Global economic growth and increased demand for natural resources means there has been significant expansion of the minerals industry and there is now a significant worldwide shortage of new Mining Engineering graduates. Therefore, career opportunities for mining engineers are extremely good with extensive opportunities overseas particularly Australia, South America and Africa. In addition there are opportunities in the UK varying from the quarrying industry through to tunnelling companies and the financial sector. Naturally, this comes with a very good salary which would typically be higher than that of its competitor sectors.
Some graduates opt to continue their training by undertaking taught postgraduate (MSc) courses in geotechnical engineering or computing or undertake research degrees (MPhil/PhD).
You can find out more about where our graduates have been employed on our graduate destinations pages.
A rich curriculum enhanced by strong links with industry
A strong emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development with degree programmes specially designed to develop academic, personal and professional skills that will prepare you for employment or future study. You will develop the essential skills valued by employers, such as problem-solving, teamwork, decision-making, communication, planning and organising, time management, presentation and leadership.
Our undergraduates directly benefit from the hundreds of links with industry we have established through collaborative research and consultation. Student projects are usually industrially driven and often directly involve a company. This provides an opportunity for you to undertake commercially important projects at the forefront of technology, gain invaluable experience and enhance your employability.
Dedicated careers advice
The Employability Officer is active in developing aspects of our courses and services that improve the employability of our students. Potential employers make regular visits to the campus, helping students to decide on modules, industry placements and career paths, and sometimes holding interviews.
There is also a dedicated Careers Adviser who provides specific services such as workshops tailored to careers in Mining and Minerals Engineering and support in matters such as job applications and interview skills. The University's Employability and Graduate Development team will help you to write your CV and prepare for interviews.
Since graduating with a degree in Mining Engineering two years ago, I have moved out to Western Australia to experience the mining boom. I currently work for HWE Mining, a contracting company with a variety of mining operations.
Studying at CSM has given me not only the technical skills involved in Mining Engineering, but the all important inter-personal and project management skills required to actually make a mine site operate successfully. The degree and environment prepared me for the challenges in the workplace and the responsibilities of a mining engineer. This was especially useful when, after a year in industry, I took on the role of acting Senior Engineer at an iron-ore mine in the Pilbara.
The company recently awarded me the HWE Graduate of the Year award for how I approach the different aspects of mining, a direct result of my degree training and the excellent staff at CSM. Mining Engineering is such a diverse area and I would highly recommend it. Be you a hands-on person who wants to get dirty underground or someone who enjoys the thrills of optimising projects, I think the mining industry has a little something for everyone.
My days spent at CSM were such fun and I now have the career and lifestyle I always dreamt about!
Holly Moulding,
Recent Mining Engineering graduate
By the end of my first year I had secured a scholarship sponsored by the industrial minerals industry. By the start of my third year I had the ability and tools required to find work placements for all my holiday breaks.
Since I have graduated I’ve had little time to rest, I started work immediately for the world’s largest industrial minerals supplier, and I’m currently packing my bags for a conference in Belgium.
James Tupman,
Mining Engineering graduate
