Overview This international joint MSc programme trains specialists to meet the growing global demand for experts in raw materials, mining and mine remediation. Taught in English, the course focuses on developing sustainable, environmentally responsible methods for extracting and managing mineral resources and operating mine sites.
Interdisciplinary curriculum The curriculum brings together natural sciences, engineering, business disciplines, environmental law and the general management of georesources. By tapping into the complementary strengths and cutting‑edge research of its partner institutions, the programme offers an integrated, research‑led education that balances technical, legal and managerial perspectives.
International consortium and career prospects Delivered as a joint degree across nine partner universities, the programme gives students access to a broad international network and the innovative research priorities of each institution. This close alignment between teaching and research equips graduates to pursue leadership roles in industry, remediation projects, policy or consultancy within the raw materials sector.
Typical entry requirements (check specific university pages for exact details)
Structure and study locations The programme is a 120 ECTS master’s course delivered over four semesters (two years), with students expected to earn roughly 30 ECTS each semester. It is designed as an integrated, multi‑institutional curriculum: the first semester takes place at Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria), the second at TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), the third at one of the partner universities, and the fourth is normally reserved for the master’s thesis and may be completed at any partner institution. This mobility gives international students direct exposure to different mining and mineral‑resource traditions, regulatory frameworks and teaching styles.
Core content and skills developed The first semester emphasizes the economic and operational aspects of mineral resources: core modules include Mineral Economics, Economic Geology and Mining Economics, Deposit Modelling and Associated Software, Mine Operation/Scheduling/Costing, and a substantial Sustainable Development course. These units develop competencies in economic assessment, resource modelling and the practical planning and costing of mining operations, alongside an understanding of sustainability concepts and their historical and contemporary applications.
Environmental, technical and stakeholder management focus The second semester builds environmental, technical and stakeholder management expertise via Problem‑Based Learning on Licensing, Expectation and Stakeholder Management, Introduction to Biohydrometallurgy, Radioactivity, Reclamation and Environmental Geotechnics. Students therefore gain training in mine rehabilitation, environmental geotechnical issues, handling radiological aspects of materials, biohydrometallurgical methods and practical stakeholder/licensing problem solving. Elective options in both semesters allow specialization and broadened technical depth. The third semester is taken at a partner university (offering further specialised modules), and the fourth semester is devoted to the master’s thesis project.
Module and credit requirements (concise)
For detailed module lists and partner‑university offerings, consult the programme website: https://www.tu-freiberg.de/en/master-advanced-mineral-resources-development.
You must hold a completed university bachelor's degree with a study duration of at least seven semesters. The program looks for graduates from mining or closely related technical and geoscience disciplines that prepare you for advanced work in mineral resources development.
If your degree structure differs from the seven-semester standard (for example, a three-year or four-year program from your home country), check with the admissions office to confirm equivalency. Applicants whose qualifications are in closely related fields may also be considered if their coursework provides a solid foundation for the AMRD curriculum.
Winter Semester (International)
31 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for professional and leadership positions across the raw materials value chain, including roles in mining companies, mineral processing firms, environmental and reclamation consultancies, resource economics and project management teams. The programme's emphasis on sustainable practices, mine remediation and environmental geotechnics equips alumni for positions in environmental management, permitting and stakeholder engagement within industry and public authorities.
The international joint degree and mobility elements also support careers in multinational companies, international organizations, research institutes and higher education. Alumni benefit from a broad network of partner universities and targeted technical, legal and management training, making them competitive for roles that require interdisciplinary expertise and cross-border collaboration.