UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA [Link].
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Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering
What does the programme entail?
Career opportunities
South Africa is not only blessed with the world’s largest deposits of
gold, chromium, platinum, vanadium and manganese, but also has Metallurgical engineers unlock the riches of
extensive reserves of iron, lead, zinc, copper, nickel, coal and diamonds. deposits of metal ores and minerals and optimise
The minerals industry contributes 50% of South Africa’s exports and the manufacture and performance of metallic
is one of the largest employers in the country. Metallurgical engineers components. You will find metallurgical engineers where
play a key role in the production of minerals and metals and help to valuable minerals are recovered from ore, where metals
process metals into final products with added value. In this way, the are produced from the minerals and where the metals
maximum income is generated in local and international markets. are converted into useful materials, as well as into high-
Components made from metals and other materials are designed to performance products. Areas of specialisation include minerals
perform optimally in all aspects of modern life. processing, extractive metallurgy, materials engineering and
performance, advanced manufacturing processes, including
laser-assisted additive manufacturing and welding, as well as
failure analysis and forensic engineering.
Careers include production engineers, plant managers,
consultants, forensic engineers and researchers.
Minerals processing Extractive metallurgy
Processing the The processing of mineral
ore to release and concentrates to metals through What makes this programme unique?
concentrate the pyrometallurgy (including smelting)
valuable minerals or hydrometallurgy (including
contained in it. leaching) as refining steps. As the leading metallurgical engineering
department in South Africa, the Department of
Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering
currently plays a prominent role in the education of
metallurgical engineers for the South African metallurgical and
The three main fields of specialisation in mining industries, and its graduates are in high demand. Many
metallurgical engineering graduate engineers from other disciplines take postgraduate
programmes in the Department to enhance their skills in the
rich minerals industry in South Africa and abroad.
Unconditional accreditation by the Engineering Council of South
Materials production, performance and integrity Africa (ECSA) is a confirmation of the quality of undergraduate
This field entails the development of new alloys, the teaching in the Department, and the degree currently enjoys
production of useful materials and products from raw international recognition. Staff members consult with and
metals, including forming through casting, 3D printing conduct research for industry and maintain close contact
using lasers and joining through welding. The forensic with local metallurgical industries to ensure that teaching and
investigation of failures is also of great importance. research are in line with industry needs. Sophisticated research
equipment is available in the Department, as well as in the
Industrial Metals and Minerals Institute (IMMRI), which is located
in the Department. Bursaries for metallurgical engineering
students are available from various industry partners.
LEARN MORE See the website for additional information: [Link]/metal
The Department supports students in several ways. To help
them overcome problems, a member of staff is appointed as
a mentor for each student year group. For first-year students,
in particular, there is an intensive mentorship programme.
The normal programme runs over four years, but a five-year
programme (ENGAGE) is also offered for students who require
additional support and mentoring.
The Metallurgical Student Association is elected by the student
body and organises social and sports functions.
Innovate our tomorrow – Undergraduate and general enquiries: [Link]@[Link] | +27 (0)12 420 3182/4551
METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING
Design, manage and optimise Extract and process metals
the processes where minerals from minerals into products
are beneficiated and metals that have commercial value
produced. and generate income.
Develop plans to optimally Minimise the environmental
extract minerals and metals impact of metallurgical
from the earth. processes.
Fields in which metallurgical engineers contribute their expertise
Develop manufacturing
processes and monitor Design innovative new
the production and use of components and products
components and products for the future.
made from metals and alloys.
Research the best methods
Investigate the reasons for to manufacture components
the failure of components and products for various
through forensic analysis applications, including
and testing. aerospace and medical
implants.
Minimum admission requirements
Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering:
Minimum requirements for NSC/IEB for 2025
APS: 35
Achievement levels required for specific subjects:
English Home Language or English First Additional Language: Level 5
Mathematics: Level 6
Bachelor of Engineering in
Physical Sciences: Level 6
The suggested second-choice programmes for Bachelor of Engineering in
Metallurgical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering are Bachelor of Science Chemistry, Bachelor of Science
Mathematics and Bachelor of Science Physics if your APS and subject requirements
for your first-choice programme are not obtained.
4-YEAR PROGRAMME
Want to apply? Follow the online Faculty of Engineering,
application process for prospective Built Environment and
students on our website: Information Technology
Fakulteit Ingenieurswese, Bou-omgewing en
[Link]/apply Inligtingtegnologie / Lefapha la Boetšenere,
Tikologo ya Kago le Theknolotši ya Tshedimošo
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information at time of use: [Link]/yearbooks/home
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