Postgraduate Study in Sustainable Energy
With a qualification in Sustainable Energy, you’ll gain the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to reduce carbon emissions and guide critical decision-making in the energy sector.
Why study Sustainable Energy?
Cutting carbon emissions from fossil fuels is crucial if we want to avoid the worst effects of climate change. The world needs cleaner, more sustainable ways to generate power and this programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive change.
You’ll delve into the science behind renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction. You’ll gain a deep understanding of a range of renewable and non-renewable energy resources and develop the key skills required for energy analysis in industrial and commercial settings.
We cover a variety of sustainable energy topics in our courses, meaning you could dive into projects as diverse as energy-efficient housing, heat pump technology, generating energy from waste, identifying energy saving opportunities on campus, designing renewable energy installations, and assessing the potential for solar energy in university flats.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Sustainable Energy as an undergraduate at Otago.
State-of-the-art technology and expert teachers
During your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of high-tech laboratory facilities and equipment. This includes climate chambers for testing heat pump and dehumidifier technology, a Femtosecond laser machining facility, and complex models of the New Zealand energy and electricity system, enabling you to explore future energy scenarios.
Our papers are taught by leading experts in the field, offering the latest research and expertise in energy system sustainability. Our staff have won multiple competitive research grants including MBIE Smart Ideas funding for modelling future energy efficient buildings, MBIE Catalyst funding for hydrogen storage, MBIE Smart Ideas funding for next-generation heat exchanger technology, Energy Education Trust funding for waste-to-energy technology, and NZPA 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, Master’s, 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 Applied Science (MAppSc)
A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component, the MAppSc can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
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 Associate 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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Contacts
Associate 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 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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