European Mining Course (EMC)
Established in 1996 - Educating future leaders in mining and mineral resources
The EMC offers a comprehensive, internationally oriented master’s program for students seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of the mineral resources sector.
- Advanced knowledge in mining, mineral resources and responsible resource management is developed.
- An international academic environment and professional network across Europe are made accessible.
- A flexible curriculum, including elective modules, allows individual academic and professional interests to be pursued.
- Current industry perspectives are integrated through guest lectures, applied learning and professional exchange.
- An English-taught master’s degree is awarded through three leading European universities.
The program is delivered across three European universities, enabling exposure to diverse academic, cultural and industrial contexts. An international learning environment is fostered through collaboration among students, academic staff and professionals from across Europe. This setting supports interdisciplinary exchange, comparative learning and the development of international professional networks.
There is an increasing global demand for metals and mineral raw materials. At the same time, expectations for environmentally responsible and socially acceptable resource development are becoming more stringent. In order to thrive in their future careers, professionals must be able to address these challenges through technical expertise, critical thinking and the capacity to work across disciplines and cultures.
The EMC has been developed to provide the scientific, technical and professional capabilities required to support innovation, responsible extraction and the sustainable use of mineral resources.
Close engagement with industry provides insight into current professional practice and emerging challenges in the sector. Collaborative, intercultural and problem-solving skills are fostered throughout the program, supporting effective participation in international and multidisciplinary teams.
What is the European Mining Course
The European Mining Course (EMC) is a triple degree M.Sc. program organized by three leading technical universities in Europe:
- RWTH Aachen University (Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering (MRE)) ,
- Aalto University (Helsinki) , and
- Technical University of Leoben.
In addition to students from these three universities, numerous guests from Europe and around the world participate in the EMC to explore the international world of mining within their Masters studies.
The EMC covers all aspects of the life cycle of mineral resources. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the global mining industry and takes a life-cycle approach by covering the entire mining value chain. The program provides a state-of-the-art technical foundation in resource modeling, mine design and economic evaluation. Technical knowledge is complemented by courses in business, ethics, environmental engineering and a clearly defined and structured program in health, safety and environmental management.
But the EMC is more than just a study abroad program! Through guest lectures from industry, excursions and industrial projects, you will gain a direct insight into the international mining industry and make valuable contacts for your future career.
The EMC aims to educate professionals who will be the future decision makers in the mineral resources and related engineering industries, with a strong vision of the future developments in this industry. The EMC supports the development of students into adaptable, innovative and entrepreneurial engineers capable of identifying the best approach to generating optimal value from mineral ore deposits.
European Mining Course
Entry requirements:
Strong English language skills, BSc in engineering or geosciences, such as mining engineering, resource engineering, geology, earth sciences, environmental engineering.
fees vary by nationality/
four semesters/
full time
ECTS: 120
European Mining Course
ECTS: 120
The European Mining Course (EMC) is a triple-degree master's program offered by Aalto University (Finland), RWTH Aachen University (Germany) and Technical University of Leoben (Austria). Students spend one semester at each university and prepare their master's thesis in close cooperation with industry partners. Graduates of the EMC have meaningful employment opportunities in all parts of the world and at home, helping to provide the world with responsible mineral resources.
Entry requirements: Strong English language skills, BSc in engineering or geosciences, such as mining engineering, resource engineering, geology, earth sciences, environmental engineering.
fees vary by nationality/
four semesters/
full time
Career Opportunities
Given the global demand for mining and minerals engineering and management professionals, EMC graduates have promising career opportunities. EMC graduates are qualified to work for:
- Mining companies and companies involved in minerals and metals processing companies
- Engineering and consulting firms
- Companies working on ore deposits and integrated production
- Market leaders in efficient mining
- Aggregates companies
- Government agencies
- Knowledge institutions, research institutes and think tanks
Living in Different Cities
The EMC program is inherently international because it takes place at three different universities in three different countries. The program offers its students a profound experience of working, studying and living in several countries in an international environment. Together with the international group of students, you can explore the cultural and natural offerings of the three cities and have many amazing experiences while living abroad.
Finland's national parks and lakes are perfect for day trips, the old town of Helsinki is full of exciting places to visit, and relaxing evenings in one of the many Finnish saunas are not to be missed.
Aachen, with its beautiful old town and famous cathedral, offers fun evenings and is located at the foot of the Eifel National Park.
Leoben is a student town with access to the nearby mountains for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Engage with the Industry
The EMC offers direct collaboration with industry and considers it vital to its success. Working together on projects and understanding their needs will help you develop into a well-equipped future resource specialist.
The EMC's industry partners actively support your education by providing guest lectures or challenging you with group projects. From time to time, companies will also invite you for a get-together, giving you the opportunity to get to know a potential future employer first hand.
The EMC is proud of its long-standing relationships with its industry partners, who host company and site visits and offer internships and work placements to EMC students.
History has shown that these relationships continue after graduation, with many of our 850+ alumni joining our industry partners and building their careers with them.