An exciting opportunity to study Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining in a two-year master’s programme focusing on either Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing or Geophysics.

Programme is taught in excellent infrastructure in close connection to the mining industry.

Top reasons to study Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Geophysics

• A rare opportunity to study high level education covering the whole mining value chain from mining to concentration, refining and closure.
• University of Oulu is ranked within the global top 76-100 universities in Mining & Mineral Engineering in Shanghai Ranking´s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
• Excellent, cutting-edge infrastructure available for students - the latest software and machinery in a fully operational small-scale refinery.
• Work-life related studies in close cooperation with the mining industry.
• Multidisciplinary mining related studies complemented by a wide selection of courses in technology and natural sciences.

Why study Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining at Oulu Mining School?

Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining is one of the few programmes in the world which cover the whole mining value chain from exploration to mining, concentration, refining and closure.

The faculty has close collaboration with the industry and teaching is provided by highly experienced and internationally well-regarded teachers. The Oulu Mining School is involved with many high-level EU projects which focus on innovation, developing new methods and refining existing processes.

Study Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing or Geophysics

Students can choose their study path from three options.

• Mining Engineering: Mining engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the safe, efficient, and sustainable design, operation, and management of mines throughout their entire life cycle. It covers subjects such as mining methods, rock mechanics, mine planning, drilling, blasting, management, economics and geology.
• Mineral Processing: Mineral processing focuses on separating valuable minerals from raw ore and upgrading them into usable products. It involves physical and chemical processes such as comminution, flotation, and different separation techniques to increase ore quality and efficiency of resource use.
• Geophysics: Geophysics uses physical principles—such as gravity, magnetism, electrical, and seismic methods—to study the structure and processes of the Earth. It can be used to investigate the subsurface for resources like in mineral exploration or groundwater studies, for natural hazards, and in environmental and engineering applications.

Core learning outcomes and competence

Excellent skills in and understanding sustainable use of mineral resources and principles of sustainable mining and beneficiation, including:

• Theoretical studies in engineering and geosciences
• Economic and environmental aspects of mining and mineral resources
• Hands-on practices in the well-equipped Oulu Mining School Research Center and out in the field
• The latest modelling and simulation education related to the topics
• Instrumental skills in mineral analytics.

Career opportunities for Mining Engineering or Geophysics graduates

Job opportunities exist in all fields of the mining cycle including exploration, mineral processing, and mining engineering, both in industry and academic research.

Occupational profiles of the graduates include:

• Geophysicist
• Mining Engineer
• Plant or Mill Manager
• Rock Mechanics Engineer
• Research Scientist.