its focus on economics, design and safety, the Master of Mining Engineering allows students to develop skills to complement their technical knowledge in engineering.
Job titles for engineers working in the mining industry include:
- Mine planners
- Mine designers
- Investment analysts and advisers
- Researchers
- Mine managers
- Operations managers
- Technical specialists
- Consultants
Technical specialists may work in areas such as rock mechanics, drilling and blasting, mine machinery or ventilation. Consultants may advise on a range of areas including road, rail, hydroelectric, water supply or sewage works.
Duration
One year, (100-points). Part time study available to local students
Further information:
- For course structures and subjects, download the full University Handbook listing as a pdf; or view the listing on the Handbook website
- Links to application forms and fees information is available on our admissions page
Enquire Now
- Phone the Engineering Student Centre with your Enquiry (03) 8344 6703, (03) 8344 6507; or
- Our course advisors will respond to your online enquiry.