Masters Degrees in Mining Geology

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.

Course aims

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.

Programme structure

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.

Modules

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

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The internationally recognised Camborne School of Mines offers a Mining Professional Programme, comprising of 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.

[[Course aims ]]
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.

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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.

Programme Structure

You will study 180 credits to obtain an MSc and 120 credits for a PgDip

Compulsory modules

The compulsory modules can include; Research Project and Dissertation; Resource Estimation; Ore Deposit Geology and Industrial Minerals; Techniques in Mining Geology ; Excavation and Geomechanics ; Economics, Processing & Environment

Optional modules

Some examples of the optional modules are; Advanced Techniques for Mineral Analysis and Mine Wastes: Principles, Monitoring and Remediation.

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

Learning and teaching

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.

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The only applied structural geology Masters in the UK. Providing you with advanced training in the practical application of structural geology, preparing you either for employment in the hydrocarbon or mining industries or for postgraduate study (PhD).

You’ll gain a skillset combining advanced structural techniques and interpreting seismic data, an understanding of structural systems in time and space, and an appreciation of both the geological and geophysical constraints of seismic interpretation and model building.

This will enable you to use a combination of structural and geophysical techniques to solve geological problems. As a capable seismic interpreter you’ll be able to contribute in an industry role from day one.

Our teaching is research led, with direct links to active applied research. You’ll be taught by a range of research and industry experts, as well as through industry-led workshops. Strong industry links are a feature of this course.

Course highlights:

• The only applied structural geology Masters in the UK, offering you a route to both industry or a PhD.
• Unlike other petroleum/ ore geoscience courses in the UK, which only provide you with broad training in all aspects of petroleum and ore geology. At Leeds, apply your skills, tools, and knowledge in structural geology and tectonics to exploration settings, datasets, and problems.
• A key focus of this Masters is on understanding structural evolution in various settings and the use of 3D and 4D thinking in geological contexts. Skills that are essential for your employment in industry.
• Gain an international standard of Masters qualification in 12 months rather than 24. We deliver focused, advanced teaching linked to a research project (in contrast to the more research-oriented US Masters).
• Undertake free fieldwork in the UK and EU that is directly linked to your classroom learning.
• Choose from hydrocarbon and mining module options, depending on your interests.
• Access high-spec computing facilities and industry-standard software.
• Produce an industry or research focused dissertation in your final year.

Fieldwork

The following fieldwork to the UK and overseas is free, and forms an integral part of the course. It is directly linked to learning outcomes in the classroom.

• An introductory field day to Ingleton, North Yorkshire.
• A 6-day trip to the South West of England. Consider both extensional and compressional tectonics, basin-scale to fault to reservoir scale deformation, fault seal analysis, kinematic and geometric fault evolution, restorations, and 3D fault analysis.
• A 12-day trip to the Central Spanish Pyrenees. This trip serves as a summary trip where you will pull together elements from the entire course. Consider regional scale orogenic deformation through to basin scale to fracture scale. And the influence of sediment-structure interaction in basin evolution, and tie outcrop scale observations with seismic examples.

Course content

Develop personal skills and a professionalism that will make you employable, as well as increasing your knowledge and technical ability.

You will take 9 months of taught classes, followed by approximately 3 months of independent research and dissertation writing in association with industry or research collaborators.

Carry-out free fieldwork, which forms an integral part of the course, and is directly linked to learning outcomes in the classroom. Besides local visits, there is a 6-day trip to South West England and a 12-day visit to the Spanish Pyrenees.

Some of the modules you will study are spread over 2 semesters, while most are short and intensive. They are devised to develop your advanced understanding of key topics (including large scale tectonics, basin evolution and reservoir scale deformation) and your technical ability through the use of industry-leading software.

Begin, by reviewing the fundamentals of structural geology, maps, and mathematics before moving onto the more advanced modules.

You’ll receive advanced training in structural geology and tectonics, in geological model construction, and the practical application of structural geology. And gain training in interpreting seismic data and the principals underlying data acquisition and processing.

You’ll also undertake professional and research level training in structural geology and basin evolution from regional, to basin, to reservoir/deposit scale.

In semester 2, you can choose from hydrocarbon or mining modules.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Structural Geology Independent Project 60 credits
• Applied Geophysical Methods 15 credits
• Integrated Sub Surface Analysis 30 credits
• Applied Structural Models 20 credits
• Geomechanics 10 credits
• Applied Geodynamics and Basin Evolution 15 credits
• 3D Structure: Techniques and Visualisation 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Structural Geology with Geophysics MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Teaching is varied, with some of your modules being very practical based e.g. fieldwork, presentations, learning new software. While other methods are tutorial or lecture based. You will also have the opportunity to work individually or as a group. Regardless of method, you will be supported by substantial online learning material.

Facilities

The School of Earth and Environment’s £23m building gives you access to world-class research, teaching and laboratory facilities. As a Masters student, you will have access to a 3D visualisation suite, and to your own dedicated computer facilities, which runs industry standard software.

Industry standard software:

• 2D and 3D seismic interpretation is done via Kingdom Suite software.
• Geocellular modelling is delivered on the Petrel platform.
• Structural modelling and restoration is learnt using Midland Valley's 2DMove software.
• PCs run a range of structural modelling, GIS and 3D visualisation programmes.
• If you choose the optional Ore Deposits module, train in Leapfrog 3D deposit modeller.

Assessment

Given the variety of learning outcomes and teaching methods, you will be assessed differently between modules but generally assessed on a combination of presentations, practicals and/or formal examinations.

Industry links

We have very strong links with industry, which you’ll benefit from throughout the year. This includes the provision of scholarships, data for dissertation projects, teaching of short courses and free licenses for industry standard software.

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From the field to the lab, the knowledge you will gain in this course will help drive advancements in areas such as petroleum exploration, or mineral exploration.

This course provides advanced technical training for professionals intending to upgrade their geology qualifications or to enter a new branch of geoscience. This is achieved by attendance at lectures, seminars and group discussions, and the preparation and submission of a thesis-based research project.

Each major in this course comprises core units together with optional units in geology and related disciplines. Note that unit availability is often limited to specific semesters, which may affect the order in which you can take each unit. You will specialise in basin analysis and petroleum geology or mineral exploration and mining geology. You will complete a supervised project related to your stream, usually in collaboration with industry or government partners.

Basin Analysis and Petroleum Geology

Sedimentary basins contain a unique record of the tectonic, structural and sedimentological processes that created them. By understanding these processes, often using subsurface data sets, we can gain insights into the valuable energy resources that they contain. This stream will provide you with the technical and practical skills that you need to evaluate petroleum systems and to pursue a career in hydrocarbon exploration or production.

Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology

The mining industry is critical to our future. Without fossil fuels for power generation, silicon chips for computer chips, fertiliser for bumper harvests, metal for cars and buildings, and many raw materials for other growing industries, our current standard of living could not be maintained. This stream offers detailed knowledge of mining operations and mineral systems. You will learn about the principal types of ore deposits, the fundamentals of mineral exploration, collecting and displaying geophysical data, geochemical processes and magnetics theory, among other topics. This stream provides specialised technical and professional training for graduates in geology or closely related disciplines.

Career opportunities

This course can open up a wide range of geoscience career opportunities depending on your choice of units.

Credit for previous study

Applications for recognition of prior learning (RPL) are assessed on an individual basis.

Other notes

There is considerable flexibility in the course structure with some units available in a concentrated, short-course format. Part of the research project may be undertaken in a short, intensive period.

2016 Curtin International Scholarships: Merit Scholarship

Curtin University is an inspiring, vibrant, international organisation, committed to making tomorrow better. It is a beacon for innovation, driving advances in technology through high-impact research and offering more than 100 practical, industry-aligned courses connecting to workplaces of tomorrow.

Ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2015, the University is also ranked 25th in the world for universities under the age of 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2015 Curtin also received an overall five-star excellence rating in the QS stars rating.

Curtin University strives to give high achieving international students the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised education through offering the Merit Scholarship. The Merit Scholarship will give you up to 25 per cent of your first year tuition fees and if you enrol in an ELB program at Curtin English before studying at Curtin, you will also receive a 10 per cent discount on your Curtin English fees.

For full details and terms and conditions of this scholarship, please visit: curtin.edu/int-scholarships and click on Merit.

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Please note: From 23 May 2017 we are not making any further offers on this course (starting in September) due to a high demand. However, you can still submit an application for review. If you meet the usual entry requirements, we will hold your application until we can assess whether further places can be offered. This will likely be the end of July-early August 2017 when we can be more confident of numbers. Please contact our [email protected] if you have any questions.

This course provides concentrated one-year training in engineering geology and related geotechnical subjects to prepare you for professional practice in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering.

It gives you a grounding in the application of geological principles to a wide range of fields appropriate to civil and mining engineering.

Studying engineering geology will provide you with excellent job opportunities as a result of high calibre academic training, as well as the development of strong skills in terms of both critical and independent thought and team work.

Most of our graduates join environmental consulting companies and consulting engineers, while others go on to PhD studies.

Engineering Geologists

Engineering Geologists are found worldwide working on a wide range of problems, from foundation and mine design to the assessment of seismic and landslide risk.

Their understanding of how groundwater and pollutants travel through the ground may impact on the safe design and construction of excavations and waste disposal sites.

They use geological and geomorphological mapping to identify geological hazards and allow for safe development. Their understanding of the ground and how it responds to static and dynamic loads can influence safe and sustainable siting and design of engineering structures.

It is vital that we design and build in a manner which is safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective and sensitive to climate change.

Engineering geologists, with a unique understanding of the ground, and a broad appreciation of rates of geological processes over engineering time, are intimately involved in this process.

Course highlights:

• Your teaching will be delivered by the School of Earth and Environment with substantial input from the School of Civil Engineering.
• The University frequently hosts the Yorkshire Geotechnical Group (Institution of Civil Engineers) and is involved with the Yorkshire Regional Group of the Geological Society.
• Complete a 4 month individual dissertation project often involving organisations outside the University such as consulting engineers, civil engineering contractors and the British Geological Survey.
• The School's £23m building gives you access to world-class research, teaching and laboratory facilities, many of which will be available to you throughout your studies.

Benefit from our strong connections with industry:

• We have been training Engineering Geologists over 50 years and maintain links with alumni who can be found in many companies across the globe.
• Industry colleagues contribute to the taught programme and an Industry Advisory Board informs the content of this course.

Accreditation

When you choose a degree with accredited status, you can be assured that the teaching is of the highest standard. The quality and relevance of our teaching has been recognised by an independent body of academics and industrialists through our Geological Society of London Professional Accreditation.

If you have an appropriate degree, our Geological Society accreditation will reduce the amount of experience required for you to reach Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status, an important career step in Geoscience.

Our designation as a “Technical MSc” through Engineering Council means that if you have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree, the degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). In addition the degree is also an accredited European Engineering degree. 

Course content

You will take 2 terms of lectures (class and computer-based practical work) and laboratory classes, followed by approximately 4 months of individual work, leading to the submission of a dissertation. You will also take part in supervised fieldtrips and ground investigation and construction site visits.

You can also study this course part-time. Please contact the [email protected] if you are already working within the industry, we can discuss possible routes to allow continued employment.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Geological Investigation and Characterisation 30 credits
• Soils Engineering 30 credits
• Rock Engineering 30 credits
• Engineering Geology: Dissertation Project 60 credits
• Hydrogeology and Contaminant Processes 15 credits
• Hazards, Resilience and Sustainable Engineering 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Engineering Geology MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Engineering Geology MSc Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

You will be taught via lectures, individual and group class-based practicals, laboratory practicals, field courses and independent project work.

Facilities

• Access your own dedicated computing suite for use by Masters students only.
• Collect and interpret data related to the geotechnical and mining sectors around the world in our Geotechnical and Engineering geology laboratories.
• Carry out soil and rock description and testing including uniaxial, triaxial testing, direct shear tests, slake durability and permeability tests all to ISRM, CIRIA, EuroCode and other recognised standards.
• For independent project work, access state-of-the-art methods for establishing the composition of rocks and soils through thin section analysis, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electon Microscopy and other advanced techniques.
• Use a suite of industry-standard software packages including RocScience, ArcGIS and gINT.

Assessment

You will be assessed on your written and oral assignments, field-based assessments and exams, as well as seminars and a dissertation project.

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The programme provides specialist analytical, design and management skills. The MSc provides skill enhancement for engineers and geologists already employed in the mining, minerals, quarrying and civil engineering industries. It is also suitable for geology and engineering graduates wishing to specialise in either of the following main study areas: mine and general management; excavation (geotechnics and tunnelling).

Taught modules take place at the Camborne School of Mines; projects are often company-based.

This degree is professionally accredited under licence from the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree.

Programme Structure

You can either study the course full time over a year or part-time over 3 years.

Compulsory modules

The compulsory modules can include; Project and Dissertation; Excavation and Geomechanics; Health and Safety in the Extractive Industry; Economics, Processing & Environment and Project Management

Optional modules

Some examples of the optional modules are; Surface Excavation Design; Resource Estimation; Tunnelling and Underground Excavation; Production and Cost Estimation; Mine Planning and Design; Geomechanics Computer Modelling for Excavation Design and Soil and Water Contamination.

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. For up to date information please see the website at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/mining-engineering/msc-mining-engineering/#Programme-structure

Learning and teaching

The taught part of the programme is structured into two terms. Field visits and practical field-based assignments are used, where appropriate, to emphasise key areas within each module.

For the award of the Masters (MSc), you must pass four modules and complete a project and dissertation. To obtain a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), you must pass two modules and a project with dissertation.
Students are encouraged to undertake projects directly linked with industry, which may result in industrial placements for their project period.

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Why take this course?

Engineering geological expertise is critical to all types of civil engineering projects such as tunnels, dams, mines, quarries, offshore platforms and wind farms.

This course provides you with the advanced skills to carry out detailed investigations into surface and subsurface geology, identification of adverse ground conditions and the design of suitable remedial measures of engineering structures.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Be taught by internationally recognised experts with extensive expertise in engineering geology and geotechnics
Gain experience of environmental assessment techniques, plus a range of other skills such as mapping using GIS, GPS and remote sensing technologies
Go on numerous fieldtrips, both locally and overseas, to undergo specialist field training

What opportunities might it lead to?

This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London. It offers advanced professional and scientific training providing an accelerated route for you to attain Chartered Status, such as Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) on graduation.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Aid organisations
Environmental organisations
Offshore work
Civil sector roles
Mining
Insurance companies

Module Details

You can opt to take this course in full-time or part-time mode.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part comprises of the lecture, workshop, practical and field work elements of the course, followed by a five-month independent research project. The course is a mixture of taught units and research project covering topics including site investigation, soil mechanics and rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering design, contaminated land, slope stability and rock engineering.

Here are the units you will study:

Rock and Soil Mechanics: These topics are integral to the role of an engineering geologist. You will gain an advanced understanding of the geo-mechanical behaviour of rocks and soils and how they behave under different geotechnical design scenarios. You will also develop key skills in the assessment, description and testing of geological materials in order to understand and quantify their behaviour, using current British and Eurocode standards.

Soil and Rock Engineering: This unit will give you an advanced understanding of engineering and design in soils and rock masses, including fundamental design principles associated with common geotechnical solutions encountered on engineering geological and civil engineering projects.

Contaminated Land and Groundwater: These are important considerations in all types of construction and so an understanding of both is essential. You will learn key techniques for the identification and assessment of contaminated land and groundwater resources in an engineering geological context.

Ground Models: You will train in the development of geological ground models and geomorphological terrain models within the content of engineering geological practice, essential parts of any investigation.

Ground Investigation Techniques: You will gain advanced experience of ground investigation using invasive techniques, in-situ tests and geophysical methods – essential to an engineering geologist's skill base.

Landslides and Slope Instability: On this unit you will develop an advanced understanding of landslide systems, types of slides in soils and rocks and methods for identification and numerical analysis.

Field Reconnaissance and Geomorphological Mapping: The techniques covered on this unit are integral to the course and an essential skill for any graduate wishing to work in this area. You will have fieldwork training in techniques such as geomorphological mapping and walk-over surveys combined with interpretation of remote sensing and aerial photography imagery.

Spatial Analysis and Remote Sensing: On this unit you will cover the key tools for terrain evaluation and be trained in the acquisition and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery, and the integration and analysis of spatial datasets using GIS.

Independent Research Project: This give you the opportunity to undertake an original piece of research to academic or industrial standards, typically in collaboration with research staff in the department or external industry partners. In addition to submission of a thesis report, you also present the results of your project at the annual postgraduate conference held at the end of September.

Programme Assessment

The course provides a balanced structure of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You will learn through hands-on practical sessions designed to give you the skills in laboratory, computer and field techniques. The course also includes extensive field work designed to provide field mapping and data collection skills.

Assessment is varied, aimed at developing skills relevant to a range of working environments. Here’s how we assess your work:

Poster and oral presentations
Project reports
Literature reviews
Lab reports
Essays

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This course is designed for those who have completed an undergraduate geoscience degree and wish to enhance their career prospects with an additional qualification and for graduates of related disciplines thinking of a geoscience career.

In this course you will undertake one of three majors to suit your interest area and career aspirations: basin analysis and petroleum, mineral exploration and mining. These majors cater for the minerals, groundwater and petroleum employment areas.

To complete the course you will take a range of coursework units in your chosen specialty and at least one individual research project involving practical laboratory work and/or fieldwork.

Career opportunities

Graduates who complete the basin and analysis and petroleum, mineral exploration, mining or environment geoscience majors are trained specifically for employment in the minerals, groundwater or petroleum industries.
Graduates without an undergraduate qualification in geology or a closely related field may need to undertake further study at master level before embarking on a geoscience career.

Credit for previous study

Applications for recognition of prior learning (RPL) are assessed on an individual basis.

Other notes

There is considerable flexibility in the course structure with some units available in a concentrated, short-course format. Part of the research project may be undertaken in a short, intensive period.

2016 Curtin International Scholarships: Merit Scholarship

Curtin University is an inspiring, vibrant, international organisation, committed to making tomorrow better. It is a beacon for innovation, driving advances in technology through high-impact research and offering more than 100 practical, industry-aligned courses connecting to workplaces of tomorrow.

Ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2015, the University is also ranked 25th in the world for universities under the age of 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2015 Curtin also received an overall five-star excellence rating in the QS stars rating.

Curtin University strives to give high achieving international students the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised education through offering the Merit Scholarship. The Merit Scholarship will give you up to 25 per cent of your first year tuition fees and if you enrol in an ELB program at Curtin English before studying at Curtin, you will also receive a 10 per cent discount on your Curtin English fees.

For full details and terms and conditions of this scholarship, please visit: curtin.edu/int-scholarships and click on Merit.

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Why take this course?

The UK has a significant legacy of contaminants as a consequence of a long history of industrial activity. These pollutants can pose a major risk to human health and the environment.

This course is designed to provide you with the particular expertise required for dealing with contaminated sites. Such expertise is essential to ensuring we maintain habitable, safe and sustainable communities.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Use our state-of-the-art geological and geotechnic labs for practical work
Get hands-on experience of using instruments such as GPS, Total Stations and 3D laser scanners
Be taught by recognised experts with extensive knowledge in groundwater hydrology, environmental geology and contaminated land

What opportunities might it lead to?

We will give you the knowledge and practical skills to ensure an interesting and rewarding career in the specialist area of contaminated land consultancy, regulation and remediation, both in the UK and overseas.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Environmental organisations
Geotechnical consultancies
Mining companies
Local authorities
Government agencies

Module Details

You can opt to take this course in full-time or part-time mode. The course is divided into three parts. The first two comprise the taught units of the course covering the key conceptual, institutional and applied bases of the subject. The third focuses on your dissertation.

This course covers a mixture of topics including: groundwater hydrology, geochemistry, site investigation, geotechnics and contaminated land assessment.

Here are the units you will study:

Soil Mechanics: This unit is fundamental to understanding how contaminants behave and migrate in the ground. You will gain an advanced understanding of the geo-mechanical behaviour of soils, including the description and testing of soils to UK and international standards.

Desk Studies and Ground Models: These are an integral part of any contaminated land assessment. You will have training in the development of geological ground models and geomorphological terrain models through desk studies, walk-over surveys and site investigation.

Ground Investigation Techniques: You will gain advanced knowledge of ground investigation using invasive techniques, in-situ tests and geophysical methods.

Contaminated Land Risk Assessments: You will learn key techniques for site assessment, analytical testing and risk assessment.

Field Reconnaissance and Walk-Over Survey: This unit covers techniques which are integral to the course and an essential skill for any graduate wishing to work in this area. You will have fieldwork training in techniques such as walk-over surveys combined with interpretation of remote sensing and aerial photography imagery.

Spatial Analysis and Remote Sensing: You will learn integration and analysis of spatial datasets using GIS and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery - key tools for terrain evaluation.

Independent Research Project: This provides an opportunity for you to undertake an original piece of research to academic or industrial standards, typically in collaboration with research staff in the department or external industry partners. In addition to submission of a thesis report, you also present the results of your project at the annual postgraduate conference held at the end of September.

Programme Assessment

The course provides a balanced structure of lectures, workshops and practical laboratory work. You will generally be taught in small classes, providing an informal, friendly and supportive atmosphere for your studies.

Assessment is varied, aimed at developing skills relevant to a range of working environments. Here’s how we assess your work:

Poster and oral presentations
Project reports
Essays
Laboratory reports

Student Destinations

Contaminated land is listed as one of the key areas in which the UK has a skills shortage. This fact, combined with the vocational nature of this course, means that you will be in high demand from employers looking for newly qualified contaminated land specialists. You will find the majority of such roles in the environmental consultancy sector.

This course will provide you with a variety of transferable skills such as project planning, literature and data reviewing, report writing, along with the more general skills of presentation, communication and so on. It also has strong research and analytical components, ideal if you wish to pursue further research to PhD level.

We aim to provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.

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The University of British Columbia Geological Engineering programme is a postgraduate course awarding a research-based Master of Applied Science or a taught Master of Engineering.

Students complete training and research projects according to their qualification pathway.

Program Overview

The Geological Engineering Program is intended for students interested in the application of earth sciences principles to engineering problems. While most geological engineering degree programs are based in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, students may also base their studies in allied Applied Science departments such as Civil or Mining Engineering. The program is highly interdisciplinary and draws upon courses, laboratories, and faculty members from the departments of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Forestry, Geography, and others. Graduate students are often co-supervised by faculty members from different departments.

Geological engineering faculty members in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences have research interests in the following general areas:

- landslides, debris flows, engineering geology, slope stability

- groundwater hydrology, groundwater contamination and remediation, reactive transport modeling, environmental geochemistry

- rock engineering, rock slopes, and tunneling

Other research areas include geotechnical engineering, environmental geology, engineering geology, economic geology, and applied geophysics. The specific fields of study may involve geomorphology and terrain analysis, groundwater hydrology, natural hazards, slope stability, petroleum and coal geology, coalbed methane, mineral prospecting and valuation, and other similar subjects. Students are encouraged to consult individual faculty members for information about current research areas.

Admission to graduate studies in geological engineering is open only to students with an undergraduate degree in engineering or, at the discretion of the program director, to students with sufficient engineering work experience.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Applied Science (research-based), Master of Engineering (course-based, 1 year)

- Specialization: Geological Engineering

- Subject: Engineering

- Mode of delivery: On campus

- Faculty: Faculty of Science

Funding

The following postgraduate funding may be available to study Geological Engineering at the University of British Columbia.

Canadian postgraduate funding

• Our guide to Masters funding in Canada explains options for Canadian and international students.

Funding from FindAMasters:

• FindAMasters Scholarships – Offering up to £5,000 to new UK, EU and international postgraduates. 

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