Develop advanced insight into sustainable energy systems and explore how science, policy, and innovation can shape a low-carbon future.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science and Master of Applied Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) and Master of Science (Applied).
Why study postgraduate Sustainable Energy?
Sustainable Energy focuses on how we can meet growing energy needs while cutting carbon emissions and avoiding the worst effects of climate change.
At postgraduate level, you build the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to support cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. You explore the science behind renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction, while developing a deep understanding of both renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Your study strengthens key skills in energy analysis, with applications across industrial and commercial settings.
Courses cover a wide range of sustainable energy topics, giving you the flexibility to pursue areas that match your interests and goals. Projects may involve investigating energy-efficient housing, heat pump technology, or generating energy from waste. You might assess energy saving opportunities on campus, design renewable energy installations, or evaluate the potential for solar energy in university flats.
You’ll connect technical insight with practical decision making, equipping you to lead the shift to a low-carbon future.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study in Sustainable Energy prepares you for roles across industry, government, and research where energy expertise is increasingly valued. Possible career pathways include:
- Renewable energy analyst or consultant
- Energy policy advisor
- Sustainability or climate strategy specialist
- Energy systems researcher
What it’s like to study at this level
You study through advanced coursework, independent inquiry, and research-led learning that brings theory into practice.
Your learning experience emphasises critical thinking and applied problem-solving. You engage with current research, analyse case studies, and explore energy challenges through discussion and project work. Collaboration is central, as you learn alongside students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Academic staff support you to refine your ideas, strengthen your analytical skills, and develop confidence working with complex energy issues. Depending on your pathway, you may also undertake a supervised research project that allows you to investigate a topic aligned with your interests and career goals.
This is for you if ...
Postgraduate Sustainable Energy study suits students with prior study or experience in science, engineering, environmental studies, or related disciplines. Ideally you will have been awarded a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in the subject of proposed study or have an alternative acceptable qualification.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Sustainable Energy as an undergraduate at Otago.
From lab to low-carbon future
You study Sustainable Energy at Otago in an environment built for hands-on exploration and forward thinking.
During your studies, you gain access to a wide range of high-tech laboratory facilities and specialist equipment. These include climate chambers used to test heat pump and dehumidifier technologies, a femtosecond laser machining facility, and detailed models of the New Zealand energy and electricity system that let you explore future energy scenarios.
Teaching is led by experts actively shaping the field of energy system sustainability, bringing current research directly into your learning. Our staff have secured competitive research funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for projects including energy-efficient buildings, hydrogen storage, and next-generation heat exchanger technology. Additional support comes from Energy Education Trust funding for waste-to-energy research and industry collaboration funding.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied))
A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component. The MSc(Applied) can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Find a supervisor
Potential supervisors (Dr Arjan Abeynaike, Dr Sam Lowrey and Professor Michael Jack) and their research interests can be found in the Physics site.
The papers were interesting, the staff were supportive, and Dunedin itself is a glorious place to live and study. I particularly appreciated the hands-on learning opportunities – tutorials and laboratory sessions were essential throughout my undergraduate degree. They provided practical experience and allowed time for discussion and reflection
Rafferty Parker
Master of Science (Energy Science and Technology), Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Energy Studies), Bachelor of Applied Science (Major: Energy Management, Minor: Mathematics)
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Note: The papers are normally taken before undertaking the thesis. |
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(i) Entry requirements include any BSc/BE equivalent qualification and Mathematics experience equivalent to a first year course in Calculas and linear algebra (similar to MATH 130). (ii) With Programme Director approval, one of the 400-level papers listed above may be replaced by another. |
Contacts
Professor Michael Jack
Department of Physics
Tel +64 3 479 7753
Fax +64 3 479 0964
Email michael.jack@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/physics/energy-studies/
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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