Master of Mine Geotechnical Engineering
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 1.7 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8059
- CRICOS code -
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $45,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $68,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $61,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $94,500*
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Do you currently work in the underground hard rock or coal mining industry, in the field of strata control? Or is this an area you'd like to progress into? The Master of Mine Geotechnical Engineering is the postgraduate degree for you.
You'll receive a foundational education in fundamental principles of rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, as well as practical strata control applications. This degree teaches you practical knowledge to become a mine strata control engineer.
This degree is designed for professionals working at mine sites and are offered in a flexible delivery format; many are available in distance mode with a limited number of face-to-face workshops/sessions. Assessments include practical site-based assignments, group work, interactive work and presentations.
We're ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology. As well as this, all of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with two schools ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
We're known as the leading Mining Engineering school ranked #1 in Australia and #2 globally for Mineral & Mining Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Note: Some electives may be offered only every two years and international students are not eligible to enrol on a student visa.
Why study at UNSW?
This degree teaches you practical knowledge to become a mine strata control engineer.
Entry requirements
Admission to this program requires completion of the 5059 UNSW Graduate Diploma in Mine Geotechnical Engineering with a minimum 65% average with no fails. In exceptional circumstances, students who can demonstrate equivalent prior learning may be approved an alternative entry pathway by written permission.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
This program is designed for those who currently work or aspire to work in the mining industry with a focus on ground and strata control.
Full program structure
In your first year you’ll study the Principles of Mining Excavations and other core subjects including:
- Hazard Identification, Risk and Safety Management in Mining
- Mining Geomechanics
- Geotechnical Data Collection and Analysis
- Mine Geology and Geophysics for Mining Operations
You’ll also study advanced core subjects including:
- Mining Methods, Mine Planning and Applied Geomechanics
- Ground Control Principles and Practice in Underground Mining
- Mine Slope Stability
- Mine Slope Monitoring Technologies
You must also undertake two research courses to gain practical experience.
Electives in this program include:
- Technology Management and Innovation in Mining
- Uranium Mining Fundamentals
- Mine Design and Feasibility
- Sustainable Tailings Management
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024