Program Overview
European Mining Course, Master of Science (Technology)
Introduction
The demand for mineral-based materials is growing globally, partly due to the new green technology. Applications such as wind turbines and electric vehicles require traditional metals, but also many high-tech metals that support an environmentally friendly future. The recycling of metals is an essential part of the material cycle, but it does not meet the growing demand for metals. Minerals need to be extracted from the earth's crust for a long time to come. The European Mining Course (EMC) program aims to educate experts with broad skills and the ability to respond to this need.
Degree
The degree awarded is a Master of Science (Technology).
Application Period
The application period is from January 8, 2026, to February 27, 2026.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction is English.
Duration
The program lasts for two years and is full-time.
Eligibility
A relevant bachelor's degree is required for eligibility.
Field of Study
The field of study is Technology.
Scope
The scope of the program is 120 credits.
School
The school responsible for the program is the School of Engineering.
Program Description
The secure, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective supply of raw materials is essential for a prosperous global society. This industry must respond to today's and future challenges through research and development.
The growing mineral industry needs new personnel with expertise in mining and mineral processing and recycling. Future experts and leaders will require strong knowledge and skills in many fields of technology - engineers, for example, must be able to consider environmental impacts in design and production phases. The European Mining Course (EMC) program aims to educate experts with these skills and abilities to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
The program's purpose is to produce future decision-makers and leaders in the field of mineral resources and related technology. The program is based on the resource technology expertise of the participating universities. EMC's focus is on providing high-tech education with economically and ecologically sustainable systems and technologies.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction is English.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The program fee for EMC is 17,000 euros per academic year. The program fee is not paid by citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) or by Swiss citizens. Citizens of other countries must pay the program fee. For more detailed information, see the program's website.
EMC offers a limited number of scholarships that partially alleviate the program fee for fee-paying students. Applicants are ranked according to the EMC evaluation criteria. Scholarships can be awarded to the best-performing applicants. For more detailed information, see the program's website.
Structure of Studies
The European Mining Course is an international joint master's program between three leading European universities in mining and resource technology: Aalto University (Finland), Technical University of Leoben (TUL, Austria), and RWTH Aachen University (Germany). The program is built on the strengths and complementary areas of expertise of these universities in geosciences education and research.
During the two-year EMC master's program, students study at all three universities, one semester (30 ECTS) at each. The last semester is dedicated to the master's thesis, which can be carried out at any of the three universities or in industry, but under the supervision of all three universities. A detailed curriculum can be found here.
The courses included in the EMC program provide broad-based expertise. The program offers a unique curriculum that includes courses in mining engineering, mineral processing, recycling, business and economics, management, and safety issues. Excursions and visits are organized together with industrial partners to complement the lecture courses. Assignments and case studies are based on real data and carried out in group work.
Specialization Options
This master's program is a cohesive entity that all students complete together. The master's thesis (possibly in industrial collaboration) is an opportunity for you to specialize and graduate either from the School of Engineering or the School of Chemical Engineering.
Internationalization
Aalto University is naturally international: we receive thousands of degree and exchange students every year. Our diverse Aalto community comes together not only for studies but also for leisure activities, hobbies, and celebrations across the campus. Program managers, student tutors, and student services all do their part to welcome international students to Finland.
The European Mining Course is intended for both the partner universities' own students and international applicants. It is an international joint degree program that includes compulsory mobility. This means that all students study at the three European universities and in three different countries. When all degree requirements are met, students receive three degree certificates, one from each university.
Research Focus Areas
EMC students get to work with leading experts in the field, such as:
- Aalto University: Professor Mikael Rinne (School of Engineering) and Professor Rodrigo Serna (School of Chemical Engineering)
- RWTH Aachen: Professor Bernd Lottermoser
- Montanuniversität Leoben: Professor Nikolaus Sifferlinger
Collaboration with Other Actors
The European Mining Course program has a long history dating back to 1996 and has gone through many development phases. The program has operated throughout the years as a close partnership between the partner universities with strong industry support. The EMC alumni network has grown to over 800 members over the years. To support the education of mineral technology diploma engineers, the Federation of European Mineral Programs (FEMP) was established in 1999, with a network of 35 companies and institutions from 12 countries on three continents. FEMP still supports EMC students by providing scholarships and connections to industry.
Career Opportunities
Due to the global demand for mining and mineral technology professionals, the career opportunities for EMC graduates are promising. Mineral resources constitute a significant part of Finland's national wealth. Graduates work in industry, state organizations, and research institutions. They are employed in key positions from research, teaching, and consulting to management, planning, project planning, and supervision. Their experience working in an international group and environment makes them attractive candidates for international companies worldwide. The program has strong industry support and a broad and active alumni network.
Further Studies
Graduates of the program receive a diploma engineer's degree from Aalto University, providing an excellent basis for further studies and doctoral studies at Aalto University or internationally. Additionally, the student receives corresponding degrees from RWTH Aachen and Technical University of Leoben, which further expands the student's international study and career opportunities.
Contact Information
- Aalto University School of Engineering
- Admissions Services
- Aalto University Admissions Services
- For more information on the application process, required application documents, etc.
- Program Director
- Mikael Rinne (until December 31, 2025) / Lauri Uotinen (from January 1, 2026)
- Program Director
- [email address] / [email address]