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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313426 v.2 Master of Science (Mineral and Energy Economics)

MSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 072466C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


The Master of Science (Mineral and Energy Economics) builds on the foundation studies of business and mining disciplines preparing graduates for more senior roles in the mining and energy sectors. Students are provided with a thorough foundation in resource sector management and general business theory. The curriculum has a highly applied practical focus and is delivered by leading academics and business practitioners. Graduates will be equipped with a range of analytical and managerial skills relevant to middle and senior managers in decision making roles in resources, mining and energy companies.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.


Course Overview Note

Prospective students intending to commence this course from 2010 should consult the Department of Mineral and Energy Economics within the Graduate School of Business to discuss possible changes to course completion requirements.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants for this course require a bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution and at least three years subsequent, relevant work experience. Graduates from the Curtin Graduate Certificate in Mineral and Energy Economics will be considered qualified for entry. The Graduate Board of Examiners requires, unless there are exceptional circumstances, that those with more than two failures in the course be excluded from the course, so as to maintain the high standard expected of such a prestigious qualification.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Certificate in Mineral Economics; Graduate Certificate in Business (Mineral Economics); Graduate Certificate in Business; Graduate Diploma in Mineral Economics; Graduate Diploma in Mineral and Energy Economics.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


This course offers specialisations in either Mineral Economics or Energy Economimics for applicants from either technical or non-technical backgrounds.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. examine and evaluate economic and financial models and trends that affect the minerals and energy sector

2. analyse problems and issues that pertain to the mineral and energy sector and incorporate evidenced based solutions

3. access appropriate database sources and evaluate and synthesise information from these and other sources to make valid and supported judgments about issues

4. develop skills in communication to allow decision making in a business setting; recognise the different approaches needed to communicate with different audiences

5. select and use appropriate software packages to manipulate , transfer, access and manage data

6. develop skills in gathering and organising information from several sources and recognise and rectify own gaps in knowledge

7. analyse the impact made by the mineral and energy sector on local and regional areas and how policies can alter that impact

8. explore issues of land ownership and Indigenous Australians and the relationship between the land and resources

9. recognise and respond appropriately to the needs of different groups in terms of professional behaviour; work successfully in collaborative teams to achieve stated outcomes


Duration and Availability

This course may be completed in 1.5 years full-time or the equivalent in part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Perth City Campus Trimester 1   Y      
2014 Perth City Campus Trimester 2   Y      
2014 Perth City Campus Trimester 3   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Trimester 1
313786 v.1   Energy Economics Major (MSc) 300.0
  OR  
313783 v.1   Mineral Economics Major (MSc) 300.0
  300.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Curtin Business School on telephone (08) 9266 7713, email business@cbs.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://business.curtin.edu.au.


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.