Master of Renewable Energy

Learn how to design, develop, and promote clean energy systems. Complete course work and an industry project with either an engineering or analysis focus.

Sustainable energy for resilient futures

The transition to renewable energy is accelerating—ever more of our energy is coming from resources like wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and hydroelectric power.

The world needs people with the technical skills to implement and operate renewable energy systems, along with the analytical know-how to shape public energy policy. You can gain those skills and know-how through the Master of Renewable Energy (MRE).

In our MRE programme, you’ll develop a theoretical knowledge of renewable energy systems and you’ll learn how to put this knowledge into practice. You’ll take part in practical projects to develop renewable energy systems for communities in New Zealand and overseas.

Get the Postgraduate Handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Two learning pathways

Within the Master of Renewable Energy (MRE), you’ll choose from two learning pathways—one focused on engineering, the other on analysis.

Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

This pathway focuses on the technical aspects of the industry.

Learn to design, analyse, create, and commission a range of renewable energy systems. You won’t be building new technologies—but you’ll learn how to make an energy system work most efficiently for the community that it powers.

If you’re interested in the hands-on aspects of renewable energy systems and already have an engineering background, this pathway is a good fit for you.

Renewable Energy Systems Analysis

On the analytical pathway, you’ll study the economics of energy systems and learn about energy markets and regulation. You’ll develop techniques for modelling and analysing the sustainability of energy systems.

You don’t need a technical background to specialise in Renewable Energy Systems Analysis. If you’re interested in working as an analyst or in a policy role to help support the development of renewable energy systems, this pathway is a good fit for you.

Part-time study options

You can study for an MRE part time and complete your study over six trimesters—usually around two years.

Your study load will be around 20-23 hours each week, so make sure that you take this into account if you’re working.

Structured study with an industry focus

The MRE is made up of two parts.

Part one

Develop your knowledge of the theory of renewable energy through coursework while you focus your study on the pathway of your choice—engineering or analysis.

Part two

Complete an industry-based research project that puts your knowledge of the theory into practice. Work with one of our industry partners or a community in New Zealand or overseas.

You’ll work with other specialists to establish an understanding of that community—like how much energy it needs and what resources are available—and then build a system that can help it grow and develop.

Future careers

The Master of Renewable Energy will open the door to a range of roles in the private and public sectors.

The engineering pathway could lead to work designing small-scale sustainable energy systems. Or it could lead to a role in a larger company involved in generating, transmitting, or distributing power. Graduates with an MRE work at organisations like:

• Transpower
• Wellington Electricity
• Infratec.

The analytical pathway could land you an advisory role where you help to shape energy policy. That could be:

• in central government
• at a regional agency
• at a not-for-profit organisation, like the United Nations.

Powering policy and innovation

Here in Wellington, we have some of New Zealand’s largest and most innovative companies at our doorstep. Being in the nation’s political centre, we can be part of the conversation around government energy policy.

Join our postgraduate community

At Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll have a wealth of support and resources to draw on. You’ll be part of a community of students and staff working on projects with real-world applications.

In our laboratories, you’ll get experience using advanced equipment and the latest software. Outside the lab, you’ll attend lectures given by experts in the industry and have the chance to engage with them directly.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can also give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

• Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships.

Applicable scholarships

• Infratec Scholarship for Māori, Pasifika, and Women in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering
• Entain NZ Scholarship for Women in Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (available every second year)
• Wellington Graduate Award.

Further research or study

After completing the MRE, you may want to continue your studies.

If you see yourself pursuing a career as an academic or specialist consultant, you may consider studying towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This is the highest academic qualification offered by the University, and it involves original and sustained research under supervision.