The Parker Centre produces industry-oriented Honours and PhD graduates who have undergone research training in hydrometallurgy. Its Education Program has therefore been recognised as a valuable source of highly skilled employees for the minerals industry.

52 Honours students and 46 PhD students were accepted into the Centre during its first seven years. Currently, there are 22 PhD students undertaking research within the Centre. All but one of the Parker Centre's past Honours students who graduated have gained first or upper second class Honours.

Prospective students may wish to consider the following:

There are numerous advantages in undertaking your research degrees within the Parker Centre. The first is probably the most obvious. Hydrometallurgy is the backbone of the minerals industry which is of vital importance both within Australia and overseas. There are challenges to improve its efficiency and to develop it in ways that minimise any adverse environmental impact. It is one of Australia's top export earners and a source of many employment opportunities.

Secondly, the very nature of a Cooperative Research Centre ensures that you, as a student, have immediate access to many experts spread across our university, CSIRO and industry partners. You also have access to the very wide range of research facilities within this diverse group of institutions. In addition, you become associated with a large group of high calibre fellow students who will remain in contact with each other as you spread out into different career paths in the future.

And finally, there is the professional development program (comprising courses, workshops and seminars) which we offer to our students. We recognise that you will not only continue to do research in the future but that you will also take leading roles in various aspects of your profession, including management roles in companies and corporations.