Metallurgical Engineering

Outline

Information on this page is for students who enrolled in 2023 or prior. For 2024 course information, visit here.

Metallurgical engineers mostly work in converting raw metals and minerals into more useable formats, such as converting iron ore and coal into steel. They extract, refine and recycle metals and minerals that are used in many areas of everyday life, including energy production, food production, housing and transportation.

In this major you will learn to design, develop, optimise and manage the operation of metallurgical processing plants that transform low-value raw materials into useful, high-value mineral and metal products – and in an economical and environmentally responsible way.

You’ll gain a thorough grounding in chemical and physical engineering, economic, environmental and sustainable principles, and the extraction of metals from ores. This course also includes a strong management component.

Following your Engineering Foundation Year (EFY) at Curtin Perth, you can go directly to Curtin Kalgoorlie, or study your second year in Perth before completing your third and fourth years in Kalgoorlie. Studying in Kalgoorlie will provide you with meaningful exposure to the resources sector.

Double degrees

You can study a Bachelor of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) with a Bachelor of Commerce.

What jobs can the Metallurgical Engineering course lead to?

Careers

Metallurgist
Hydrometallurgist
Metallurgical engineer
Minerals engineer
Process control specialist
Process engineer
Process mineralogy specialist
Pyrometallurgy specialist.

Industries

Banking and finance
Engineering
Equipment design and sales
Food production
Housing
Mining and minerals processing
Research and development
Transportation.

Further study

What you'll learn

apply scientific and engineering principles to metallurgical process development including sound risk management, environmental and OHS practice
think critically and creatively to generate innovative solutions and apply logical and rational processes to analyse metallurgical technology practice
access, evaluate and synthesise metallurgical information from multiple sources
communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline of minerals engineering and metallurgy
use and apply technologies, recognising their advantages and limitations when applied to minerals and metallurgical information
demonstrate responsibility and self-learning skills by applying critical reflection and being proactive
describe and apply international best practice standards in minerals engineering and metallurgical methods and technologies
demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life
work ethically and professionally, both within a team and independently

Professional recognition

Graduates fulfil the stage one competencies required by Engineers Australia.
The course is also recognised by the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 80
This course has a minimum ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Not accepted but may be used to demonstrate English competency.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

The first year of this course is only offered at the Perth campus. The final two years are available only at the Kalgoorlie campus.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Not accepted but may be used to demonstrate English competency.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 80
This course has a minimum ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

The first year of this course is only offered at the Perth campus. The final two years are available only at the Kalgoorlie campus.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Not accepted but may be used to demonstrate English competency.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 80
This course has a minimum ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

The first year of this course is only offered at the Perth campus. The final two years are available only at the Kalgoorlie campus.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

attained an ATAR of 80 and completed the prerequisites; or
if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester with a semester weighted average (SWA) of at least 70%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester with SWA of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR; or
if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester with an SWA of 65%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR.

The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with:

Maths Methods ATAR; or
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus (12.5 credits); and
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus.

The Physics ATAR prerequisite can be met with:

Physics ATAR; or
PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

The Chemistry ATAR prerequisite can be met with:

Chemistry ATAR; or
CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have:

attained an ATAR of 80 plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR; or
if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 70%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR; or
if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 65%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 80
This course has a minimum ATAR of 80
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

The first year of this course is only offered at the Perth campus. The final two years are available only at the Kalgoorlie campus.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

Acceptance Due Date for International Students

There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:

For countries listed here (Country List), acceptance due date is 7 weeks before course start date, as stated on your Offer Letter. If you have a GTE Finance or GTE Interview condition on your offer, you must submit the GTE documentation 2 weeks before the acceptance closing date.
For all other countries which are not listed in the list, the acceptance due date is 3 weeks before the course start date.
If you are currently in Australia on a valid visa, the acceptance closing date is 1 week before the course start date.

Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For international application deadlines, please refer to: Key dates and university application deadlines | Curtin University

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The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.
Curtin course code: MJRH-MTENG
Last updated on: 17 April 2024

Metallurgical Engineering

Undergraduate major

Check the application deadline for the parent course

Outline

Outline

What jobs can the Metallurgical Engineering course lead to?

Further study

What you'll learn

Get the latest Curtin updates

Professional recognition

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

Unsure what option suits you?

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