Undergraduate studies

The Department of Mining Engineering presents the BEng Mining Engineering programme.

The undergraduate programme is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and is internationally recognised through the Washington Accord, the Dublin Accord and the Sydney Accord.

Undergraduate BEng Mining Engineering students will learn to apply problem-solving skills related to mining engineering on an advanced level, while applying specialist and fundamental knowledge related to mining engineering. The Department focuses on the holistic development of its students. As such, students will become equipped with both technical and soft skills in order to become future leaders. Mentorship and coaching, as part of experiential leadership, add to the quality of the academic programme. Students’ behaviour and practices are monitored as part of the Department’s support strategy. Shortcomings are addressed through a personal development plan drawn up for each individual student. This is specifically aimed at grooming final-year students’ leadership skills, and is accommodated in the Murray & Roberts Mining Engineering Leadership Academy (M&R MELA).

The Department is the only engineering department in South Africa with a full-time instructional designer, English literacy instructor and non-technical skills-related lecturer (which forms part of the M&R MELA activities), all sponsored through industry contributions. It is one of only a few mining departments in the world that offers instructionally designed material for all its mining-related subjects. In this way, it enhances the learning experience of all students.

Community engagement

As part of their curriculum, BEng Mining Engineering students participate in the joint community-project module (JCP). This compulsory module is a flagship initiative of the Faculty in which students use their skills and devote their time to benefit the community. During the course of the project, students learn about teamwork, time management and the management of resources. They also become more aware of personal, social and cultural values that will benefit them throughout their careers. They learn to improvise when they encounter challenges and improve their communication skills. These vital skills contribute to their becoming excellent mining engineers who can function effectively in diverse teams and in interdisciplinary environments. Students are encouraged to work with team members from other engineering disciplines.

Learn more

Academic programme map

  • Programme description and admission requirements BEng Mining Engineering 4 year programme (click here)
  • Programme description and admission requirements BEng Mining Engineering 5 year programme (click here)
  • Explore the curriculum (click here) 
  • Undergraduate academic programme map (click here)
  • Study at UP (find out more)

Other resources