Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

New Zealand is a world leader in – and ideally placed for – innovation in renewable energy. Gain industry insights and explore technological developments with our roster of internationally-recognised experts, and prepare to lead in a sustainable global sector that continuously evolves to meet our daily needs. With significant input from top researchers from the Geothermal Institute, you’ll be provided with up-to-date skills and knowledge that directly apply to the real world.

This flexible programme lets you focus on a field of energy while pursuing courses from the Faculty of Engineering and Design, Faculty of Science and Business School. We have recommended study tracks incorporating commonly chosen courses to fit the backgrounds of most students.

You will complete two core courses that provide overviews of the industry’s resource economics and technology issues. In our taught programme, you will also complete a research component that allows you to work on a problem relevant to industry, which may cover economic, environmental, technical, or regulatory issues. It is also possible to align your research with your employment. 

Programme structure

You can undertake a Master of Energy in either a taught or research pathway.

This programme is offered in two options, to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates.

  • 120 points for candidates with a four-year bachelors (honours) degree
  • 180 points for candidates with a three-year bachelors degree
     

Taught study
For the 120-point taught programme you will complete two 15-point core courses, one 45-point research project and three 15-point electives. For the 180-point taught programme, you will complete two 15-point core courses, one 45-point research project and seven 15-point electives.

Electives let you pursue an aspect of the industry that interests you. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of courses aligned to specialised study pathways. These include focusing on a specific form of energy – such as wind or geothermal – or engineering technology, environmental science, or business.

Core:

*Students will confirm their research topic and supervisor with the Programme Director.

Electives:
For the 120-point programme you can select up to three 15-point electives and for the 180-point programme you can select up to seven 15-point electives from the following:

*You can only enrol in a maximum of three for GEOTHERM courses

*Students can also select relevant courses from the Master of Engineering Studies course schedule; or other postgraduate level courses from this University. Courses not listed above will require prior approval from the Course Director and your Programme Director.  


Research study
Candidates with sufficient background in research and/or work experience may be eligible to undertake a 90-point Research Thesis. For the 120-point programme you will complete two core courses followed by the research thesis. For the 180-point programme you will complete two core courses, four 15-point electives from the schedule above (excluding research project), followed by the 90-point Research Thesis.

Core:

*Students will be required to submit a thesis topic and supervisor before starting their programme.

Electives:
For the 180-point programme you will choose four 15-point electives selected from the taught programme course schedule below (excludes research projects).


Not offered in 2024

  • EARTHSCI 703 Hydrothermal Systems: Geothermal Energy and Ore Deposits
  • ECON 702 Industrial Organisation
  • COMENT 703 Commercialisation of Science and Technology
  • ENGSCI 745 Petroleum Engineering
  • ENVENG 750 Advanced Sustainability Engineering
  • ENVGMT 743 Environmental Policy
  • GEOG 749 Applied Climate Science
  • MECHENG 714 Wind Engineering
  • MECHENG 717 Advanced Thermal Systems

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

120 point taught programme

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    ENERGY 785A
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ENERGY 721
    Name:
    Energy Resources
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ENERGY 722
    Name:
    Energy Technology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    ENERGY 785B
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

180 point taught programme

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    ENERGY 721
    Name:
    Energy Resources
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ENERGY 722
    Name:
    Energy Technology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    ENERGY 785A
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 3 60 points

  • Code:
    ENERGY 785B
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) or postgraduate study in science or commerce

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Commerce

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) or postgraduate study in science or commerce

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points of courses above Stage III
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0
  • Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 5.0
  • Bachelor of Commerce and a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce with a GPA of 5.0
  • an equivalent four-year study programme with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III 
  • a relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III, and three years of relevant work experience

If you have met one of the above requirements, but have not met the required GPA, you may be eligible if you have passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0. 

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Resarch, or nominee, if it is determined that you have a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study. 

You must have completed either:

  • a Bachelor of Science with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.
  • a Bachelor of Commerce with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.
  • a relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

If you have completed one of the above requirements, but not met the required GPA, you may also be eligible if you have passed 60 points towards a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher. 

In exceptional circumstnaces, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience. 

You must have completed one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points of courses above Stage III
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0
  • Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 5.0
  • Bachelor of Commerce and a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce with a GPA of 5.0
  • an equivalent four-year study programme with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III a relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III, and three years of relevant work experience

If you have met one of the above requirements, but have not met the required GPA, you may be eligible if you have passed 60 points toward a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0. 

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Resarch, or nominee, if it is determined that you have a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study. 

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Engineering Technology with a GPA of 5.0. 

In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed a bachelors degree and have three years of work experience in the energy industry.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Four-year engineering degree or postgraduate study in science or commerce

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in engineering, science or commerce

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Four-year engineering degree or postgraduate study in science or commerce

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational science topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modelling, chemical and materials science, electrical engineering theory, mechanics, programming, and engineering design.
  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

Alternatively, you must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, in engineering, science or business at a recognised university (or similar institution). 

You will need a GPE of 5.0.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar) in engineering, science or business. You will need a GPE of 5.0.

You must have completed a four-year bachelors degree in engineering at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes:

  • Broad coverage in your first year of the foundational science topics that underpin engineering disciplines: mathematical modelling, chemical and materials science, electrical engineering theory, mechanics, programming, and engineering design.
  • One year of postgraduate-level study
  • A research project or dissertation comprising at least one-quarter of the final year

Alternatively, you must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, in engineering, science or business at a recognised university (or similar institution). 

You will need a GPE of 5.0.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPE requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Engineering Technology with a GPA of 5.0. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider you for entry if you have completed an undergraduate degree and have three years of work experience in the energy industry.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Energy cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$11,334*
International students
NZ$52,842*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

The Master of Energy is now a limited entry programme, with only 40 students accepted into the programme each year.

For each round of selection applications are reviewed at the same time by the programme selection committee. You may receive a conditional offer prior to the final decision, which will be subject to you gaining programme leader approval. This is your application being assessed by the programme selection committee, and nothing further will be required from you at this stage.

Your application will be ranked based on your academic achievement in relevant tertiary study, and a qualitative assessment of your work experience to date. You will receive the final outcome of your application by 8 October for Semester One intake, and 8 April for Semester Two intake.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
2 October 2024
Semester Two 2025
3 April 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The MEnergy prepares you for high-ranking, advisory positions worldwide, and your career path is dependent on technical skills and research concentration. Being the in the Geothermal Institute’s flagship programme means you may take advantage of our strong relationships with industry, be it in harnessing networking opportunities or gaining the wide perspectives needed to reach your career goals.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Environmental scientist
  • Geophysicist
  • Management control superintendent
  • Market services analyst
  • Mineral resource specialist
  • Recycling and construction manager
  • Reservoir engineer
  • Risk and electricity market analyst

Further study options

See all study options

Graduate story: Alex Diaz

Alex completed a Master of Energy. He now works as a geothermal engineer in the Research and Development Team of MB Century.

Read more

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