MSc Minerals Processing
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:2 honours degree |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Minerals Processing at Exeter?
- Benefit from teaching that is informed by our leading research in Mining and Minerals Engineering
- Taught by the internationally established Camborne School of Mines (CSM), a combined mining school and geoscience department
- Explore the responsible management of mineral development
- Delivered by mining experts and aligned with industry needs, you’ll be prepared for a career in a variety of multi-disciplinary roles across the sector
- Gain the knowledge and skills to become a Mineral Process Engineer, and play a vital role in societal progression by feeding innovation and creating products
Top 30 in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering
QS University World Subject Rankings 2026
Leading research facilities include a £3.5 million investment Critical Minerals Equipment Hub for minerals processing and analysis
Top 10 in the UK for Geology
6th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and 8th in the Complete University Guide 2027
2nd in the UK for Mineral and Mining Engineering
QS World University Subject Rankings 2026
This degree has been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) under licence from the UK regulator, 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. See www.iom3.org for further information.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Engineering Council list of accredited degrees. See www.engc.org.uk for further information.
"The course immediately stood out to me because of its specialist focus and the strong reputation of Camborne School of Mines. My background in Chemistry also influenced my decision, as I wanted to build on my scientific knowledge while gaining a deeper understanding of the mining and minerals industry."
"I am currently working on my dissertation, which focuses on the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) process for gold recovery. One of the aspects I have enjoyed most is working with real plant data and applying the knowledge gained during my studies to an actual industrial process.
Studying at Exeter has helped me develop both academically and personally. Moving from Ghana to the UK and adapting to a different academic system was initially challenging, but it helped me become more independent, resilient, and confident in my abilities. Looking back, the experience has contributed significantly to my personal growth. The support available at Exeter has been excellent. The lecturers are approachable, welcoming, and always willing to provide guidance whenever needed. Their support has helped me overcome challenges, build confidence and make the most of my studies throughout the programme.
One of the highlights of my time at Exeter was attending PDAC in Canada, which was my first international mining conference. It was an exciting opportunity to learn more about the global mining industry and gain insight into the many career paths available within the sector. Meeting professionals from different backgrounds broadened my perspective and helped me understand the opportunities that exist within mining and metallurgy.
I believe the knowledge, practical experience, and industry exposure I have gained through the MSc Minerals Processing programme have provided a strong foundation for my future career."
Adelia
MSc Minerals Processing
Entry requirements
A good honours degree, normally above a 2:2, in a science, earth or environmental science, engineering or maths-based subject, from a recognised university.
Students applying with Turkish Government sponsorship/funding need to include their project topic as part of the application.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
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 IELTS 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
The modules below 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 note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Project and Dissertation | 60 | |
| Health and Safety in the Extractive Industry | 15 | |
| Economics, Processing and Environment | 15 | |
| Soil and Water Contamination | 15 | |
| Comminution, Flotation and Physical Separation | 15 | |
| Extractive Metallurgy | 15 | |
| Process Modelling, Design and Optimisation | 15 | |
| Mine Waste Characterisation, Prediction and Treatment | 15 | |
| Geometallurgy and Resource Modelling | 15 | |
| CSM Professionalism Year 4 and MSc | 0 | |
CSMM118: Project and Dissertation
This module gives you the chance to showcase the skills you have developed in previous modules by carrying out an independent research project.
You will collect, analyse (using previously acquired data and/or data collected as part of the project), interpret and discuss geological, exploration, mining or related environmental data, and come up with conclusions and recommendations.
The project must be of research value within an industrial or academic setting. The dissertation must also show an in-depth understanding of the background to the research topic.
The project will require you to put in at least 10 weeks of individual work, followed by a writing up period to compile a dissertation.
We will provide you with a handbook on planning and executing the research project and writing the dissertation. You must prepare a dissertation for submission by the end of August. You should aim to report in no more than 80 pages (for core text/diagrams from Introduction to Conclusions, i.e. excluding contents page, references etc.) and 20 pages additional appendices.
CSMM131: Health and Safety in the Extractive Industry
This module covers the key aspects of health and safety that future managers and engineers will need to know and will find useful in their future lives and careers. The course and material is biased towards the minerals industry and is pragmatic as well as academic in nature.
The aim of this course is to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to undertake health and safety related activities within an industrial (mining) environment These skills include writing policies, assessing risks and investigating accidents in their chosen occupations. The course will also acquaint you with the key items of health and safety legislation found in industry today.
CSMM135: Economics, Processing and Environment
The module provides the opportunity for graduates from a range of disciplines to study important aspects of the mining cycle. These include mineral economics, processing of mineral ores to produce concentrates or metal and environmental impacts and remediation techniques. When linked to other specific modules, it forms part of the specialist training for the MSc in Mining Engineering, Exploration and Mining Geology, Minerals Processing, Geotechnical Engineering and Mine Environmental Management.
This module aims to provide you with a broad understanding of both the macro-economic and the industry specific economic environment in which mines and projects operate and are evaluated. It introduces you to financial analysis and explores how technical and operational parameters influence the revenue stream and cost structure at mines.
This module has been designed to develop a systematic understanding of the unit processes used in minerals engineering and an appreciation of how these unit processes are combined to produce an overall treatment system for a range of minerals and metals.
This module familiarises the student with the legal and regulatory framework within which companies explore, exploit and manage mineral resources. It highlights the key environmental and societal impacts and issues arising from mineral exploration and exploitation and introduces concepts of Social Licence To Operate and Corporate Social Responsibility.
CSMM185: Soil and Water Contamination
This module will provide an overview of the occurrence, behaviour and fate of mine waste pollutants along with contemporary methodologies for their remediation. The fundamental properties of soil, groundwater and surface water will be covered along with an overview of the analytical techniques that are currently used to characterise mining derived pollutants within such matrices.
This module is suitable for students studying courses in geology, mining, engineering and environmental science. It is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways. No pre-requisite module is required.
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the causes, characteristics and hazards related to contaminated land (with particular focus within the mining sector) and of the practical approaches to its assessment and remediation. The module is enriched with case studies from the lecturers’ own research.
CSMM430: Comminution, Flotation and Physical Separation
The module gives graduates from a range of disciplines the opportunity to study the fundamentals of mineral processing. This module could be taken on its own to provide a valuable insight into one of the important processes in the mining cycle. When linked to other specific modules, it forms part of the specialist training for the MSc in Minerals Processing.
If you take this module, you should have a reasonable understanding of physical chemistry, and would benefit from a basic knowledge of mathematics and mineralogy. Support and guidance in self-study to improve understanding in these areas can be provided. This module is suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.
This module has been designed to develop a systematic understanding of the unit processes used in mineral processing and an appreciation of how these unit processes are combined to produce an overall treatment system for a range of minerals and metals. The latest innovations and trends in these subject areas will be discussed and critically assessed.
CSMM431: Extractive Metallurgy
This module aims to provide a systematic understanding of the background and application of extractive metallurgy, from mineral to metal, and its position within the mining value chain. This develops a critical awareness of current methods and techniques used for the recovery and separation of metals using metallurgical techniques.
You will learn about important factors influencing selection of processes such as leaching (including bio-leaching), smelting and electrowinning. Part of the module will be devoted to developing practical testwork skills in the mineral processing laboratory and you will write a technical report which describes the analysis of the experiments. The module also features a critical evaluation and understanding of literature and you will be given the opportuntiy to present your findings on a selected topic about the extraction of metal(s).
This module is suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways. Note that if you take this module, you should have a reasonable understanding of physical chemistry, and would benefit from a basic grasp of mineralogy.
CSMM435: Process Modelling, Design and Optimisation
Selection of equipment and design and optimisation of process circuits is covered in this module. The process involves the application of empirical models and of specialist software packages such as JKSimMet. The module will be assessed using design exercises.
1 To provide a comprehensive understanding of the techniques involved in the selection and sizing of a range of mineral processing equipment, including parameter selection;
2 To be able to undertake circuit optimization using specialist software programmes.
CSMM441: Mine Waste Characterisation, Prediction and Treatment
This module will provide students the opportunity to learn about the geochemical, mineralogical, geophysical and remote sensing techniques of mine waste characterisation, the methods used to predict their behaviour in the environment, the character of common mine waste types, and techniques of remediation. Students will be trained to use the geochemical modelling programme PHREEQC. This module is suitable for students studying courses in land and environmental management, geology, mining, engineering, geography and environmental science. It is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways. A basic understanding of chemistry (e.g. at GSCE level) is required, but no formal pre-requisites are needed.
The aim of the module is to provide an overview of the geochemical, mineralogical, geophysical and remote sensing techniques of mine waste characterisation and prediction, along with contemporary methodologies for their remediation. Topics covered will include (one sentence). The current state-of-the-art with regard to the characterisation of mine wastes and prediction of their effects using the popular geochemical code PHREEQC will be covered. The module will be underpinned by case studies from the Lecturers' own research and/or from industrial contacts.
CSMM445: Geometallurgy and Resource Modelling
The module provides an in-depth introduction to geometallurgy, an evolving discipline whose significance is increasingly recognised by practitioners. Geometallurgy is an over-arching subject which aims to enhance characterisation of a resource to support more efficient and effective extraction.
The student is familiarised with modelling of the spatial distribution of properties to define an in situ resource. Relevant properties are those which impact the feasibility and viability of extracting the ore. A prominent characteristic is the chemical composition with, as headline, the grade of constituent commodities. The chemical composition is routinely measured in sections of drillcore and translated into block volumes. Techniques for orebody definition through interpretation of drillcore data will be discussed and their application is demonstrated with computer tutorials and exercises.
It is widely accepted that grade alone, and its spatial distribution, does not fully determine the extraction potential of ore. Local variation in mineralogy and texture can influence the ore throughput time and metallurgical recovery in the processing plant, as well as the generation of residual products.
CSMM904: CSM Professionalism Year 4 and MSc
The aim of this module is to support students as they adapt to MSc study and prepare for industry and industry aligned research careers. This includes building an understanding of professional accreditation and bodies, and further support with successfully applying for graduate jobs. Additionally, it will foster a sense of academic belonging and community within the broader department.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£14,300 full-time
International fees per year:
£28,900 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Funding and scholarships
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 2026 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.
Teaching and research
With Camborne School of Mines' new MSc suites and the mineral processing laboratory, students will have access to exclusive resources to further their experience throughout their studies.
The programme will cover fundamental principles and latest innovations in a variety of subject areas, including minerals processing, extractive metallurgy, process mineralogy and geometallurgy. Transferrable and discipline specific studies will hold an equally important role in this programme, ensuring you not only develop the practical skills needed when in the field, but the strategic knowledge to develop an ethical understanding for the safe processing of minerals.
Personal tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, alongside support and mentorship from graduates who are now placed in the industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
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.
Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability
You will become part of Exeter's Graduate School of Environment & Sustainability - a vibrant and supportive postgraduate community based here on our Penryn campus in Cornwall. The Graduate School brings together experts from across the spectrum of earth and life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business. You will interact with students from other MScs and have the opportunity to explore issues from a range of perspectives, benefiting from a truly interdisciplinary experience. All our programmes are designed with a focus on developing solutions to global challenges and creating a better future for our planet and its people.
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 current Technical Director at Glencore
Graduate skills and destinations
The MSc in Minerals Processing will qualify graduates with both technical expertise and a solid understanding of the industry and business aspects; as well as additional complementary skills relating to communications, teamwork and problem solving.
CSM graduates have gone on to progress into higher level employment and management within the mining industry. Companies they have gone on to work for vary from Glencore, to Atlas and Vedanta Resources to First Quantum Minerals.
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
