Mineral Resources Engineering

Research in mineral resources engineering is based on the concept of "from mine/quarry to mill/plant to end-user products" whilst encompassing three keystones; to improve productivity (particularly energy efficiency), enhance competitiveness particularly adding maximum value to products and strengthen environmental performance. Generally, current and future research projects in mineral resources engineering are focused on:

• Mining I Quarrying
• Physical Mineral Processing
• Pyrometallurgy
• Hydrometallurgy
• Exploration and Resources Evaluation
• Mine Rehabilitation
• Mining Geology I Engineering

Research Thrust Areas:

• Mining / Quarrying
• Physical Mineral Processing
• Pyrometallurgy
• Hydrometallurgy
• Exploration and Resources Evaluation
• Mine Rehabilitation
• Mining Geology / Engineering

Polymer Engineering

Research in polymer engineering is focused in:

• Development of new materials such as new thermoplastic elastomer materials based on natural rubber, bioactive composite materials, degradable plastics and production of new compatibIliser or coupling agent with the utilisation of the nation's diverse natural resources.
• Preparation and characterisation of nano and natural filler-polymer composites such as development of cost effective modified polymer composites via incorporation of multi-component filler and high performance lignocelluloses/mineral fillers.
• Polymer synthesis of new polymers, such as polysiloxane, water-soluble polymer, conducting polymer etc.
• Various aspects of polymer processing and new technologies for recycling of various rubber and plastic waste.

Research Thrust Areas:

• Plastics
• Rubber and Latex
• Polymer Alloy and Blends
• Polymer Composites
• Polymer Waste Management
• Biopolymers
• Polymer Synthesis

Materials Engineering

Research in materials engineering are centred around six main themes:

• Ceramics
• Advanced metal and alloy
• Advanced Materials and Composites
• Semiconductor and Electronic Materials
• Biomaterials
• Nanomaterials

As for the future research work, there are many new and interesting avenues to be explored and these include:

• Non-linear Optics and Photonics
• Advanced Coating Materials
• Functional Materials
• Sustainable materials
• Advanced energy materials
• Steel and structural materials

Research Thrust Areas:

• Ceramics
• Metals
• Composites
• Electronic Materials
• Glass Ceramics
• Failure Analysis and Characterisation
• Nanomaterial
• Advance Materials

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering
http://material.eng.usm.my/index.php/ms/

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• A Master's degree in research mode; or
• A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
• A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
• Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

Exemption is given to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change