Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering
A flexible pathway into Mining Engineering.
Domestic
International
The Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering offers further study in mining engineering and the opportunity for professional development in less than a year.
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
0.7 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
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.
Key features
You'll be studying in the renowned UNSW School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, providing you with industry-led professional development and world-class equipment. When you study a Graduate Certificate in Mining you may be eligible to articulate to a Graduate Diploma Mining Engineering and then to a Masters in Mining Engineering.
Courses in this program may be delivered in either block mode (face-to-face or online) or offered fully online which allows you to balance continuing work with study.
Note: This program does not have CRICOS registration; it is not available for study on a Student Visa. International students on alternate visas may apply.
Why study at UNSW?
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.
Program Code
7335
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
24
Indicative Enrolments
27
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Entry requirements
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.
Additional Selection Criteria
Additional selection criteria for admission to this program:
- Portfolio
- Interview
- CV
A portfolio is to be provided to support the application for postgraduate coursework study, including the following:
- A cover letter explaining your motivation to work in the mining industry and proposed study program at UNSW. The letter should tell us about your interests and achievements and be no more than 400 words.
- A CV that provides information on industry responsibility including employer, dates employed in each position and a description of the position roles (no more than 50 words for each position).
- Information that demonstrates aptitude for learning and relevant experience including evidence and details of employer sponsored training and Vocational Education and Training (VET). This may include brief summaries (no more than 2,000 words total) of selected projects outlining your leadership and/or substantial contribution. Projects may include one or more of the following examples: mine safety responsibility, mine planning and production responsibility, technical or financial evaluations and reports (eg. risk management, strata control or slope stability or environmental assessments).
- Contact details of two referees, including at least one past or current employer. A letter from an employer verifying the role performed would be highly regarded to support the consideration of relevant industry experience.
- Certificates of relevant training including VET.
The portfolio is to be provided in electronic format directly to the UNSW School of Mining Engineering (postgrad.mining@unsw.edu.au) at the same time that your application for postgraduate coursework study is submitted to UNSW Apply Online. No hardcopy portfolios will be accepted. An entry interview may be required.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
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.
Additional Selection Criteria
Additional selection criteria for admission to this program:
- Portfolio
- Interview
- CV
A portfolio is to be provided to support the application for postgraduate coursework study, including the following:
- A cover letter explaining your motivation to work in the mining industry and proposed study program at UNSW. The letter should tell us about your interests and achievements and be no more than 400 words.
- A CV that provides information on industry responsibility including employer, dates employed in each position and a description of the position roles (no more than 50 words for each position).
- Information that demonstrates aptitude for learning and relevant experience including evidence and details of employer sponsored training and Vocational Education and Training (VET). This may include brief summaries (no more than 2,000 words total) of selected projects outlining your leadership and/or substantial contribution. Projects may include one or more of the following examples: mine safety responsibility, mine planning and production responsibility, technical or financial evaluations and reports (eg. risk management, strata control or slope stability or environmental assessments).
- Contact details of two referees, including at least one past or current employer. A letter from an employer verifying the role performed would be highly regarded to support the consideration of relevant industry experience.
- Certificates of relevant training including VET.
The portfolio is to be provided in electronic format directly to the UNSW School of Mining Engineering (postgrad.mining@unsw.edu.au) at the same time that your application for postgraduate coursework study is submitted to UNSW Apply Online. No hardcopy portfolios will be accepted. An entry interview may be required.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This degree is designed to give you a global outlook on the mining sector as a whole, helping you understand international perspectives relevant to mining. You’ll also learn to critically evaluate contemporary debates in Mining Engineering.
Your study will include core courses such as:
- Engineering Postgraduate Coursework Research Skills
- Fundamentals of Mining Engineering
- Mine Processes, Systems and Analysis
- Hazard Identification, Risk and Safety Management in Mining
You can choose from 11 electives including:
- Mining and Resource Law
- Technology and Management in Mining
- Environmental Management for the Mining Industry
- Mineral Processing
- Mine Ventilation
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
The Graduate Certificate in Mining is a program made of up 24 units of credit. It consists of four courses, that can be studied in a full-time or part-time load.
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Mining you may be eligible to articulate into the Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering or Master of Mining Engineering.
-
- Fundamentals of Mining Engineering
- Mine Processes, Systems and Analysis
- Hazard Identification, Risk and Safety Management in Mining
- Postgraduate Coursework Research Skills for Engineers
-
- Mining and Resources Law
- Technology Management in Mining
- Management Systems – Projects, Processes, Contracts, Contractors
- Mine Geology and Geophysics for Mining Operations
- Environmental Management for the Mining Industry
- Advanced Mineral Economics and Project Evaluation
- Mineral Processing
- Mine Design and Feasibility
- Mine Water and Waste Management
- Uranium Mining Fundamentals
- Mine Ventilation
Future careers
Our graduates work with advanced technologies that support clean energy and the efficient supply of mineral resources. They’re innovators, taking these new ideas and technologies into their industries and driving change.
Depending on your prior study and areas of specialisation there are a number of unique roles in the Mineral Energy Engineering Resources sector you can pursue. By combining a Graduate Certificate in Mining with an Bachelor’s degree from a related discipline you can give yourself a unique skillset that sets you apart from other mining graduates.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$18,240*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$18,240*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$24,120*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$24,120*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
