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

Where could this programme take you?

The MEnergy prepares you for high-ranking, advisory positions worldwide. Your career path depends 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

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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