Graduate Diploma in Resource Development
Overview
Build the technical, operational and professional capability needed to work effectively in today’s resources sector.
The Graduate Diploma in Resource Development (Mining) is designed for professionals who want to transition into mining or strengthen their operational expertise within the industry. You might be changing disciplines, advancing your technical capability, or preparing for more senior site‑based responsibilities.
This 2‑year, part‑time program is taught by leading academics from UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and has been co‑designed with industry. You’ll develop practical, industry‑relevant knowledge grounded in contemporary mining practice, enabling you to contribute confidently to the performance, sustainability and long‑term success of resource operations.
The Graduate Diploma combines the content from 2 of UQ's resource development graduate certificates. You’ll undertake study in the areas of:
- Mining Foundations
- Mining Operations.
This structured pathway allows you to progress from foundational knowledge through to advanced operational capability, while maintaining flexibility to study alongside full‑time employment.
Courses are delivered online, with selected courses incorporating a Brisbane‑based workshop component.
Program highlights
- Benefit from an industry engaged curriculum, developed in response to industry capability needs.
- Balance work with flexible part-time study over 2 years.
- Experience blended delivery with online learning and on-campus workshop components.
- Develop capabilities strongly aligned with professional practice and contemporary site operations.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Online study
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Integrated Orebody Knowledge
- Applied Mining Geomechanics
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Mining adviser
- Mineral exploration consultant
- Engineering manager
- Mining engineer
- Drill and blast engineer
- Mine planning engineer
- Short-term planner
- Mine production engineer
- Scheduler
- Technical services superintendent
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
- to have completed 2 years full-time equivalent, post-secondary study, plus 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below). Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be assessed individually.
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
- to have completed 2 years full-time equivalent, post-secondary study, plus 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below). Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be assessed individually.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include geology sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, surveying, spatial science or an engineering field other than mining.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience includes 2 years of work in a relevant engineering environment. This will need to be supported with evidence.
Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) clearly stating the following:
- That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation
- The nature of your work, detailing any relevant duties and responsibilities to the entry criteria above
- The length of time you were in your role/s (i.e demonstrating minimum length for entry) and whether this was full-time, part-time, or casual
- Any further bespoke conditions listed by the entry criteria
Letters will typically be expected to be presented on company letterhead and signed by a manager or HR representative. A CV or resume is not a sufficient document on its own and must be accompanied by a supporting letter as described above.
All applications based on work experience are subject to an individual assessment.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
Student visas
This program does not meet the eligibility requirements for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia you will need a temporary visa or residency status with study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$20,392
2026
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Graduate Diploma in Resource Development pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Resource Development is 5774.
International students who want to study this program will not be eligible for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia, you will need an Australian visa or residency status with sufficient study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Resource Development is 5774.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.
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