This English‑taught, research-oriented Master’s programme trains students to carry out independent scientific work in environmentally responsible mining, mine remediation and industrial revitalisation. It draws on Germany’s internationally recognised expertise in remediation — particularly for lignite, uranium and ore mining — and brings together natural sciences, engineering, environmental law and business to address the whole life cycle of georesource management.
The curriculum mixes theoretical classes, seminars and hands-on practical training. Core technical modules cover mining, remediation and geoscience topics (for example: reclamation, radioactivity, groundwater chemistry and hydrogeology for groundwater management, and an introduction to biohydrometallurgy). In parallel, students study management, economics and regulatory aspects such as management and finance of mining operations over the life cycle, project and contract management, and licensing, stakeholder involvement and expectation management.
The programme is structured across three semesters: subject-specific taught modules in the first and second semesters, followed by a Master’s seminar and Master’s thesis in the third. Mandatory core content is complemented by elective options (for instance German language, soil and rock mechanics, or practical placements with mining companies) and you must select 10 ECTS worth of free elective modules to complete the study plan.
Key facts and programme requirements
The programme’s taught content is concentrated in the first two semesters and combines technical, managerial and regulatory topics to prepare you for sustainable mine operation, closure and remediation. Core modules cover project and contract management, finance across the mining life cycle, basic groundwater chemistry and hydrogeology for water management, an introduction to biohydrometallurgy, environmental geotechnics, reclamation and radioactivity. A problem-based learning module on licensing, expectations and stakeholder management develops practical skills in negotiation, regulatory compliance and community engagement.
Elective options let you tailor your profile toward modelling, mine-water issues, biotechnology or broader cultural and ethical dimensions of resource use. Third semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis and an accompanying seminar (together 24 ECTS), allowing you to carry out an in-depth research or applied project that synthesises technical knowledge, management competencies and stakeholder considerations learned in earlier semesters.
Key learning outcomes include the ability to design and evaluate remediation and reclamation measures, apply groundwater and mine-water science to management problems, integrate financial and contractual perspectives across a mine’s life cycle, use geostatistical or biotechnological tools where appropriate, and manage licensing processes and stakeholder expectations in multicultural contexts.
Compulsory modules (taught across semesters 1 and 2):
Electives: choose 12 ECTS from:
Free electives: choose 6 ECTS from any free-elective modules.
Thesis semester: Master’s thesis plus Master’s seminar — together 24 ECTS.
Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree that provides a solid foundation in mining and earth sciences. Specifically, the program requires a completed bachelor’s-level qualification comprising at least seven semesters in geoengineering, mining, geoscience or a closely related discipline.
“Seven semesters” typically corresponds to a 3.5‑year bachelor’s program; international degrees of different structures are admitted if they are equivalent in scope and content. Degrees with substantial overlap in subjects such as geological engineering, earth sciences, or environmental engineering with a strong geoscience/mining component may be considered, provided the coursework matches the programme’s technical focus.
To simplify assessment, have your official transcript and diploma ready to show program length and relevant course content. If your degree system differs from semester-based systems, include a brief explanation or a diploma supplement and contact admissions for guidance on equivalency.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 October 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 October 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in sustainable mining operations, environmental remediation projects, groundwater and mine water management, and the revitalisation of industrial or mining sites. The mix of technical, environmental and business training enables careers in engineering firms, remediation consultancies, regulatory bodies, environmental agencies and resource companies.
With expertise in areas such as reclamation, radioactivity management, hydrogeology and biohydrometallurgy—as well as project, contract and stakeholder management—graduates can pursue positions in project management, environmental compliance, site assessment and remediation planning, or continue into research and doctoral studies.