Steps before applying masters in mining

Students usually confuse themselves over applying for masters’ degree. There are two types of degrees i.e. Master of Science / Philosophy (M.Sc. / M.Phil.) and Master of Engineering (M. Eng.). This has been cleared in the article “Should you Opt M.S. or M.Eng. in Mining?” While the previous article deals with the differences, in this article I would like to share the steps to apply for a M.S. / M.Phil. degree in Mining.

The most frequently asked question “How do I start applying for a M.S. / M.Phil. in Mining?” There isn’t a rule book to follow the steps that would lead towards successful application but the following steps would allow you to understand the way to apply for masters’ degree.

Step 1:

Decide which mining field you want to set your foot into.

It implies either to choose the coal mining stream or the hard rock mining stream. The research topics are highly different in both the cases.

Step 2:

Decide which mining research area you are interested to work in.

There are various research areas depending on the field opted. The coal mining sector has a numerous research areas related to ventilation such as methane detection and monitoring, ground control such as roof support and monitoring, etc. The hard rock sector involves mine planning, stoping methods and rock mechanics. The other emerging area in the mining is geomechanics. 

Step 3:

Make a list of professors working in that area.

Look at the present projects that are carried out by the professors and study a bit about the projects to get an overview of the working area. Make a list of the professors after getting an overview over their projects. This would be much shorter list which would make it easier to approach.

Step 4:

Contact the professors on the list.

Create a two page resume with a purpose of writing to the professor clearly stating your interest areas. Some of the professors respond to these type of emails which clearly mentions the result of the mail. But some of the professors ignore as they have high inflow of emails, in such case you need to contact the research students under the professor to know about the availability of project and the funds. Direct applications to the universities can get rejected as the professors may have sufficient students for the project. This ensures you to apply for specific universities rather than applying randomly over ten universities and hoping to get accepted from somewhere. This will also save application fees over a number of universities.

Step 5:

Apply to the universities with the positive response from the professor and few in the universities you feel the projects are appealing.

These are the steps that will make you understand about what masters by research is all about and how to chase your dream towards your area. Hope this would help people applying to Master of Science in Mining Engineering. Best of luck to everyone.