Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-03-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The UNSW Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering enhances the knowledge and skills of professionals in the mining industry. It provides foundational study in mining engineering, equipping students with analytical problem-solving, planning, and management expertise. The program offers core courses and elective options, allowing students to specialize in areas such as mine safety, technology management, or environmental management. Graduates are well-positioned for various roles in the mining industry and can pursue further study in the Graduate Diploma or Master of Mining Engineering.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The UNSW Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering is a specialized professional development program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the mining industry or those seeking a career change. The program provides foundational study in mining engineering, enabling participants to continue their professional development in specialized areas. The program's objectives are to equip students with:
- Analytical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Expertise in the planning, management, and execution of mining engineering processes
- Understanding of the latest technologies and innovations in the mining industry
- Communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey complex ideas and collaborate with stakeholders
Outline:
The Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering comprises 24 units of credit and includes core and elective courses. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Core Courses:
- Engineering Postgraduate Coursework Research Skills
- Fundamentals of Mining Engineering
- Mine Processes, Systems, and Analysis
- Hazard Identification, Risk, and Safety Management in Mining
Prescribed Electives (select one):
- 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
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the specific courses and modules. However, common assessment tasks include:
- Assignments and projects
- Quizzes and tests
- Presentations
- Research papers
- Case studies
- Examinations
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals who are actively involved in research and consulting in the mining sector. The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Site visits
- Case study analysis
- Guest speakers from industry
Careers:
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Mining Engineering are well-positioned for various roles in the mining industry, including:
- Mining Engineer
- Mine Manager
- Mine Planner
- Mine Safety Officer
- Environmental Engineer
- Mineral Processing Engineer
- Technical Sales Representative The program also provides a pathway for further study, with graduates eligible to articulate into the Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering or Master of Mining Engineering upon satisfactory academic performance.
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.
