Postgraduate Coursework Programs

The School of Mining Engineering offers a range of Postgraduate Coursework programs for people working in the mining industry, or planning to commence roles related to the mining industry.

The courses are generally structured as one-week short courses, followed by several weeks of assessments and web forums. We also offer courses that are run as web-based, distant learning courses, over 7 weeks, with some flexibility to suit students who are working a regular FIFO roster and/or those living outside the Sydney region. It is also possible to complete selected postgraduate coursework programs fully in distance mode, for students located at sites around the world. Further information on how the courses run, and distance course options are available on the FAQ page.

The programs are:

Two specialisations (plans) are offered in this program: Mine Geomechanics and Mine Management

Three specialisations (plans) are offered in this program: Mining Engineering, Coal Mine Strata Control (which is only offered to local students) and Ground Control.

For more information or to apply to enroll in an individual course or in a postgraduate program, contact Postgraduate Co-ordinator.
 

Specialised Courses and In-house Training

The School of Mining Engineering can deliver courses anywhere in Australia or internationally. Some recent courses include:

  • Sustainable Mining Practices (Darwin, Port Moresby)
  • Strata Control in Underground Mining (New Zealand)
  • Fundamentals of Mining for Financing Purposes (Sydney).

Outline of Programs

Master of Mining Engineering (ME)

Program: 8058
The Master of Mining Engineering will be awarded after successful completion of 48 Units of Credit (UOC) points of coursework, either full time or part time. Each course is 6 UOC. A majority of the courses will be offered as modules over a short period to permit mineral industry personnel to attend on a part-time basis. Please note that some electives may only be offered every two years.

Two specialist streams are offered in this program: Mine Geomechanics and Mine Management. As the names suggest, the streams are tailored to persons who wish to major in either technical or management courses.

Entry requires a 4 year (Honours) degree in Mining Engineering or a cognate discipline from a recognised institution. The UNSW School of Mining Engineering defines a cognate discipline as Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering. A credit average is required over the final two (2) years of the degree. Professional experience in the mining industry will be highly regarded.

Master of Mining Engineering (Mine Geomechanics) Program: 8058Plan: MINE**IS**8058

Core Courses
completion of the following four (4) courses:

Elective Courses
plus completion of an additional four (4) courses from the following list of electives:

Master of Mining Engineering (Mine Management) Program: 8058Plan: MINE**OS**8058

Core Courses
completion of the following two (2) courses:

Elective Courses
plus completion of an additional six (6) courses from the following list of electives:

Notes:
1. These courses will be delivered in distance mode only.
2. Subject to course development

  • MINE8830 Mine Infrastructure and Maintenance
  • MINE8840 Quarry Design, Management and Practice

Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering Program: 5040Plan: MINE**FS**5040
The Graduate Diploma program in Mining Engineering serves two purposes. It can provide a professional introduction to the mining industry for graduates in Science and Technology or Engineering and as a qualifying course for entry to the Master of Mining Engineering or Masters by Research programs.

The Graduate Diploma will be awarded after successful completion of 36 UOC of coursework, either full time or part time. Each course is 6 UOC. A majority of the courses will be offered as modules over a short period to permit mineral industry personnel to attend on a part-time basis. Please note that some electives may be offered only every two years.

Entry requires a 3 year degree in Mining Engineering or related cognate discipline, or with permission from the Head of School or Director of Postgraduate Studies (Coursework). The UNSW School of Mining Engineering defines a related cognate discipline as related Engineering degrees (Petroleum, Chemical, Electrical, Environmental, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy) or physical Science degrees (Geology, Physics, Chemistry). Mining industry experience would be highly regarded but is not essential if aptitude to retrain for the mining industry is satisfactorily demonstrated.

Core Courses
completion of the following two (2) courses:

Elective Courses
plus completion of an additional four (4) courses from the following list of electives:

Note:
1. These courses will be delivered in distance mode only.
2. Subject to course development  

  • MINE8830 Mine Infrastructure and Maintenance
  • MINE8840 Quarry design, Management and Practice

Graduate Diploma in Coal Mine Strata Control Program: 5040Plan: MINE**SC**5040
The Graduate Diploma in Coal Mine Strata Control is offered as a specialist postgraduate coursework qualification for people who currently, or plan in the future to, work within the underground coal mining industry with particular responsibilities in the field of strata control. The program has been designed to cater for people with different backgrounds, including either engineering or scientific tertiary qualifications and/or relevant experience. The program may be undertaken as either a part-time or full-time student.

The overall program content provides an initial grounding in fundamental principles of rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, followed by a comprehensive coverage of practical strata control applications, from the point of view of both the technologies involved, together with their implementation and management. The learning outcomes of this program will therefore provide a student with both the fundamental and practical knowledge base to be able to fulfill the role of a mine Strata Control Engineer.

The program is particularly designed for people working at mine sites, or those who have access to a mine site for practical assignments. The course is offered in a flexible delivery format, with a large component available in a distance format, plus a limited number of face to face workshops/sessions. Assessments will include a number of practical, site-based assignments, including group and interactive work and presentations.

The program consists of six core courses, each 6 UOC, to satisfy the program requirement of 36 UOC. All courses will be presented in a block or distance mode. It is envisaged that a student would normally complete the program in three sessions (18 months).

The six (6) courses in the program are as follows:

MNNG5010, MNNG5020 and MNNG5030 are pre-requisites for MNNG5040 and MNNG5050. All other five courses are prerequisites for MNNG5060. (Prerequisite requirements may be waived, at the discretion of the Head of School).

Interested students should contact the Director - Postgraduate Studies and International Development for further details, prior to formal enrollment.

Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering Program: 7335Plan: MINE**FS**7335

Entry to a Graduate Certificate will be considered on an individual basis, and is generally based on an Entry Interview and extent of experience within the mining industry, or with permission from the Head of School or Director of Postgraduate Studies (Coursework).  Qualifications from recognized training providers will be highly regarded. Qualifications that demonstrate an aptitude for advanced learning may include for example, Vocational Education and Training or degrees in other disciplines. The UNSW School of Mining Engineering defines other disciplines as Surveying, Accounting, Business, Economics, Information Technology/Systems, Biology and Pharmacy for example. 

Students may be eligible to upgrade to a Graduate Diploma depending upon satisfactory academic progress. This usually requires maintaining at least a credit average in each course attempted. Please note that some electives may be offered only every two years.

Students are required to complete the following core and elective courses.
 

Core Courses
completion of the following two (2) courses:

Elective Courses
plus completion of an additional two (2) courses from the following list of electives:

Note:
1. These courses will be delivered in distance mode only.
2. Subject to course development

  • MINE8830 Mine Infrastructure and Maintenance
  • MINE8840 Quarry Design, Management and Practice