Programme Overview

The extractive industry ensures the sustainable exploration and management of raw materials, essential for the energy transition and transformation of our society towards a greener economy. Mining and Geological Engineering develops prospecting and mining techniques, promoting the digitization of the mining industry, based on the best practices of environmental sustainability, safety, smart mining, automation and robotics. The role of a Mining Engineer involves exploration, development and mining management, but also support for construction works, namely tunnels and other excavations in rock masses.

Study Plan

The 2nd Cycle in Mining and Geological Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits, and is made up of the structure depicted below.

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 54
    • 6
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 9
    • 21
    • 30

Programme structure

The curricula of the 1st and 2nd Cycle were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model and pedagogical practices. (previous programme structure).

  1. Core Structure (63 ECTS)

    The Master Programme in Mining and Geological Engineering (Major) deepens the knowledge acquired in the 1st Cycle, introducing themes in areas such as Mining Geology, Mineral and Energy Resources, Mining Equipment and Installations, Mining Planning, Tunnels, Excavations, among others.

  2. Free options (27 ECTS)

    Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose modules not only in Mining and Geological Engineering, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.

    This component includes the possibility of taking a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary modules – which equals 18 ECTS credits. The offer cuts across all programmes offered by Técnico.

    Minors

    Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.

  3. Dissertation (30 ECTS)

    The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:

    • Scientific thesis
    • Internship at a company
    • Capstone project

Target Audience

The Master in Mining and Geological Engineering is aimed at graduates in Engineering, namely with curricular paths that include Geology, Mining, Civil, Environment and related areas.

The programme is taught in Portuguese however may there be international or mobility students enrolled, the curricular units will be taught in English.

Career Opportunities

Técnico MSc graduates in Geological and Mining Engineering will be prepared to develop activities such as:

  • Discovery of lodes or mineral masses;
  • Assessment, prospecting, exploration, processing and management of mineral resources and solid waste;
  • Assessment, exploration and management of groundwater resources;
  • Real-time monitoring and management of mining operations;
  • Assessment of environmental impacts and recovery of mines and quarries;
  • Use of explosive substances in excavations and demolitions;
  • Geological support for land use planning activities;
  • Support to the conception, design and execution of large engineering works (tunnels, airports, roads, bridges, large buildings, etc.);
  • Consulting and leadership, leadership and management functions;
  • Professional training and education.

Entry requirements

To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:

  • hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
  • hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.

Candidates are selected according to these criteria:

  • affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
  • type of degree they hold;
  • academic success in the programme they attended.

Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.

Students' Organisations

Técnico students stimulate autonomously and proactively projects that act as a complement to their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.

The Mining Students’ Organisation (NUMIST) is the main students’ organisation of this course. They promote several activities:

  • Study visits and workshops
  • Study Materials Repository
  • Collection of international mobility testimonies
  • Connection to alumni (former students of the course)
  • Técnico Summer internships
  • Organisation of the Jornadas de Santa Bárbara