Exploration and Mining Geology MSc

Program Overview

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MSc Exploration and Mining Geology

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, mineral exploration, ore microscopy, and ore deposit modelling.

Gain knowledge in mineral resource estimation and grade control, mineral extraction and management, and the environmental impact of mining.

Undertake individual research projects throughout the summer period, often as industrial placements with a mining/exploration company.

Progress into careers in the national and international exploration and mining sectors, and gain transferable skills used in the broader geotechnical, site investigation and environmental industries.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be selected on the basis of being predicted or achieved a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Geology/Geosciences.

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 anticipated research project topic as part of the application and are encouraged to discuss this with the programme director in advance.

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.

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 and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required in exploration target generation, testing and evaluation.

You will learn new skills in GIS, database management, geochemical and geophysical targeting, technical report writing and spatial modelling as well as geological and geotechnical mapping, exploration techniques, ore microscopy, ore deposit modelling and geostatistics.

This degree allows you to progress into careers in the national and international exploration and mining sectors, and gain transferable skills used in the broader geotechnical, site investigation and environmental industries.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• CSMM118: Project and Dissertation (60 credits)
• CSMM135: Economics, Processing & Environment (15 credits)
• CSMM193: Exploration Targeting (15 credits)
• CSMM194: Exploration and Mining Geology (15 credits)
• CSMM195: Ore Deposit Geology (15 credits)
• CSMM218: Mineral Exploration Geophysics (15 credits)
• CSMM452: GIS for Mineral Explorationists, Geospatial and Geoenvironmental Engineers (15 credits)

Optional Modules

• CSMM094: Professionalism (0 credits)
• CSMM130: Excavation and Geomechanics (15 credits)
• CSMM450: Project and Contract Management (15 credits)
• CSMM445: Geometallurgy and Resource Modelling (15 credits)
• CSMM429: Industrial Rocks and Minerals (15 credits)
• CSMM904: CSM Professionalism MSc (0 credits)

Fees

2025/26 Entry

• UK fees per year: £15,900 full-time
• International fees per year: £30,200 full-time

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.

Fieldwork

On the Exploration and 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 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 April/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 have the opportunity to work on a discrete problem for 4 months, which can include software projects, fieldwork and/ or laboratory studies.

You will participate in designing your research project with a sponsor, who in turn provides you with help and support during the project.

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.

The taught part of the programme is structured into two semesters.

Field visits and practical field-based assignments are used, where appropriate, to emphasise key areas within each module.

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.

Students are encouraged to undertake projects directly linked with industry, which may result in industrial placements for their project period.

In April/ May a field trip to examine the geology and visit a leading mining hub will provide you with an opportunity to put your acquired exploration skills into practice.

Extensive use is made of Camborne School of Mines' geochemistry and mineral processing laboratories, and the superb field geology and extractive industry operations in South West England.

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.

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.