International Programmes 2024/2025

European Mining Course (EMC) European Mining Course (EMC)

RWTH Aachen University • Aachen

Degree
Master of Science (MSc)
In cooperation with
  • Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria
  • Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The courses and Master's thesis are offered in English.

Although German is not necessary, we strongly advise students to obtain basic knowledge of the language for everyday use. Therefore, we offer German language courses at the RWTH Language Center.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

The EMC is a full time, two-year, triple-degree programme, starting in September each year at Aalto University, Finland. After their first semester, students move as a group to RWTH Aachen (Germany), and for the third semester, they study in Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria). The Master's thesis can be done in cooperation with our industry partners and will be supervised by one of the three partner universities.

Application deadline

The application deadline is the end of February each year. The exact date will be published in due time on the following website: http://www.emc-master.eu.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
Description/content

The European Mining Course (EMC) is an exchange programme organised by three leading technical universities in Europe:

  • RWTH Aachen University (Germany)
  • Aalto University (Finland)
  • Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria)

In addition to students from these three universities, numerous students from Europe and around the world also participate in the EMC to explore the international world of raw material extraction as part of their Master's studies.

The EMC covers all aspects of the commodity lifecycle. It provides a solid understanding of the global mining industry and takes a life cycle approach by covering the entire mining value chain. It provides up-to-date technical fundamentals for deposit modelling, mine planning, and economic evaluation. The technical knowledge is complemented by topics in business management, ethics, environmental engineering, and a well-defined and structured programme for managing health, safety, and the environment.

But the EMC offers more than just the opportunity to study abroad! Through guest lectures from industry, field trips and industry projects, students gain direct insight into the international mining industry and make valuable contacts for their future careers.

The goal of the EMC is to train experts who will be future decision makers in the field of mineral resources and related engineering and who have a clear vision of future developments in this industry. The EMC supports the development of students into adaptable and innovative engineers who are able to find the best solution for the optimal use of deposits.

Course organisation

The EMC is a two-year triple degree programme with Aalto University, RWTH Aachen University and Montanuniversität Leoben.

Students are enrolled at all three universities and complete one semester at each partner university. The exchange programme starts in September at Aalto University (Finland). After a two-month break, during which students have the opportunity to complete an internship in a company, students transfer to RWTH Aachen University (Germany) and then continue the third semester at Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria).

In the last semester, students select one university as their main supervising university for the Master's thesis, which can also be done in collaboration with a company. Upon completion of the programme, students receive three MSc degrees, one from each of the partner universities and a certificate of participation in the EMC from FEMP.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International guest lecturers
  • Opportunities for students to work abroad
  • Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)

The EMC contains mandatory mobility periods. Students spend one semester each at the three partner universities.

Integrated internships

The EMC offers excellent contacts to industry partners and thus endorses internships, which students organise independently. The programme provides a time slot of two and a half months between the first and second semesters for internships.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • ERASMUS+
  • Other (e.g. state level)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Approx. 200 to 300 EUR per semester in social contribution fees

Costs of living

Students are offered student housing at each of the three universities. Living costs are comparable to German standards (approx. 1,000 EUR per month).

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Non-EU students might be eligible for Finland scholarships. All students can apply for Erasmus+ mobility grants and FEMP Scholarships (www.FEMP.org).

Academic admission requirements

Intake
The annual intake of the EMC programme is 30 students.

Degree requirements and previous university studies:

  • A BSc degree corresponding to a minimum of 180 ECTS credits is required. Students in their final year of their Bachelor's studies are eligible to apply, provided they complete their Bachelor's degree by 31 July (before the start of the academic year in the coordinating university, Aalto) and submit the degree certificate (and its official translation if needed) by the given deadline.
  • The awarding institution has to be a recognised part of the official national education system of the country, i.e. to be listed as a degree-granting higher education institution by the country where it is located or by a relevant international organisation (such as UNESCO).
  • The applicant's previous university degree could be BSc in Engineering or in Geosciences such as in Mining Engineering, in Resource Engineering, in Geology in Earth Sciences or in Environmental Engineering.
Language requirements

Proof of English proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English with an accepted proof of language proficiency.

Acceptable English language tests and minimum scores:

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced: A, B or C
  • Cambridge C2 Proficiency: A, B, C or Level C1
  • IELTS Academic: A minimum overall mark of 6.5, and minimum 5.5 for writing
  • TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test): 92, and minimum 22 for writing
  • TOEFL PDT (Paper-delivered test): reading 22, listening 22, and writing 24
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A): 62, and 54 for writing

An English language test is not required

  1. if an applicant has earned a higher education degree in Aalto University, Montanuniversität Leoben or in RWTH Aachen while residing in that country.
  2. if an applicant has completed a higher education degree instructed in English at a higher education institution that is physically located in one of the following countries: EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States while residing in that country.
  3. if an applicant has completed primary and secondary education in English in: an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States while residing in that country.
Application deadline

The application deadline is the end of February each year. The exact date will be published in due time on the following website: http://www.emc-master.eu.

Submit application to

The application is done via an application portal of Aalto University. All relevant information is available at the following website: http://www.emc-master.eu/.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Part-time employment might be possible as student assistants at partner universities or with industry contacts.

Accommodation

The respective university provides assistance with accommodation.

Career advisory service

Career Center of RWTH Aachen: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/Studium/Nach-dem-Studium/~ejx/Karriere/?lidx=1

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Buddy programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Welcome event
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The EMC provides close support through the coordinating Aalto University, and each university also has specific contacts for local issues.

RWTH Aachen University

University location

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