In order to better fulfill its curriculum objectives, the School since the academic year 1987-88 has introduced two specialties or directions: that of the “Μining Engineer” and another of the “Μetallurgical Engineer”. The curriculum covers 10 semesters (5 years). In the first three (3) semesters (1st, 2nd, 3rd) the curriculum is common for both directions, while during the 10th semester the students work on a diploma thesis in a course of their choice under the supervision of the instructor teaching that course.
In 1999, and in the effort of upgrading the undergraduate curriculum, it was decided that the first 7 semesters make up the basic curriculum, while from the 8th semester there is an introduction of five (5) subject directions, which are completed as course work with the 9th semester. These five (5) subject directions are:
(a) Environmental Engineering and Geo-Environment.
(b) Mining Engineering.
(c) Geo-Engineering.
(d) Metallurgical Processes.
(e) Materials Science and Engineering.
During the 8th and 9th semesters, students must select at least 6 courses from a subject direction of their choice. The remainder 6 courses for the completion of the degree requirements may be selected from the courses offered in the other 4 subject directions or the course pool, with a maximum number of 3 courses from any one direction or the pool. For a smooth transition from the 2 specialty directions to the new 5 subject directions, a transitional period of 3 years (1999-2001) was allowed. Since the academic year 2001-2002, all students follow the new system of subject directions.
During the 8th and 9th semesters, students are obliged to select at least 6 courses from their preferred direction. Another 6 courses are necessary for completing their studies. These extra 6 courses may be selected from the courses of the other 4 directions or the course pool. A maximum of 3 elective courses is allowed from each direction or the pool. Also during the 8th and 9th semesters, students must register, attend and pass in each semester in 2 to 4 at least compulsory courses of the direction they have selected. For the successful completion of the 8th and 9th semesters, students must pass 6 courses/semester.
Students selecting the directions of (a) Mining Engineering and (b) Geoengineering must include in the 6 courses they select at least 4 courses from the common courses of the two subject directions and also another 2 from the special courses of each subject direction. The courses are designated as Compulsory and Electives (the students must select one or more courses, according to the programme of each semester).
The completion of undergraduate studies is achieved by performing work and submitting a diploma thesis during the 10th semester in a course of their choice under the supervision of the Professor teaching the course.