Program Overview

Master of Philosophy in Sustainable Mineral Resource Development

Overview

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Sustainable Mineral Resource Development is a trans-disciplinary and inter-institutional degree course offered through the Minerals to Metals Research Initiative in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. This two-year program aims to provide an interdisciplinary postgraduate qualification that highlights the critical factors of sustainable development in the context of mining and minerals processing in Africa.

Programme Description

The MPhil degree is offered by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town, through the Department of Chemical Engineering, and accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of South Africa. Candidates are required to complete advanced study by coursework with a total value of 60 credits, and a research dissertation with a value of 120 credits.

Objectives

The MPhil degree aims to educate and train graduates who can develop knowledge at an advanced level in and around the African mining industry, through research. The program objectives include:

• Imparting a high-level understanding of, and a sensitivity and progressive approach to, the critical factors of sustainable development in the context of mining and minerals processing in Africa.
• Developing an appreciation of the inter-relationships between safety, health, the environment, economic development, and proactive stakeholder management, and the concomitant integration of technical skills, ethics, and global citizenship.
• Promoting experimentation with interdisciplinary and systemic approaches to environmental protection and socio-economic development in the context of geo-extractive industries in Africa.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

The program targets graduates from across a spectrum of disciplines, who have an interest in pursuing or advancing their careers in the field of mining and minerals beneficiation. The basic entry requirement is a four-year Bachelor's degree or an Honours degree in any relevant field. Selection is based on an applicant's academic record, the duration, level, and relevant work experience, and the availability of a suitable program and research project supervisor.

Course Delivery

Core courses are delivered in blocks within the first year of study, using both face-to-face and online modes of delivery. The research project accounts for 67% of the total course credits for the Master's degree and is developed within the first year of study and undertaken on a full-time basis within the second year.

Course Modules

The program includes the following course modules:

• Mineral Resources and Sustainable Development: An online course designed to introduce sustainable development in the context of mineral resource development.
• Strategic Social Engagement Practice: A face-to-face course aimed at enabling students to develop and implement strategic social engagement programs and practices.
• Environmental Stewardship in Mining & Minerals Beneficiation: A mixed-mode course providing exposure to the mining world and offering students the opportunity to conduct case studies on real mine sites.
• Research Communication and Methodology: An online course aimed at providing postgraduate students with competency to execute meaningful research in a structured way.
• Sustainable Development in Africa Internship: A non-credit-bearing course aimed at facilitating field-based inter-disciplinary learning and providing an opportunity to experience possible career options in the area of sustainable development.

Fees and Financial Support

Course fees for the two-year MPhil program are estimated at R 76,542.00, with fees of R42,221.00 in year 1 and R34,321.00 in year 2, excluding any international student fees. Funding is available on a competitive basis to assist with fees, living, and research costs.

Programme Schedule

The program schedule includes:

• Year 1:
  • February/March: Research Methodology and Communication (online)
  • April/May: Mineral Resources and Sustainable Development (online)
  • July: Strategic Social Engagement Practice (face-to-face)
  • September/October: Environmental Stewardship and Field Trip (mixed mode)
• Year 2:
  • January/December: Research dissertation and internship