FAQ

Mining Engineering

Mining at UNSW

Degree options

Assumed knowledge and prerequisites

How to apply

What is a Mining Engineer?

Mining Engineering is a multi-faceted discipline that offers a broad range of career paths including mine design and evaluation, operations management, corporate management, financial and analysis and the equities market, merchant banking and consulting.

As a profession, Mining Engineering is concerned with the safe, economic and environmentally responsible recovery, processing, marketing and financial management of mineral resources to meet the ever expanding demand from the global community for mineral commodities.

The undergraduate degree program includes elements common to many engineering programs and also because of a business focus it encompasses aspects of commerce and management. This means that during their careers, mining graduates should have sufficient grounding to allow them to move between different industry sectors.

To get some idea of what our graduates do, see the various roles of some of our graduates.

What does a Mining Engineer do?

Mining Engineering offers a diverse range of career paths, very high salary levels and excellent opportunities for career progression. This is because it is a truly global profession with opportunities to work around Australia or around the world in a diverse range of activities involving technology, people, business, equipment, financial resources, community and government.

Graduates with a degree in mining engineering tend to be very versatile and can progress rapidly both within the mining industry and in industries affiliated to the industry. They have contributed to the continual growth and development of the minerals industry, making it one of the most efficient and productive in the world.

Within the mining and quarrying industries, opportunities exist to work in

technical roles such as planning and design engineers
production roles such as supervisors and mine managers
business development roles such as project managers and marketing

Because of the scale and efficiency of the mining industry in Australia, there are strong links with ancillary industries which offer important career opportunities. These industries include:

Engineering design and technology
Consulting in mine design, corporate management, risk management, financial evaluation, feasibility studies, geotechnical design, and environmental assessment
Geotechnical engineering
Tunnelling and infrastructure development
Computer software development
Environmental engineering
Merchant banking, finance industry and the equities market
Risk management
Project management
Mining suppliers such as explosives and equipment manufacturers
Government policy planners, administrators and regulators
Education and training
Research

Who tends to enrol in Mining Engineering?

The program tends to attracts students from a diverse range of backgrounds, many with a strong interest in engineering and having a solid academic background as illustrated in the graph shown below.

Distribution of UAI for student intake to mining engineering @ UNSW

in recent years, the student intake has typically seen 50% of students with a UAI in the mid to high 90's.

While the industry used to have the perception of being male dominated the actual situation has changed especially over the past ten years with mining companies wanting to achieve a balance in their workforce. This change is reflected in the student intake with on average around 16% of students being female and who have no more difficulty in gaining graduate employment than the rest of the student cohort.

Interestingly, the program attracts a significant number of people with an interest in music and the arts.

While many students live in the Sydney urban region, a significant proportion of students come from country areas, particularly from the NSW Central and North coast and from the Western districts of NSW. Each year there are also several students who come from other States and parts and of south eastern Australia.

And of course, there are students who join us each year from overseas universities on International Exchange.

Students like to gain a degree that offers a host of career path options - working in the city, in the country, in technical roles, in line-management and also having the chance to change their careers path as they progress through life.

Why should I study Mining Engineering at UNSW?

The School of Mining Engineering was established in 1948 and is one of the three foundation disciplines at UNSW.

The School rates as one of the largest and most vibrant centre's of tertiary mining education in the western world. Consider these other facts:

A significant proportion of Australia’s top Mining Engineers graduate each year from UNSW.

Graduating students from UNSW have consistently rated the program highly. A survey of graduating students from Australian universities indicated a high satisfaction rate for the mining program in various performance categories. The Mining Engineering honours program at UNSW scored 1st place in five out of five measures.

The School was described by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) as “one of the best centre's of mining engineering education in Australia”. Since 2000, UNSW has been working with MCA to improve the quality of professionals entering the mining industry.

Engineers Australia in reviewing the engineering programs at UNSW singled out the Mining Engineering program as ‘exemplary’.

In 2005, UNSW became a founding member of Minerals Education Australia (MEA), a body supported by the MCA. MEA is a collaborative undergraduate program in Mining Engineering involving UNSW, University of Queensland and Curtin University that commenced in 2007.

The School has a strong, well established research base with strong links to industry. The academic staff are drawn from the industry sector and have strong practical, educational and research experience that is integrated into the program.

Students have the opportunity of studying at an overseas institution as part of the International Exchange Program.

Unlike some other disciplines at university, the School of Mining Engineering has a relatively modest student population of approximately 200 students enrolled in the undergraduate program and a near equal amount in the various postgraduate programs. This size makes for a more collegiate learning environment where education and social activities are easier to combine.

How much can a Mining Engineer earn?

Graduates with a degree in mining engineering are consistently ranked in the top ten percentile of salaries for new graduates.

The statistics for UNSW Mining Engineering graduates is even better still with recent annual surveys consistently indicating a median starting salary package exceeding $90k.

The Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) is a body representing employers, universities and the government. Amongst other services, CGA produces information for prospective university students related to the employment prospect of graduates and their earnings. This information is collated from the Graduate Destination Survey and published as The Grad Files. The publication is released in December each year.

So when combined with the diverse range of whole of life career and lifestyle options, shouldn't you consider Mining Engineering as one of your university degree options?

What are some of Mining Engineering graduates doing now?

The mining program attracts a wide range of students with diverse academic aptitude, skills, experience and background which is just as well as the needs of industry are equally diverse. There are a variety of technical roles that can only be filled by Mining Engineers as well as a host of other roles that they are eminently suited to such as senior management and CEO of business organisations.

The diversity of possible career paths is no better illustrated then by what some past graduates are now doing.

Bruce Hebblewhite (1974), Professor, University of New South Wales
Mitch Jakeman (1977), General Manager, Anglo Coal Australia Pty Ltd.
Bob Cameron (1978), Managing Director, Centennial Coal
Greg Combet (1981), Secretary, Australian Federal Minister
Col Weatherstone (1982), President Emerging Businesses, Bluescope Steel
Vicky Binns (1986), Vice President, Market Analysis, BHP Billiton
Peter O'Connor (1986), University Medallist. Managing Director, Global Metals and Mining Research, Merrill Lynch
Tim Lehany (1988), CEO & Managing Director, St Barbara Ltd
Andrew Harding (1988), CEO, Rio Tinto Copper
Neil Alston (1992), Churchill Fellow. Mine Manager, Munmorah Colliery
Rebecca Scott (1992), Rhodes Scholar. Consultant, McKinsey Management Consultants
Bryan Quinn (1993), Manager Business Development, BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal
Dave Oliver (1993), Mine Manager, Mandalong Mine
Clare Larkin (1994), Churchill Fellow. Financial Analyst, Ord Minnett
Liz Wall (1998), Rhodes Scholar. HS&E Policy Advisor - Corporate, Rio Tinto, London
Gavin Wyatt (1999), Operations Supervisor, Penrith Lakes Scheme
Thomas Vogt (2001), University Medallist. Consultant, Boston Consulting
Heather Galvin (2002), University Medallist. Mine Planning Engineer, Rio Tinto Coal
Richard Metzner (2001), Mine Planning Engineer, Boral Quarries

For a more in depth understanding of what some of our recent graduates are doing see Graduate Stories.

Does UNSW offer scholarships to study Mining Engineering?

There is a large number of scholarships available to students in the undergraduate mining program. There are also scholarships that encourage students to undertake study in any engineering program.

Some of the major scholarships offered to students in mining engineering include:

A list of recent scholarship providers can be found at Industry Supporters.

A number of additional scholarships are also offered to students directly by companies associated with the mining industry. Many of these are offered to enrolled students in Year 2 or Year 3 in the program.

Other scholarships also available include:

The Malcolm Chaiken Scholarship. Stipend of $15,000 and open to students entering the first year of undergraduate study in Engineering or the Sciences.
The Alexandria Ada Lam Scholarship. A scholarship to encourage a female student to enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering program.
The Ben Lexen Sports Scholarships. Open to students with an outstanding sporting ability.
The Matthew James Reid Scholarship. Open to students from interstate.
The W.S. and L.B. Robinson Scholarship. Open to students who completed their schooling in Broken Hill.

Further information on the conditions and entry requirements for each of the above scholarships as well as a comprehensive listing of all scholarships available can be found at http://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/

Can I study at a foreign university?

UNSW has an attractive International Exchange Program with reciprocal arrangements in place with many leading overseas universities.

Each year a number of students undertake study for one semester at one of a number of universities in Europe or North America. Most often students opt for the second semester of Year 3 as it fits in best with many universities and because students need to plan up to one year in advance.

Can I study elsewhere in Australia?

One of the benefits to students of Mining Education Australia (MEA) is that the Mining Engineering program in Years 3 and 4 is common to all partner universities. This facilitates study at one of the MEA partner universities.

Student can study at a partner university in one of either Semester 2 of Year 3 or in Semester 1 of Year 4. Students need to apply for Cross-Institutional Study in the normal manner usually at least one semester in advance at both UNSW as the "home institution" and the MEA partner university as the "host institution."

There are several conditions for Cross-Institutional Study in Mining Engineering and some of these include:

the student is in Good Academic Standing;
different conditions apply to Local and International students with respect to payment of tuition fees;
there is a maximum limit of five students at any host institution in any one semester and there must be sufficient available places at the host institution;
students are limited to a total of one semester of study at any other institution, whether on International Exchange or Cross-Institutional Study;
the 50% rule applies with respect to completing 50% of the courses in the Mining Engineering program at UNSW; and
while courses that have been granted Advanced Standing in the program will be included in the aggregate of courses necessary to complete the program (that is the minimum 192 units of credit) the grades of these courses will not be included in the determination of Honours.

Advanced Standing will be considered for those courses that are successfully completed at the host institution. The onus is on the student to apply for Advanced Standing in the usual manner on return to UNSW and provide all required supporting documentation.

I am an International student, can I undertake Exchange or a Practicum/Internship at UNSW?

Are you currently an undergraduate student interested in study for a period of up to six months at UNSW? If so then there are two possible options available to you, these being:

Exchange Program. The International Exchange Program is for students who would like to study for one semester at UNSW and gain credit for the courses at their home university. You need to confirm with your home university whether there is a formal exchange agreement in place with UNSW and the courses that are on offer and then apply through your home university.

Practicum (or Internship). The Practicum Student Program is designed for students enrolled in an approved undergraduate program at an overseas universities who wish to obtain research experience at UNSW and/or who wish to complete a period of professional/industrial practice. Preference is given to students who have recently completed their undergraduate program and to those students who are in their final year of study so as to gain greatest benefit to the student in building on the knowledge and learning in Mining Engineering. The duration of the Practicum is usually between two and six months. You must apply directly to UNSW International.

The difference between Exchange and Practicum is that Exchange involves completion of course work while the Practicum involves completion of a research activity/project.

Tuition fees and other fees may apply. Applicants will need to apply to the Australian Government for a study visa and provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to cover costs for travel to and from Sydney and for living expenses while at UNSW.

What are the degree options for Mining Engineering?

Broadly speaking there are two categories of degrees offered at UNSW, these being:

Undergraduate degree - Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering). This is the qualification necessary to be considered as a professional mining engineer. The degree is recognised by the two engineering professional organisations - the Institution of Engineers (Australia) (IEAust) and the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AusIMM). This degree has also been required to gain the statutory qualification of Mine Manager.

As is common with most engineering programs, the undergraduate degree program is of four years duration. It is only offered for on-campus, full-time study. As is the case for most undergraduate engineering degrees, the undergraduate program does not cater for external or off-campus study.

The program is comprehensive in terms of covering the essential elements required of a mining engineer including geomechanics, ventilation, mine planning and evaluation, mineral processing as well fundamental engineering principles.

A number of combined degree and double degree options are also available - see later section on Combined Degree options.

Postgraduate degree. A number of postgraduate research and coursework degree options are offered at UNSW. The coursework programs are designed to meet the needs of different student cohorts,such as:
people who already have an undergraduate degree in Mining Engineering and who wish to pursue further specialisation such as in Mining Geomechanics
people who already have an undergraduate degree though not in Mining Engineering and who wish to obtain an understanding of some aspect of mining while also gaining a formal qualification
people who are employed in the mining industry and who wish to undertake studies leading to a formal qualification.

The postgraduate program has been specifically designed to meet the special requirements of persons working in the mining industry and can cater to those who are normally resident outside of Sydney. Each of the courses in the program is offered in short-course mode involving an intensive one-week block of lectures, tutorials, site visits and assignments followed by a period of off-campus study to complete a major project. This arrangement allows people to study while still engaged in full-time employment. Usually students enrol in one or two courses each semester.

Which degree would best suit me?

The essential difference between the two degree options, either undergraduate or postgraduate, comes down to whether you wish to be considered and recognised as a professional Mining Engineering, in which case you will need to complete the undergraduate degree option.

If you cannot afford to leave the workforce but want to undertake study into some aspects of mining and at the same time gain a university qualification then you should consider the postgraduate degree options.

Does UNSW offer combined degrees?

A number of combined and double degrees programs are offered in addition to the single major in Mining Engineering. These require one or more years of additional study on top of the single degree program. The range of program options includes:

Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Bachelor of Science. This is intended to provide flexibility for students who may wish to supplement their education with studies in the Sciences such as computer science, geology, environment science, metallurgy and psychology.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Bachelor of Arts. A program that allows students to undertake additional studies in the Arts such as a language and music.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering). A program that allows students to combine their studies in two related engineering disciplines.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Bachelor of Commerce. This program provides students who wish to combine their engineering studies with business.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Bachelor of Laws. This program is intended to combine engineering with an understanding of law.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Master of Engineering Science. A program for high achievers to fast track combined undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) / Master of Engineering. A program for high achievers who wish to combine their undergraduate qualifications with postgraduate qualifications in research.

Note: The entry requirements for some of combined and double programs are set at a higher then for the single degree program.

The overwhelming majority of students usually opt for the single degree option and consider postgraduate study after having gained a few years of graduate experience. Many mining organisations encourage further education and will assist their graduates in further postgraduate study.

What are the entry requirements at UNSW?

The cut-off for entry into UNSW engineering programs can change from year to year but in recent times it has been a Universities Admission Index (UAI) (or its equivalent) in the high 80's. The Faculty can provide the latest indication of entry for the next entry period.

In addition to applying for admission through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), which is the usual route for admission by domestic students living in NSW, there is also the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS).

FEAS is for those students who may potentially achieve a UAI below the cut-off level but who have an aptitude and interest in engineering. It is strongly recommended that if you are interested in studying mining engineering and there is a reasonable probability you may fall below the the cut-off threshold then you should apply to FEAS. Applications are made directly on-line to the Faculty and should be lodged before the closing date in early September each year. Further details can be obtained on the Faculty of Engineering web site.

What subjects should I study at high school?

While there are no prerequisites for the Mining Engineering program, the program is designed with an Assumed Knowledge particularly in the sciences - Mathematics and Physics.

I didn't study Maths and/or Physics at high school. Will I still qualify to study mining?

There are several options available to students who do not meet the level of Assumed Knowledge for the Mining Engineering program, these include:

electing to complete one of the Alternate Program Pathways in the first year of the Program that allows completion of one or more preparatory courses in Maths and Physics. While the student will enrol in one or more courses in the Summer Semester, the benefit is that by the start of Year 2 the student is more likely to be in a position to enrol in the usual usual offering of courses and so will have caught up with their peers. For details on these Pathways, see the Concise Program Outline.

completing the Diploma in Science, Engineering and Technology. This program has been designed by the Faculties of Engineering and Science for potential students in bachelor degree programs. It is an enabling program that provides a flexible pathway for those students who generally meet Faculty of Engineering minimum entry requirements, that is, a UAI or equivalent of no less than 75, but who have a range of gaps in their Assumed Knowledge and consequently do not meet the necessary entry requirements for Engineering or Science.

enrolling in one or more Bridging Courses that run for approximately four weeks early in each year before commencement of the first semester. The Bridging Courses are primarily courses targeting students who feel they may require a review of material before they begin their formal students. These courses are particularly useful for students who have taken a "gap" year. They are not a replacement for the preparatory courses in MAths and/or Physics.

These are options are intended to up-skill students so they will be better prepared when enrolling in the standard maths and physics courses in the engineering programs.

How do I apply for entry to study at UNSW?

Details on how to apply to study at UNSW can be found at How to Apply where information is provided for both Local and International students.

For the undergraduate program there are two main categories for entry.

Local Students. In the ordinary course of events, persons who are domiciled in Australia and who wish to apply for admission to UNSW must apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) which is based in Sydney. The UAC simplifies the application process with only the one application needed for most undergraduate degree programs offered at all universities in NSW and the ACT. Applicants from outside NSW and the ACT and persons from New Zealand must also apply to UAC. UAC acts an intermediary, coordinating the flow of information between the universities and applicants.
Each applicant may nominate up to nine preferences for study. These should be ranked in order of preference. UNSW and other institutions will decide on who will receive an offer based on the applicant's preferences, the number of places available in a program and admission requirements.

The UAC Code is 425004 for the mining engineering single degree program. See the UAC site for codes for the combined degree options.

Admission to degree programs in the Faculty are also made based on the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS). Further details can be obtained on the Faculty of Engineering web site

The main round of applications to UAC normally close in late September for enrolment in the academic year beginning in March the following year. There is also a mid-year intake though entry is dependent on the number of available places in a program.

If an applicant is successful, an offer will be made. The applicant must formally accept the offer within a specified time period otherwise the offer will lapse and an offer to be made to another person. Offers of acceptance for programs at UNSW can be made on-line.

Once accepted the student must enrol in the range of courses specified for the mining engineering program or available in the flexible engineering program - see listing of courses in program outline. Again this can be done on-line.

The Mining Engineering program is based on an assumed level of knowledge. Supplementary courses are available to students who have not attained the assumed level.

Full details on the process of application and acceptance can be found in the UAC Guide published each year or on-line at www.uac.edu.au.

International Students. In the case of international students, application should be made directly to UNSW. Information for prospective international students can be found at UNSW International. The UNSW Foundation Year is an optional program for those international students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements into degree programs at UNSW.

For further information contact the Director - Undergraduate studies.

Does UNSW recognise prior learning?

Students who have been accepted into the Mining Engineering program at UNSW and who think they have completed a course at another recognised university that may be similar to one in the Mining Engineering Program at UNSW can apply for Advanced Standing.

What are my options to transfer into Mining Engineering?

Here there are several possible scenarios.

You are already enrolled in an Engineering Program at UNSW. In this case applying for a transfer is a relatively straight forward process. At the end of Year 1 you will need to apply to the Faculty of Engineering .
You are already enrolled in another degree program in another Faculty at UNSW or, are enrolled at another University. In this case you need to apply in the normal manner to UAC. Consideration for Advanced Standing in the Mining Engineering program will be given to students from other institutions and/or other disciplines for advanced standing in the Mining Engineering program, see Advance Standing for further details.
You are enrolled in the Mining Transfer Program at the University of Newcastle. Students in their second year of the Transfer Program must apply in the usual manner to UAC for entry to UNSW. To be eligible you must have a WAM of 50; have passed all Year 1 and 2 courses; and be in 'good standing' at University of Newcastle. Applications are subject to the normal admission requirements including for example student places being available in the program and their meeting minimum standards of academic achievement which includes satisfactory completing all of the courses in the Transfer Program. On enrolment at UNSW, consideration will be given to students who have satisfactorily completed all the courses in the two-year Transfer Program for Advanced Standing of up to the equivalent of the first two years in the Mining Program at UNSW.

How do I apply for Credit or Advanced Standing?

Applications for Advance Standing (or credit for equivalent courses already completed) in the Mining Engineering program will only be considered after an offer to study in the program has been accepted. An applications can be made:

at the time of accepting an offer from UNSW to the Admissions Office; or
after enrolment and commencement of study to Student Central.

Applications will not be considered before acceptance or enrolment in the program.

A student must submit a completed Application for Credit/Advanced Standing form together with all required document. An official transcript (original or a certified copy) together with relevant course descriptions must be attached to the application form.

Applications that do not have all the required documentation will not be processed.

The completed application form and all relevant attachments must be lodged either via post directly to the UNSW Admissions Office or to Student Central Office on campus as appropriate. Each application will then be forwarded to the program authority for consideration taking account of the UNSW Guidelines and Faculty rules.

Only those courses were completed within eight years at the time of application will be considered. In general, the student must demonstrate that the course(s) was satisfactorily completed at an institution recognised by UNSW and that the course is similar to a course in the Mining Engineering Program; similar in terms of course content, assessment and units of credit.

Where students have enrolled in a similar engineering degree program such as Civil Engineering, this may allow Advanced Standing to be provided up to the equivalent of the first two Stages of the Mining Engineering program. In the case of other engineering programs and many science degree programs, this may translate to Advance Standing equivalent up to the first year of the mining program. In any case, Advanced Standing will only be given up to a maximum of the equivalent of 50% of courses in the program. A student is required to complete no less than 50% of the Mining Engineering program at UNSW.

For further information contact the Director - Undergraduate Studies.

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