Program Overview

MSc Mining Environmental Management

Overview

Gain specialist expertise that’s centred on environmental geochemistry and mineralogy, as well as a multi-disciplinary skillset covering natural, engineering and social science aspects of mining environmental management. Taught by the internationally established Camborne School of Mines (CSM), a combined mining school and geoscience department. Undertake training in the management, remediation and mitigation of the environmental impacts of mining. Become an in-demand geoscientist helping mining companies and governments carry out mining as sustainably as possible, and protect the environment from its potentially negative impacts. Gain the knowledge and skills for a career in national and international mining and environment industries, consultancy, academia, and government or non-governmental organisation sectors.

Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree from a recognised university (typically a 2:2 or higher) in a science, earth or environmental science, engineering or maths based subject.
• Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

International Students

• 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

• The specific focus of the programme and specialist expertise provided will be centred on environmental geochemistry and mineralogy, but students will be provided with a multi-disciplinary skillset covering natural, engineering and social science aspects of mining environmental management.
• The course is based on a robust understanding of scientific and social science theory in the field of mining environmental management, and the practice and application of field, laboratory and computing skills. You will gain experience in acquiring, synthesising and critically evaluating data from a range of geochemical, mineralogical, remote sensing and social science databases.

Modules

• Compulsory modules:
  • CSMM443: Research Project and Scientific Article (90 credits)
  • CSMM135: Economics, Processing & Environment (15 credits)
  • CSMM185: Soil and Water Contamination (15 credits)
  • CSMM431: Extractive Metallurgy (15 credits)
  • CSMM441: Mine Waste Characterisation, Prediction and Treatment (15 credits)
  • CSMM442: Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development (15 credits)
  • CSMM452: GIS for Mineral Explorationists, Geospatial and Geoenvironmental Engineers (15 credits)
  • CSMM904: Professionalism (0 credits)

Fees

• 2025/26 entry:
  • UK fees per year:
    • £14,300 full-time
    • £7,150 part-time (where available)
  • International fees per year:
    • £28,600 full-time
    • £14,300 part-time (where available)

Scholarships

• The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships. 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 University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone taught Masters degree (eg MA, MSc, MRes, MFA, LLM, PGCert, PGDip) or research degree (eg MPhil, PhD) with us a scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees. These scholarships are worth 20% of the first year tuition fee for students enrolling on a postgraduate taught or research programme of study in 2025/26. Full details can be found here.

Fieldwork

• On the Mining Environmental Management MSc, you will receive practical experience of working with the environment industry and on real-case mining environmental issues.
• 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 mining environmental management sectors.
• Field visits and practical field-based assignments are used, where appropriate, to emphasise key areas within each module.
• You will spend a good proportion of your time in the field, visiting various high-profile sites affected by metal mining. This hands-on experience will provide you with expertise in multiple areas, such as site evaluation, water and stream sediment sampling, soil sampling, and assessing natural geochemical processes.

Teaching and Research

• The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical activities, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation.
• Field visits and practical field-based assignments are used, where appropriate, to emphasise key areas within each module.
• The taught part of the programme is structured into two semesters.
• 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.
• 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

• This MSc in Mining Environmental Management offers a unique opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in theory and technologies in the environmental management before, during and after mining. You will gain the knowledge and skill needed to work in relevant roles across sectors including the national and international mining and environment industries, consultancy, academia, and government or non-governmental organisations.
• Reputational and networking benefits: A unique benefit of studying at Camborne School of Mines is the community and connections 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.
• Graduate skills and destinations: In addition, a degree form 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.
• 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.