| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2024 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Mining Engineering |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:1 Honours degree |
|---|---|
Overview
- Taught by the internationally established Camborne School of Mines (CSM), a combined mining school and geoscience department
- Designed to provide advanced specialised training for earth science graduates, leading to excellent employment opportunities in the extractive industry
- Attain a comprehensive understanding of the role of a geoscientist working in the mining industry, and learn new skills including geological and geotechnical mapping, surveying, mineral exploration, ore microscopy, ore deposit modelling and mine planning
- Gain knowledge in mineral resource estimation and grade control, mineral extraction and management, mining law and the environmental impact of mining
- Study taught modules over two semesters and undertake individual projects throughout the summer vacation, often as industrial placements with a mining/exploration company.
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Mining and Geology postgraduate taught courses at the University of Exeter
Top 5 in the UK for Geology
5th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Leading research facilities include £2 million analytical mineralogy labs and an automated QEMSCAN scanning electron microscope; the first in any university worldwide
Multidisciplinary expertise in mining and minerals engineering, geology and surveying
Based on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall, a beautiful and diverse county with amazing geosites on your doorstep
Accreditations
Our programmes are accredited by The Geological Society which is the first step on the ladder to Chartered Geologist status after graduation.
The masters course at CSM is one of the very few that really prepares you for industry. In my experience it was well focused and I see the benefits of what we studied in almost every day of work. In addition to this the alumni seem to take care of their own. Being a CSM graduate opens doors due to the overwhelming respect for the degrees they offer within the industry.
Michael Round - MSc Mining Geology, 2014
Project Geologist (Exploration) – Taurus Gold Ltd – Ivory Coast.
Entry requirements
Applicants will be selected on the basis of being predicted or achieved a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Geology. Consideration will also be given to appropriate equivalent professional qualifications and training on a case-by-case basis.
Students applying with Turkish Government sponsorship/funding need to include their project topic as part of the application.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This course is designed to provide advanced specialised training for earth science and geology graduates seeking employment in the mining industry. You will attain a comprehensive understanding of the role of a geoscientist working in mineral exploration, resource estimation, production geology and environmental aspects of mining. You will learn new skills including geological and geotechnical mapping, exploration techniques, ore microscopy, ore deposit modelling and geostatistics.
You will study 180 credits to obtain an MSc and 120 credits for a PgDip.
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.
Fees
2024/25 entry
UK fees per year:
£15,900 full-time
International fees per year:
£30,200 full-time
The Richard Osman Memorial Fund Scholarship
These scholarships will enable up to two talented UK students studying on the MSc Mining Geology programme to become distinguished Richard Osman Scholars. The successful candidates will receive a bursary covering their tuition fees in full, and a generous stipend of £12,000 toward living costs.
Find out more about this scholarship.
LME Scholarship
Two scholarships worth £26,500 each are available to students who have had an application accepted to one of the Camborne School of Mines MSc programmes for September 2024 entry. This scholarship programme is funded by a generous donation from London Metal Exchange (LME). As part of the scholarships the successful candidates will have the opportunity to undertake mentoring with LME staff and to work with LME on their dissertation project. Find out more.
Scholarships
We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.
Fieldwork
On the Mining Geology MSc you will receive a great deal of practical experience of working within the minerals industry. The programme aims to produce high quality graduates who can enjoy high employment rates and easy transition into further PhD study. Emphasis remains on applied teaching and research relevant to careers in the earth resources and renewables sectors. Field visits and practical field-based assignments are used, where appropriate, to emphasise key areas within each module.
You will spend a significant proportion of your time in the field during the autumn term and over the Easter period and are required to participate in an international field trip to visit mines and exploration projects in a major mining region.
Your project runs from May until September. These projects can be located worldwide - previous students have undertaken projects on six continents, including countries such as Ireland, Greenland, Canada, Chile, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Australia.
You will work on a discrete problem for 4 months, with access to field area and facilities fundamentally governing the timing of the project. You will often participate in designing the project with a sponsor, who in turn provides you with help and support during the project. CSM also provides support via supervision, software and laboratories.
Teaching and research
Taught modules are presented over two semesters. 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' laboratories, mineral processing pilot plant, and the superb field geology and extractive industry operations in South West England.
A research and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Studying in Cornwall has been really good. The facilities are great, there are several different types of labs, a lot of space for learning and loads of learning resources. The lecturers are always really helpful, supportive and there when you need them.
The MSc Mining Geology programme has been really good as it covers all the aspects of all the different types of Geology. I’ve been able to learn a broad range of skills and the field trips have been great.
Omolara
MSc Mining Geology
Careers
Reputational and networking benefits
A unique benefit studying at Camborne School of Mines is the community and relations you will gain both during, and after your studies. Camborne School of Mines has a world-class reputation and excellent alumni network, allowing our graduates to prosper in their respective fields in all corners of the globe:
“I have worked in many places around the world and have yet to visit a country where I could not find at least one CSM graduate. In fact, there are normally several and they can often be found in influential positions.”
Tim Henderson, CSM Graduate and Mining Consultant
Graduate skills and destinations
In addition, a degree from Camborne School of Mines will teach the necessary technical skills and theoretical knowledge required, as well as additional complementary skills relating to communications, teamwork and problem solving. We have excellent rates of graduate employment, with many postgraduates working overseas.
Graduates of this programme have gone on to enjoy careers as mining and production geologists, exploration geologists, engineering and environmental geologists. Our graduates have gone to work for some exceptional companies such as Northern Star Resources, First Quantum Minerals, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, and SRK Consulting.
Support and opportunities
The Career Zone (CAS) at our Cornwall Campus provides high-quality careers information and guidance to students of all disciplines. Our experienced careers team can give you individual support whilst you are at the University and after you have graduated.
Services include talks, confidential careers interviews and an extensive careers library of reference books, magazines and journals. A new computer suite is also available for accessing online careers information, vacancy services and specialist software on, for example, sources of funding for courses and worldwide volunteering.
The CAS can help you to identify attractive jobs, careers paths and employers and assist with your CV, interview technique and identifying work experience placements
