Duration
Full-time: half year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
2026 Semester Two – 20 July
Available locations
City
Points
60
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

New Zealand is a recognised leader in ensuring best practice in geothermal development. Being in Auckland – a three-hour drive away from most of the country’s high temperature geothermal systems – makes us perfectly suited to offer postgraduate study in this field.

This highly practical programme focuses on providing the necessary applied knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the geothermal industry. It includes two field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, and learning from our highly-regarded staff, all of whom are members of the Geothermal Institute and GNS Science.

Programme structure

This is a demanding programme with a high workload. It is only available during Semester Two. You will be expected to attend an average of four hours of lecture and two hours of tutorials each day, with additional work to be addressed during parts of your weekends.

You will need to complete:

  • Two 15 point compulsory courses focusing on a general overview of the geothermal industry and related technologies.
  • A 15 point research report on some aspect of geothermal exploration, development or exploitation, based on a study using field, lab, or theoretical methods.
  • One 15 point elective from the PGCertGeothermTech schedule. The lectures and examinations for these occur during weeks 8 to 13. Parts of this programme can therefore be completed in six-week blocks.
  • You must attend two week-long field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, and complete a technical report after each trip. There will also be several day trips dedicated to visiting geothermal companies and sites of geological or geothermal interest.

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

Semester Two (Geothermal Exploration elective)

Compulsory 45 points

  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 601
    Name:
    Geothermal Resources and their Use
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 602
    Name:
    Geothermal Energy Technology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 689
    Name:
    Geothermal Project
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    15 pts

Elective 15 points

  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 603
    Name:
    Geothermal Exploration
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Sample programme structure

Semester Two (Geothermal Engineering elective)

Compulsory 45 points

  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 601
    Name:
    Geothermal Resources and their Use
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 602
    Name:
    Geothermal Energy Technology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 689
    Name:
    Geothermal Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Elective 15 points

  • Code:
    GEOTHERM 620
    Name:
    Geothermal Engineering
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

2024 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 60 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

    Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) or Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Further programme requirements

Taught 60 points

You must have completed a BE(Hons) or a BSc(Hons) in an earth or physical science field. You will need a GPA of 4.0.

Other pathways to study

In some circumstances, you may be admitted with a lower GPA if you have at least three years of work experience in the geothermal energy field.

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 60 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    One year of postgraduate study in engineering or science

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

Further programme requirements

Taught 60 points

You must have completed a four-year engineering degree, or one year of postgraduate study in science following an undergraduate degree, in an earth or physical science. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 4.0.

Other pathways to study

In some circumstances, you may be admitted with a lower GPE if you have at least three years of work experience in the geothermal energy field.

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 Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$6,063.60*
International students
NZ$32,479*

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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $532.80 for full-time study (60 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

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

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

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Student loans and allowances

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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

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 Two 2025
4 July 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?

This programme consistently achieves its aim to provide the best technical skills applicable to the field – we have trained over 1,500 students who are employed around the world as leaders in the geothermal industry. You may also gain wider industrial and technical perspectives to enable the pursuit of further research.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Analyst
  • Geothermal drilling supervisor
  • Geothermal project manager
  • Reservoir engineer
  • Rig manager
  • Site geologist

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