Description of the programme

The European Mining Course (EMC) is an internationally recognised triple degree masters programme. The two-year (120 credits) programme is organized jointly by three European universities: Aalto University, RWTH Aachen, and Montanuniversität of Leoben. At Aalto University, the programme is offered jointly by the School of Engineering and the School of Chemical Engineering. 

The European Mining Course (EMC) is a Master degree which covers every aspect of the life cycle of mineral resources. Our partner universities provide the highest level of mining education through a structured, flexible exchange. The EMC is based on the expertise of the partner universities within Mining and Minerals Engineering. The focus of the programme is to provide state-of-the-art education in the fields of mining engineering by means of environmentally and economically sustainable systems and technologies, including circular economy.

Prior to 2023, the programme was called Master's Programme in European Mining, Minerals and Environmental Programme (EMMEP). As of 2023, the programme continues with the name European Mining Course.

Learning objectives

The aim of the programme is to:

• provide one of the most comprehensive Mining Engineering degree programme in the world to respond to the demands of global market, and to serve as a driver for innovation and recruitment in the sustainable mining sector
• be a flagship for European excellence in Mining Engineering
• provide a common pool of well-trained MSc graduates needed by global market and/or for potential PhD study
• enhance innovation, research and entrepreneurship
• promote internationalization of education through the mobility of students and academics between the Parties and industrial partners.
• enhance the quality of the MSc programmes of the Parties.

Graduates of the programme have:

• good understanding of the key issues involved in designing underground and surface excavations. 
• Basic knowledge on the processing-related mineralogical and geological aspects of ores and industrial minerals, rock stability analyses, excavation and blasting techniques, mine ventilation and safety issues, data management and visualization of data. 
• Good understanding of the fundamental properties of minerals and their relevance in mineral enrichment and recycling operations.
• General understanding of the environmental footprint and diverse impacts of mining operations and an overview of underground waste disposal and backfilling methods. Good level of understanding of financial parameters to evaluate mining projects.

Mobility is an integrated and compulsory part of the programme (see mobility structure below). Upon completion of the programme, graduates may be awarded a Master of Science degree or similar by all the three partner universities (triple degree).

Degree structure

The degree consists of Major studies (European Mining Course, 90 ECTS) and Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). 

The EMC students follow the mobility schedule as follows: 

Useful links

RWTH Aachen EMC programme page

Montanuniversität of Leoben programme page

FEMP - Federation of European Mineral Programs