Resource engineering and sustainable resource management, Bachelor of Engineering

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Raw Materials Engineering and Sustainable Resource Management ideal for?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Raw Materials Engineering and Sustainable Resource Management at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences in Bochum is aimed at all those interested in the sustainable use, extraction and processing of raw materials. It is particularly addressed to people who are enthusiastic about technology and have an interest in environmentally friendly processes as well as the responsible handling of natural resources. The degree offers two specialisations – minerals and aggregates as well as civil engineering – making it especially attractive for future engineers who see their professional future in the areas of energy supply, mining, recycling, sustainability management or technical consulting. Those interested in applied geosciences or environmental engineering will also find a suitable offer here.

Admission Requirements at a Glance

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• University entrance qualification for professionally qualified applicants (e.g. completed vocational training with subsequent professional experience according to the applicable legal regulations)

The degree programme starts in the summer and winter semesters and is offered as a full-time on-campus study. There are no tuition fees; only the semester contribution (including NRW ticket) must be paid.

Personal Requirements

• Interest in technology, natural sciences and environmental issues
• Solid mathematical skills and basic scientific understanding (e.g. physics, chemistry, geology)
• Motivation for practical laboratory work, fieldwork or working with technical planning tools (e.g. CAD, GIS)
• Ability to work in a team and communication skills – frequent work in project groups
• Commitment to sustainable development and environmental awareness

An additional advantage is a high sense of responsibility and the willingness to actively tackle technical challenges in the raw materials sector. The ability to understand complex interrelations between technology, environment and economy facilitates the course of study. Practical experience, e.g. through internships or relevant training, is not mandatory but contributes to academic success.

Your Studies: What You Learn in the Bachelor’s Degree in Raw Materials Engineering and Sustainable Resource Management

In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Raw Materials Engineering and Sustainable Resource Management at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences, you will deal with the environmentally friendly extraction, processing, and reuse of mineral raw materials. The focus is on sustainable concepts for resource utilisation in the basic materials industry. You will learn how to analyse deposits, extract and recycle raw materials, and how to implement ecological reclamation measures after extraction.

• Fundamental Subjects: Geology, Deposit Science, Building Materials Science, Recycled Raw Materials
• Technology: Open-pit mining technology, underground mining technology, applied processing techniques, CAD-based planning, use of GIS software
• Management & Soft Skills: Leadership theory, communication, conflict management, business administration, law, technical English, writing workshop
• Practical Experience: Company visits, guest lectures from industry, CAD seminars, bachelor’s thesis, colloquium

From the third semester, you choose one of the two specialisations:

• Stones and Earth: Efficient extraction and sustainable use of mineral raw materials in open-pit mining, analysis and renaturation of mining sites
• Underground Mining Technology: Technologies for underground extraction of ores, salts and fossil raw materials, planning and construction of underground structures such as tunnels and shafts

How Does the Course Proceed?

The programme is organised as a six-semester full-time course. A special feature is the 4-day week: all your lectures and seminars take place over four weekdays. This leaves you a fixed day for part-time work, family, or personal projects.

• Start of studies: In the summer or winter semester
• Language of instruction: German
• Specialisation in the chosen focus from the third semester onwards
• Practice-oriented teaching: through company visits, guest lectures, project seminars
• Preparation of the bachelor’s thesis and final colloquium in the last semester

Career and Your Opportunities After Graduation

As a graduate of the Raw Materials Engineering and Sustainable Resource Management programme, you will work at the interface of technology, environmental protection, and business. The THGA is the only university in Germany offering the Stones and Earth specialisation. Your career prospects are excellent: demand in the sector often exceeds the supply of qualified specialists.

• Jobs in engineering – for example as an engineer in underground construction, raw material extraction, or mining
• Employers: Energy companies, mining companies, post-mining operations, consulting firms, environmental monitoring, supplier industry
• Fields of activity:
  • Planning and supervision of structures on or underground
  • Organisation and optimisation of operational processes in mineral extraction
  • Planning and implementation of reclamation measures
  • Expert activities and environmental consulting
• International perspectives: Your qualification also opens up opportunities in internationally oriented companies.

With the bachelor’s degree, you can also pursue a suitable master’s programme, such as “Mineral Resource and Process Engineering” or “Geoengineering and Post-Mining”. In combination with the master’s degree, you will also meet the requirements for the mining legal clerkship in public service (career group 2, second entry level in the mining sector).

Study Location: What the THGA in Bochum Stands For

The course takes place in Bochum at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences. THGA is a renowned, state-recognised university of applied sciences with a strong practical orientation and a network of industry partners.

• Central location in the Ruhr region
• Modernly equipped laboratories and learning spaces
• Good connections to public transport, NRW ticket included in the semester contribution
• Internationally networked – support for study abroad semesters through the THGA International Office

Tuition Fees & Financing

At the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences, there are no tuition fees. Only a semester contribution of currently €216 per semester is charged. The NRW ticket for public transport is included in this contribution. Especially important: the 4-day week leaves you time for part-time jobs to finance your studies.

• No additional tuition fees or hidden costs
• Total costs: approx. €1,296 for six semesters
• NRW ticket included in the contribution