Geoengineering and post-mining, Master of Engineering

Who is the Master’s programme in Geoengineering and Post-Mining suitable for?

The Master’s programme in Geoengineering and Post-Mining at the Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola is aimed at graduates of engineering or natural science degree programmes who are interested in the challenges in the area of post-mining, environmental protection, and sustainable development of raw material regions. The course is particularly suitable for individuals who wish to deepen their existing expertise alongside their careers or in evening classes and qualify for responsible roles in the planning, remediation, and development of mining regions. It is specifically targeted at future specialists and managers in industry, administration, research, as well as in higher public service who want to shape their careers in the context of the raw material and energy transition.

Admission requirements at a glance

• Degree: A qualifying university degree (Bachelor or Diploma) in a relevant engineering or natural science subject is required.
• Credit points: The completed degree must comprise at least 180 credit points (ECTS).
• Final grade: Final grade of 3.0 or better.
• Individual assessment: Admission is possible after individual assessment for divergent degrees. Early consultation with the academic advisory service is recommended in this case.
• Language of instruction: German

According to current information, further selection procedures or entrance examinations are not provided.

Personal requirements and recommended competencies

• Interest in technology, environmental issues, and sustainable raw material management
• Analytical and interdisciplinary thinking skills
• Willingness to take on responsibility in complex projects
• Motivation to work at the interface of engineering sciences, geosciences, and environmental technology
• Good German language skills for academic work and professional communication
• Team and communication skills for coordination with specialists from different disciplines

Personal suitability primarily includes openness to new technologies, a willingness to continue learning, as well as interest in developing sustainable solutions for current challenges in the raw materials sector and post-mining. The ability to analyse complex issues in a structured manner and independently implement practical solutions is particularly promoted during the course and in later professional life.

What Awaits You in the Master's Programme in Geoengineering and Post-Mining?

In the master's programme in Geoengineering and Post-Mining at the Georg Agricola University of Technology (THGA), you will expand your knowledge on the sustainable safeguarding and development of mining regions. The focus is on engineering, geo- and natural science competencies. You will engage intensively with current challenges such as groundwater and mine water management, geotechnical securing techniques, as well as environmental monitoring using modern technologies.

How is the Programme Structured?

The master’s programme is unique throughout Germany and can be completed alongside work in two variants:

• Full-time study: 4 semesters in the evening
• Part-time study: 6 semesters in the evening

The curriculum consists of compulsory modules on topics such as:

• Post-mining and historic mining
• Mine surveying aspects
• Degassing, remediation and water management
• Rock mechanics and ground movement management
• Geotechnical securing techniques
• Studies in corporate management and management aspects

In elective areas you deepen your knowledge, e.g. in the following fields:

• Structural analysis
• GIS and spatial analysis
• Numerical modelling
• Risk management and monitoring

The programme also includes practical and project phases which prepare you optimally for future professional activities. The programme concludes with a master’s thesis and colloquium.

What Perspectives Open Up After the Programme?

With the Master of Engineering degree in Geoengineering and Post-Mining, you have diverse career options:

• Mining engineer (mine surveyor): You process mining-related geoinformation, take on deposit management, mine planning or spatial planning.
• Project engineer: Activities in the fields of deep drilling and tunnelling, shaft construction, planning and implementation of landfills, oil and gas production, as well as environmental monitoring.
• Researcher: Research on post-mining, mine water, geomonitoring as well as oversight tasks in the public sector.

With your degree, you meet the requirements for senior service and can even pursue a doctorate. Graduates also have access to the civil service, in particular career group 2 (e.g. mining traineeship).

Where Do You Study?

The Georg Agricola University of Technology is located in Bochum in the heart of the Ruhr region, a traditional mining area. The university offers modern equipped laboratories, practice-oriented teaching and close contacts to industry and research. As a student, you benefit from your own halls of residence and a varied campus life as well as opportunities for stays abroad.

Costs, Fees and Financing

• There are no tuition fees.
• The semester contribution is around 216 euros per semester (a total of about 864 euros over the standard period of study). The contribution includes the NRW ticket for public transport.
• Further financing options are offered by scholarships, BAföG or employer support (depending on individual circumstances).