Program Overview

Overview

The Master of Research degree comprises research and research training, requiring students to complete 96 credit points (cp) of subjects. The first year comprises 48cp of research training and coursework while the second year comprises a 48cp thesis, which may be assessed by two external examiners. Academic Units may award advanced standing for the research training and coursework component and will determine the appropriate entry point.

Mining Engineering (research area)

Mining engineers apply science, geoscience, engineering and technology to the efficient exploration and extraction of minerals from the earth, turning raw materials into valuable products. Mining engineers are also concerned with mining safety, where their knowledge of mine design and practices ensures the safety of workers, efficient extraction, and remediation at the end of a mine's life. The final sessions of the course are professionally oriented with the inclusion of subjects such as mine planning, occupational health and safety aspects of mining, mine water, ocean engineering, geostatistics and the environmental impact of mineral operations. Your major also includes a 12-week hands-on industry experience, either in Australia or overseas, as well as a range of industry projects and other career-ready learning opportunities. You also have the option to complete a double major, combining two engineering disciplines. Available double major combinations include civil engineering and mining engineering; mechanical engineering and mining engineering; mining engineering and environmental engineering. Our faculty’s commitment to excellence is internationally recognised, as evidenced by the consistent ranking of our civil, manufacturing, mineral and mining, materials, and mechanical engineering courses among the top 150 universities worldwide.

Accreditation & professional recognition

UOW's engineering programs are accredited by Engineers Australia and relevant world engineering bodies through the Washington Accord. This ensures recognition by equivalent professional engineering bodies in the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries.
This recognition ensures that graduates from this course are admitted, on application, to the grade of Graduate Membership of Engineers Australia.

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s coursework degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum average mark of 65% or a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
The Head of Postgraduate Studies for the relevant unit will approve entry into the Master of Research based on academic results and relevant experience.

Additional Requirements

All applicants for the Master of Research must submit a written (preferably typed) proposal as part of their application. This proposal should:

• Contain, in no more than one page, a clear description of the discipline area or project topic you wish to study or undertake for the Master of Research 48cp thesis; and
• Conclude with a statement of your motivation for wanting to undertake the research course.

English Language Requirements

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

• English Test | Overall Score | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking
  • IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0
  • TOEFL (Internet-based) | 86 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17

Workload

• Full-Time Study Load: As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

Credit for Prior Learning

Applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Research will be eligible for 48 credit points of specified credit.

• Applicants who have completed alternative end on and embedded honours programs will be assessed on a case by case basis.
• If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
• Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

More detail

• Fees:
  • International Course fees table
    • Campus | Delivery method | Session fee | Course fee
      • Wollongong | On Campus | $23184 (2025) | $92736 (2025)
• Key dates:
  • Autumn Session, 2025 at UOW
    • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
    • Orientation: Check your campus details
    • Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025
  • Spring Session, 2025 at UOW
    • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
    • Orientation: Check your campus details
    • Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025
  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW
    • Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete.
    • Orientation: Check your campus details
    • Session start: 2 March, 2026
    • Census date: 31 March, 2026
    • Mid-session recess: 20-24 April, 2026
    • Session end: 25 June, 2026
  • Spring Session, 2026 at UOW
    • Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete.
    • Orientation: Check your campus details
    • Session start: 27 July, 2026
    • Census date: 31 August, 2026
    • Mid-session recess: 28 September - 2 October, 2026
    • Session end: 19 November, 2026

Research areas

• The following specialisations are available in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences:
  • Mathematics
  • Applied statistics
  • Physics
  • Medical radiation physics
  • Computer science
  • Information technology
  • Electrical engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Telecommunications engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Environmental engineering
  • Materials engineering
  • Mechatronic engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Mining engineering

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