Application period/deadline: March 14 - 28, 2018
• High level education covering the whole mine value chain
• Shared courses in geosciences and engineering, including both theory and practice
• Excellent, cutting-edge infrastructure for research and education in close cooperation with the mining industry
The international master´s degree programme in Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining (MRSM) is a two-year programme focusing on education in mining-related subjects. The programme provides master’s degrees in two fields: geosciences and engineering.
The specialisation lines in the field of geosciences are Economic Geology and Quaternary Geology and in the field of engineering sciences, they are Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, and Applied Geophysics.
The programme will give you excellent skills and understanding on the whole mine value chain and principles of sustainable mining, including:
• Theoretical studies in geosciences and engineering
• Economical and environmental aspects of mining
• Hands-on practice in the well-equipped Oulu Mining School Research Centre and in the field
• The latest modelling and simulation education related to the topics
• Instrumental skills in mineral analytics
The two-year programme has five specialisation options:
Economic Geology focuses on characterisation of mineral deposits and geological processes behind their genesis, forming a basis for mineral exploration. Central topics include ore geology, regional geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, mining industry, and exploration. The obtained proficiency can be used in mineral exploration or exploitation of natural resources in private companies or research institutes.
Quaternary Geology covers a wide range of sub-disciplines including glacial geology, sedimentology, ore prospecting techniques, and hydrogeology. Education is also covering global change issues in the northern hemisphere and the Arctic. The programme will give in depth understanding of the properties of glacial sediments and deposits, their genesis and use for ore prospecting and for geotechnical purposes.
Mining Engineering covers a wide range of topics, including geotechnique, mining technologies, analysis of production capacity, and financing. The expertise can be used in design and management of metal mines as well as in other operations related to exploitation of raw materials.
Mineral Processing deals with the processes to economically separate valuable minerals from the ores. Oulu Mining School has unique, continuous mode in-house concentrating plant that provides an excellent infrastructure for training and education purposes. The environmental aspects of processing, health and safety in the plants, and collaboration with the mining industry are essential parts of education.
Applied geophysics concentrates on the basic phenomena in geophysics and how to apply the knowledge for example in exploration, mapping and management of natural resources, and in environmental and engineering studies. In the life cycle of a mine, geophysics plays an important role in all stages: before opening the mine in mineral exploration and resource assessment, during active mining operations in exploration for additional resources and environmental monitoring, and after the closure of the mine in environmental monitoring and mapping of potentially contaminated areas.
Graduating students understand and govern the technical, geological, financial, regulatory, environmental and social aspects of sustainable mining. Job opportunities exist in all fields related to the mining value chain including exploration, mining, mineral processing, and other kinds of rock engineering both in the industry and in research.
Sustaining a growing population on our dynamic planet requires deep understanding of geological and geophysical processes within the Earth, and of how they interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biota. The Master's Programme in Geology and Geophysics trains you to address pressing questions concerning our home planet's evolution, its role as the source of raw materials needed by modern civilisation, and environmental issues. Key questions include:
How can we decode Earth’s rock record to reveal the evolution of Earth’s crust and mantle over billions of years?
How do we make natural resource exploration and extraction more sustainable and environmentally friendly?
What can the Earth’s history tell us to help us forecast the impacts of climate change?
Where can we safely construct power plants or store nuclear waste?
The programme includes four specialist options: Petrology and Economic Geology; Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology; Palaeontology and Global Change; and Solid Earth Geophysics.
Upon completion of the programme, you will have gained expertise in a number of scientific and professional skills, including, depending on your specialist option:
Further information about the studies on the Master's programme website.
At the beginning of the advanced studies, you will familiarise yourself with the central research methods in the field. The studies consist of intensive learning in small groups on practical work courses, guided laboratory work on specialised courses, and tailored short-term courses led by international and Finnish experts. In addition, you will be able to take part are a variety of field courses and excursions (in Finland and beyond) to familiarise yourself with research topics in their natural surroundings.
This full time 12 month intensive programme is designed to provide advanced specialised training for earth science graduates, leading to excellent employment opportunities in the extractive industry. It is suitable for those who already have an honours degree in geology, mining/minerals engineering or a related subject.
You will attain a comprehensive understanding of the role of a geoscientist working in the mining industry. New skills include underground geological and geotechnical mapping, surveying, mineral exploration, ore microscopy, ore deposit modelling and mine planning. In-depth coverage of mineral resource estimation and grade control, mineral extraction and management, mining law and the environmental impact of mining, enable skills in quantifying the economic value of an ore body and assessing its potential for exploitation to be attained. There is emphasis on acquiring knowledge of the geological characteristics and genesis, methods of exploration, extraction and processing techniques of the major types of metalliferous ore deposit, bulk commodities and industrial minerals.
Taught modules are presented over two semesters and individual projects are undertaken throughout the summer vacation, often as industrial placements with a mining/exploration company. Recent projects have been carried out in all major mining countries on six continents, including Australia, Tanzania, Mongolia, Chile as well as in the UK.
You will study 180 credits to obtain an MSc and 120 credits for a PgDip
The compulsory modules can include;
Some examples of the optional modules are;
The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand
Formal teaching ends in late April/May with a field excursion to examine the geology and visit mines in an area of the world famous for its mining activity. Extensive use is made of Camborne School of Mines' underground mine facilities, laboratories, mineral processing pilot plant, and the superb field geology and extractive industry operations in South West England.
Our MSc in Geoscience Research is a research-focused postgraduate taught master's course with industry and international placement opportunities designed for a career in research, academia or a discipline related work setting.
The course consists of six modules spread over three semesters, including an extensive research project in geoscience, environmental science or physical geography.
Project areas range from applied and environmental geophysics to igneous petrology, volcanology, Quaternary environments, palaeoclimates, palaeoceanography, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology, sedimentology, palaeontology, renewable and alternative energy, and petroleum geoscience.
A distinct feature of this master’s programme is the opportunity for UK students to complete a placement at one of several European, North American and Asian partner institutions, all of which have established research links with Keele staff. However, as a UK student, you can also choose to carry out your research project here at Keele or in collaboration with local or UK-based industry. As an international student, you will undertake your research and placement at Keele University under the supervision of international experts in their chosen research area.
The emphasis on the substantial ‘hands on’ research training with the provision of an international placement option makes this programme unique within the Higher Education Sector in the UK and will thus increase your employability. We believe that this will help to develop future employees with an international outlook.
The MSc Geoscience Research programme at Keele offers the added value of the Distinctive Keele Curriculum (DKC), which develops students' intellectual, personal and professional capabilities (Keele Graduate Attributes) through both subject-specific and generic workshops and activities.
See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/geoscienceresearch/
The principal aim of this Masters course is to develop your generic and specific research skills in an area of the Geosciences or related scientific disciplines, which will enhance your employment prospects. On completion of the programme you will:
- Have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the chosen research area in Geosciences;
- Gain a conceptual understanding to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline area;
- Be able to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
- Possess developed scientific skills and knowledge, and transferable skills, in a UK-based or international workplace setting;
- Have a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research;
- Attain organisational and commercial awareness.
For those students undertaking a placement/research project in Europe the work and achievement on the programme will be documented in the EU Europass, a record of achievement signed by all parties. All students are required to pursue the University’s ‘Realise’ scheme which enables them to identify their personal and professional skills and development needs.
The MSc programme is full-time for 12 months, starting in September.
The programme comprises six modules including a research project/placement which is undertaken either at Keele University or on placement with a host institution overseas:
- Research Skills (30 credits)
- Literature Review (15 credits)
- Modern Language Module* or Academic English for Postgraduate Students** or Geoscience Option Module*** (15 credits)
- Research Project Design and Management (30 credits)
- Dissertation (90 credits)
*Students undertaking their research project at a host institution overseas will choose a modern language module or a language and culture module for their international placement.
**International students for whom English is not their first language will take Academic English for Postgraduate Students to further improve their English language skills.
*** UK/Native English speaking international students undertaking their research project at Keele University or a host institution in the UK can take a selected Geoscience option module relevant to their research area. These may include: Natural Hazards; Glaciers & Glacial Geomorphology; Global Environmental Change; Water Resources; Hydrological & Engineering Geology; Structure and Geodynamics; Economic Geology; Advanced Topics in Sedimentology; Exploration Geophysics for the Hydrocarbon Industry; Petroleum Geology; Volcanic and Magmatic Processes.
You will be taught by experienced, well qualified and enthusiastic staff. All of the staff are research active within the discipline, accomplished at working on research funded work both nationally and internationally. The programme team are enthusiastic to share their teaching, research and professional experience to help you achieve success in your studies.
You will complete formal assessment on all modules. Assessments will include presentations, reflective diary, reports, reviews, portfolio and a dissertation. During your placement this will include keeping an extensive record of the training attended and skills obtained, with a reflective report (for the research training portfolio), as well as a dissertation on the project undertaken during the placement.
The research project/dissertation is based on the submission of a 20,000-25,000 word report that is undertaken in conjunction with an academic supervisor and, where appropriate, an industrial collaborator.
There will be additional costs in terms of living expenses, travel and insurance related with the placement if you choose to undertake your research project with an overseas host institution. The amount required will be dependent on the cost of living associated with certain countries.
UK Students choosing a placement research project in an EU member state will be eligible to apply for an ERASMUS scholarship.
Our research-focused course with industry and international placement opportunities leads our graduates into a diverse range of careers.
Our students have chosen careers in research, academia or a discipline related work setting, including geotechnical and environmental consultancies, and local, regional, national or multi-national corporations.
For examples of what graduates are doing now, see here - https://www.keele.ac.uk/gge/applicants/postgraduatetaughtcourses/mscgeoscienceresearch/employmentcasestudies/
Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/
The Master of Science in Sustainable Development contains two different tracks: the Erasmus Mundus joint Master in Sustainable Territorial Development and the ICP Master of Science in Sustainable Development.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Territorial Development
STeDe IJM aims to create experts in the area of sustainable territorial development. More concretely it trains professionals to be able to help organizations acting in the territory (enterprises, local communities, civil society organizations) to draft sustainable development policies for economic, social, environmental, international and intercultural management.
The Master concerns the economic competitiveness, social inclusion, environmental protection, international cooperation and intercultural relation challenges of territorial development focusing not only on local communities, but also on enterprises, non-state actors and civil society organizations. It also aims to offer an example of sustainable territory involving all local organizations, which should have human resources available and able to promote sustainable development.
The ICP Master of Science in Sustainable Development
An active research-driven education model with five main pillars
Pillar 1 : Research based teaching courses taught by academic experts leading research in different sustainability domains and parts of the world.
Pillar 2 : Training in research stimulating critical learners, systemic thinking and creativity in the solution of complex socio-ecological problems and triggering real change.
Pillar 3 : A programme informed by and serving the needs of Global South regions facing economic, social and ecological challenges.
Pillar 4 : The active integration of fieldwork in the South, internship, thesis and portfolio development in the professional preparation of the students.
Pillar 5 : The KU Leuven Sustainability Living Lab as the itinerant platform through which the vision and goals of this Master will be tested and implemented in a real world setting. All contents and activities in the Master are connected to the priorities of the Lab, which will be in tune with international institutions agendas and contemporary sustainability debates.
In simple words, this Master programme embraces sustainable development beyond the walls of universities and classrooms to engage with real world settings and localities in their search for solutions to their most pressing problems.
The Master of Science in Sustainable Development is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
In this interuniversity programme, both European and non-European students study together. The EMLM STeDe-students study each semester at a different university. First at the Università degli Studi di Padova (30 ECTS), then at KU Leuven (30 ECTS) and then at the Université Paris 1 Panthéon - Sorbonne (30 ECTS). The fourth semester is dedicated to an internship and a Master's thesis (30 ECTS) written at the university of the student's choice from among the three aforementioned universities and the Universidade Catolica Don Bosco in Brazil.
The students of the ICP Master of Sustainable Development study at the KU Leuven. They can choose between two specialisations: ‘Space and Society’ and ‘Ecology’.
This programme is offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, collaboration with the Department of Biology. The main mission of the Department Earth and Environmental Sciences is to carry out state-of-the-art scientific research with respect to the functioning of geo- and ecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales, including the interaction between humans and the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources. The department aims at providing attractive academic training at an international level in the fields of Bio-engineering, Geology, Geography and Tourism. The department aims at making an important contribution to the scientific understanding of societal issues such as environmental pollution, food production, climate change, nature and landscape management, soil and water management, exploitation of underground resources, rural and urban development, international development collaboration and tourism.
The Department of Biology is committed to excellence in teaching and research and is comprised of four divisions with diverse research activities ranging from molecular and physiological research at the level of cells and organisms to ecological research on populations, communities, and ecosystems. Although many research groups conduct in-depth analyses on specific model organisms, as a whole the department studies an impressive diversity of lifeforms.
Our research is internationally renowned and embedded in well-established worldwide collaborations with other universities, research institutes, and companies. Our primary goal is to obtain insight into patterns and processes at different levels of biological organisation and to understand the basis and evolution of the mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt to their constantly changing environment. This knowledge often leads to applications with important economic or societal benefits. The department attracts many students and hosts approximately 250 staff members.
Job opportunities for graduates may be found in all sectors where sustainable development actions should be implemented, in particular at organizations responsible for the creation of sustainable territories (communities, enterprises, non-state actors and civil society organizations, local governments), the central government and international organizations.
Potential posts include: environmental adviser; sustainable development manager in local communities, public administrations, civil society organizations & local governments; representative within local public institutions, national and international institutions, enterprises, trade unions & professional bodies.
The extensive experience, international collaboration and multidisciplinary insights gained from the Erasmus Mundus Master in Sustainable Territorial Development, will open up new perspectives on the sustainability of territorial use and organization while introducing you to various policy tools and management strategies in divergent territorial contexts.
The internationally recognised Camborne School of Mines is offering a brand new Mining Professional Programme, comprising a suite of courses for international mining staff giving an insight into every part of the mining business.
You will start by getting a flexible, industry-relevant immersion into the mining value chain and this can be followed by more detailed study of Mining Engineering: an integrated postgraduate programme delivered by mining experts and aligned with industry needs.
This is the future of mining education; industry aligned courses, learning while you work, forming interdisciplinary industry wide professional networks and exposure to diverse international mining practices.
Open to experienced mining industry staff; even without degrees but with appropriate experience, the course opens up the entire mining value chain, from finance, mineral deposit geology and exploration through mining and mineral processing methods to environmental & social impacts and mine closure.
The overall aim is to equip students with the business knowledge of the entire mining pipeline and the technical knowledge to support career progression in the area of mining operations. Students will gain interdisciplinary mine-site problem solving, and critical industry insight.
The programme is suitable for mining, engineering and geology graduates currently employed in the minerals industry, and other commercial and technical mining staff with suitable experience. The course cohort will ideally comprise those with widely differing roles across the mining industry. The blended learning approach allows these industry staff to undertake accredited educational studies while maintaining their industry work roles.
In addition to gaining the headline qualification, the programme will also deliver the following unique benefits:
• The course is particularly designed for those currently working in industry
• Establishing networks with industry professionals and across specialisms
• Opportunity to view world class mines during the mine study tour
• A value chain view of the mining industry
• Industry focused using real world case studies and examples
• Involves both technical and professional skills development
Diverse course delivery methods and assessment types are utilized to develop well-rounded Mining Professionals with broad industry knowledge.
This programme provides a robust understanding of the complete mining life cycle, from exploration and development to extraction and processing methods to waste management and mine closure. It is an excellent programme for new entrants into the mining business as a fast-track career induction.
The following are examples of the modules you might expect to study;
• Module 1 - Discovery: Introduction to the Mining Value Chain; Introduction to Geology, Rock Properties and Ore Forming Processes; Mineral Exploration; The Mining Business and Mineral Economics.
• Module 2 - Design: Deposit Evaluation and Resource Estimation; Introduction to Mining Methods and Mine Method Selection; Mine Planning and Mine Construction and Pre-production Decision Making
• Module 3 - Recovery: Principles of Surface Mining Operations; Principles of Underground Mining Operations; Mineral Processing; Mine Waste Management and Mineral Products
• Module 4 - Impacts: Environmental and Social Impacts of Mining; Economic Impacts of Mining (downstream and side stream investment); Mine Closure and Remediation and Corporate and Social Responsibility and the License to Operate
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Please see the website for up to date information http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/mining-engineering/pgcert-mining-professional/#Programme-structure
