Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering

Mining engineering is the discipline of engineering that develops and executes the processes used to extract minerals from below and above ground. As a mining engineer you’ll work in the planning and management of engineering the extraction of mineral, petroleum and gas resources from the earth. Mining Engineers evaluate, plan and oversee the construction of a mine. They’re involved in a project through all phases of mining operations.

The Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering is designed for those already working in the industry, or for people planning a career change. It provides foundational study in mining engineering and the opportunity for mining engineering graduates and minerals industry professionals to continue their professional development in specialised areas.

This is a more flexible entry mode for applicants who have qualifications in other technical disciplines, or relevant professional and/or responsibility in the mining experience, and vocational training. In this degree you’ll learn to analyse problems or issues, articulate appropriate solutions and justify proposals and professional decisions. You’ll also learn to communicate complex ideas in a variety of formats to diverse audiences and apply disciplinary principles and practices to new or complex environments.

UNSW is renowned for its’ Mineral and Mining Engineering education, ranking fifth in the world as a subject. It has been UNSW’s top performing subject for five years. Australia’s top employers prefer our graduates over any other university, ranking 22nd in the world for employer reputation. We offer the largest range of teaching programs and comprehensive research interests.

We’re home to the best facilities in resources engineering in Australia. You’ll learn with state-of-the-art facilities including a VR simulator, computer laboratory and a rock mechanics laboratory for applied research into mining issues and water research.

We place significant focus on undertaking research and educating graduates who address climate change. Our areas of focus include CO₂ sequestration; improving efficiencies through digital rock analysis; generating clean energy through geothermal engineering; and research into space mining.

Our research strengths include:

• Sustainable Mining Practices
• Geomechanics
• Mining Systems and Mineral Processing
• Carbon Capture and Utilisation
• Natural Gas
• Enhanced Geothermal
• Digital Rock Physics

Our academics are experts in their fields and internationally respected and recognised. They work alongside our industry partners and government organisations to help solve the most complex problems facing the sector. With the industry evolving at a rapid pace, we have a leadership role in teaching and research excellence.

When you study at the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering you can benefit from our student societies. MERESoc is well connected with industry, offering numerous networking opportunities throughout the year. Take advantage of professional development opportunities through social events and build your professional networks while you study.

Entry to a Graduate Certificate will be considered on an individual basis for those with relevant mining industry experience (Entry 1) or for those re-training from other technical disciplines (Entry 2).

Entry 1 - Relevant mining industry experience with vocational training. A minimum of 4 years of full-time relevant professional and/or responsibility in the mining industry. Entry is considered for each individual based on portfolio supporting the application. An entry interview may be required.

Entry 2 - A degree in other technical disciplines from a recognised institution. The UNSW School of Mining Engineering defines other technical disciplines as Surveying, Accounting, Business, Economics, Information Technology/Systems, Biology and Pharmacy for example. A minimum of 1 year relevant industry experience is essential for applicants with a 3 year degree and is highly regarded for applicants with a 4 year degree. Entry is considered for each individual based on portfolio supporting the application, including details of relevant industry experience. Relevant industry experience is defined by the UNSW School of Mining Engineering as professional and/or industry responsibility in mining or mining associated services. An entry interview may be required.

The Graduate Certificate can be an entry point for obtaining foundational qualifications in Mining Engineering, and for articulating to a Graduate Diploma and a Masters degree, with satisfactory academic performance.

Recognised prior learning (RPL) may be available towards the program award for some courses within the program. A maximum of 6 UOC of RPL will be considered for applicants with a recognised degree in another technical discipline on application to the Program Authority. Approval will be considered according to the UNSW RPL Procedure with criteria including: equivalent course duration at a recognised institution, equivalent course content and assessment.