The Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) (Honours) is a four-year, AQF Level 8 undergraduate degree that trains students in the science, technology, and management of extracting mineral resources from the earth safely, efficiently, and responsibly. The course covers the full lifecycle of a mine — from resource estimation and deposit evaluation through to mine design, drilling and blasting, ground control, ventilation, materials transport, mineral processing, environmental management, and mine closure. Students develop a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, geology, and computing before progressing to specialised mining disciplines. The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer, and graduates are eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), with qualifications recognised internationally through the Washington Accord.

This degree is designed for students who are passionate about problem-solving in complex, real-world environments and want to play a pivotal role in Australia's resource sector — one of the nation's most economically significant industries. Graduates are equipped to work across surface and underground mining operations, mineral processing plants, and consultancy firms. Major employers include mining giants such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Glencore, Newmont, Fortescue Metals Group, South32, and Yancoal, as well as engineering and environmental consultancies, government agencies, and research organisations. The degree increasingly incorporates emerging technologies including mine automation, robotics, data analytics, and machine learning, reflecting the rapid technological transformation of the global mining industry.

For domestic students, most Australian universities offering this degree require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent, such as HSC, VCE, WACE, QCE, SACE, or TCE) with a competitive ATAR — typically ranging from approximately 70 to 85 depending on the institution and annual competition. Mathematics is a mandatory prerequisite at every institution, with most requiring at least Mathematics Methods (or equivalent) at Year 12 level. Many universities strongly recommend or require a second science subject such as Physics or Chemistry. Some institutions offer a flexible first year of general engineering, allowing students to choose their mining specialisation at the end of Year 1, while others admit directly into the mining stream. Alternative pathways include foundation programs, diploma articulation from TAFE, and credit transfer arrangements for students who have begun related engineering studies elsewhere.

For international students, academic requirements are assessed against country-specific equivalents to Australian Year 12. English language proficiency is required, with typical minimums of IELTS 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Some programs offer institutional English pathway courses for students who narrowly miss these thresholds. Work experience is not typically required for undergraduate entry, though some programs incorporate a mandatory industry placement of at least 60 days or 8–12 weeks as a degree requirement — meaning students must be able to secure and complete approved professional training in a mining environment during their studies. Students should also be aware that some post-graduation certificates of competency (such as a Mine Manager's Certificate) require additional industry experience beyond graduation.