The PhD program in Mining Engineering is designed to provide advanced skills and a sophisticated knowledge base at the expert level for individuals planning a career in academic, industry and research settings in any of the subfields of the Mining Engineering discipline.
The program focuses on the development of an in-depth understanding of the nature, implementation and evaluation of mining engineering principles and applications together with the growth of research skills. The overarching aim of the program is to develop high quality doctoral researchers who are ready and able to make a lasting contribution to addressing scientific, technological, economic, societal and environmental challenges of global significance.
Upon completion of the PhD program, students will be capable of designing and conducting independent, innovative, original and high-quality research related to a variety of topics in mining engineering.
General information
Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
Language: English
Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
Duration: 4 years
Total ECTS credit: 240
Program Aims
The program aims to prepare:
specialists for advanced careers in (national and multinational) industry and academia in Kazakhstan, in neighboring countries and internationally;
future policy and decision makers for careers in governmental agencies, public service and the social economy, in Kazakhstan, and globally;
entrepreneurs who will be able to promote advanced and innovative science-rich technologies anywhere in the world;
new generation of commercially aware and technologically advanced scientists and technologists to lead future developments in the chosen mining engineering sub-discipline; and
future academics and researchers in mechanical engineering sub-disciplines for careers as specialists in universities of Kazakhstan and other parts of the world.
Key Advantages
95%+ job placement rate within 1–2 months of graduation
1
Internships with major companies: KazMinerals, ERG, Kazzinc, etc.
2
Hands-on experience at real mining sites and underground operations across Kazakhstan
3
Access to modern labs and industry-standard software: Datamine, Micromine, Rocscience
4
Active student community and involvement in mining-related competitions and global conferences
5
Focus on digital transformation and automation in mining (robotics, AI tools, simulation)
6
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will be able to:
review, analyse and evaluate the body of scientific literature in their field of study in Mining Engineering;
critically evaluate all major types of research in their field of study in Mining Engineering;
identify appropriate research topics in their field of study in Mining Engineering, and generate hypotheses about such topics;
plan, conduct, analyse and communicate research in writing and verbally independently;
make an original contribution to the knowledge in their area of specialization within Mining Engineering;
explain their research and research findings to others both orally and in written form;
present and explain the connection between their research outcomes and the broader field of knowledge in their Mining Engineering sub-discipline;
develop their academic/scholarly career through presentations, publications, and national and international networking;
What Will You Learn?
Research-Driven Specialization
Original contributions in geomechanics, rock excavation, mine systems.
Robotics, AI & Automation
Deep-dive into Mine Robotics and Automation, Advanced Numerical Methods, and data analytics for mining systems.
Emerging Techniques
Topics like Unconventional Mining Systems and high-stress mining environments.
Publication & Teaching
Engage in global research networks, academic publishing, and conferences.
Curriculum
Year/ Semester;Fall ;Spring;Summer
Year 1;Research Methods & Ethics*,Statistics,Thesis Research,Advanced Mine Geomechanics,Graduate Elective Course 1;Current Research Literature,Advanced Mining Systems,Thesis Research,Graduate Elective Course 2,Graduate Elective Course 3;Thesis Research
Year 2;Thesis Research;Thesis Research;Thesis Research
Year 3;Thesis Research;Thesis Research;Thesis Research
Year 4;Thesis Research;Doctoral Thesis;Doctoral Thesis