Program Overview
Extractive Metallurgy Major (BSc Science)
Overview
Extractive metallurgists are needed to extract and purify metals and other products from ores obtained through mining operations. To undertake these roles, they require a strong understanding of chemistry, mineralogy, and environmental science.
In this course, you will learn to develop, optimise, and manage the operations of metallurgical processing plants – which transform low-value raw materials into mineral and metal products – in economical and environmentally responsible ways.
You’ll cover the chemical, physical, economic, environmental, and sustainable principles and practices for the extraction of metals from ores.
Your first year of study will be at our main campus, Curtin Perth, and you will complete your second year at either Curtin Perth or Curtin Kalgoorlie. Your final year will be at Curtin Kalgoorlie, where you can maximise your exposure to industry and potential employers.
Double degrees
To extend your expertise and career opportunities, you can study Extractive Metallurgy as a double degree with Chemical Engineering.
How this course will make you industry ready
Curtin has well-equipped laboratories for immersive learning, and there are excellent vacation work and graduate employment programs.
What jobs can the Extractive Metallurgy course lead to?
Careers
- Metallurgist
- Process metallurgist
- Processing consultant
Industries
- Minerals and mining
- Resources research and development
Further qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Master of Professional Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering)
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
What you'll learn
- have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in metallurgy that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of metallurgy, GC1
- can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to metallurgy, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within metallurgy, GC2
- understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in metallurgy using digital technologies, GC3
- can gather and interpret relevant data within metallurgy to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with metallurgy, and how these impact upon the practice of metallurgy, GC4
- understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of metallurgy, GC5
- display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6
Professional recognition and accreditation
This course is recognised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), and graduates may be eligible for membership of AusIMM.
Admission criteria
What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.
Select an option that best suits you:
- Recently left high school
- Work and life experience
- TAFE or apprenticeship
- Current or previous University experience
- I’m not sure
You’re considered a high school leaver if you:
- Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
- Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.
ATAR pathway
- Guaranteed ATAR: 70
This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70
- Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.
- Mathematics Applications ATAR
- Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects
High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.
There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Alternative pathways
- UniReady
If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.
- Certificate IV + English Competency
The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency and check that you meet any extra subject prerequisites (where applicable).
- STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.
STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
How others gained admission
View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.
To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.
Application Requirements
You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:
You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
Pathways
- STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.
STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Application Requirements
You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
Pathways
- TAFE entry
To meet the entry criteria with VET studies you need to have:
- AQF Certificate IV – Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required
- Met the Mathematics Applications ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)
- STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.
STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Application Requirements
You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:
Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.
Curtin course switcher criteria
Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses at Curtin. Please check our general admission criteria.
In addition, you need to have:
- Met the Mathematics Applications ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent).
Prerequisite Information The Mathematics Applications ATAR can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
- MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
- MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
- MATH1015 Linear Algebra
Higher education course switcher criteria
Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider. Please check our general admission criteria.
In addition, you need to have:
- Met the Mathematics Applications ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Application Requirements
Unsure what option suits you?
We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.
Fees and scholarships
Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Other requirements and notes for this course
July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)
Use your experience to get credit towards your degree
Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.
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