Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop knowledge of renewable and sustainable energy generation, conversion, storage, transmission, distribution and use.

• Study both technical engineering and wider economic, environmental and sustainability issues affecting energy systems.

• Choose a technical engineering pathway or a systems-analysis pathway focused on informing decisions and policy.

• Complete a substantial research project or an internship/industry project as part of the degree.

• The programme addresses the global transition towards more affordable, secure and sustainable energy systems and the skills needed to support that transition.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree is divided into two parts.

Part 1 – Coursework (120 points)

• Eight courses completed over the first two trimesters, according to the School’s programme description.

• Two compulsory courses related to research methods, one in Trimester 1 and one in Trimester 2.

• Two stream-oriented elective courses, one in each of the first two trimesters.

• Four further courses selected from the Renewable Energy course schedule or relevant courses offered in engineering, environmental sciences, environmental studies and climate change science and policy.

Part 2 – Research or industry project (60 points)

• A 60-point project at 500 level.

• The School describes this as either a research project or an internship/industry project.

• Part 1 must be completed before students proceed to Part 2.

• The project allows students to apply their learning to an approved renewable-energy topic or industry-related problem.

Renewable Energy course topics

The School’s published course information identifies the following subjects:

• RESE 405 – Power Electronics and Electrical Machines.

• RESE 411 – Power Systems Analysis.

• RESE 412 – Advanced Development of Renewable Energy Systems.

• RESE 421 – Energy Economic Analyses.

• RESE 422 – Sustainability Modelling Techniques.

• RESE 423 – Case Studies of Renewable Energy Systems.

• RESE 431 – Renewable Energy Systems Generation.

• RESE 432 – Renewable Energy Storage and Conversion.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The MRE has two specialisation pathways.

1. Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

• A technical pathway for students interested in the design, analysis, development and implementation of renewable-energy systems.

• The University’s published course combinations include power electronics, electrical machines, power systems analysis and advanced renewable-energy systems development.

• The requirements page identifies RESE 411, RESE 412 and RESE 413, together with one course selected from the specified energy-analysis, sustainability, generation or storage options.

2. Renewable Energy Systems Analysis

• A non-technical or systems-analysis pathway.

• Focuses on the economic, sustainability and analytical aspects of energy systems.

• Relevant topics include energy economic analysis, sustainability modelling, renewable-energy case studies, energy generation and energy storage.

• The published requirements include RESE 421 and RESE 422, together with one course selected from RESE 423, RESE 431 or RESE 432.

Programme Highlights

• A 180-point Level 9 master’s qualification focused on renewable and sustainable energy.

• Two distinct study pathways: Renewable Energy Systems Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems Analysis.

• Coursework covers technical, economic and sustainability aspects of renewable-energy systems.

• The 60-point final project offers a research or industry-project route.

• Students can study topics relating to power systems, energy generation, energy storage, sustainability modelling and energy economics.

• Relevant postgraduate study may allow exemption of up to 60 points from optional Part 1 courses, subject to approval.

• The programme is designed to address the need for technical and analytical skills in the transition to more sustainable energy systems.

Career Outcomes

The programme’s graduate profile is intended to develop knowledge of energy generation, conversion, storage, transmission, distribution and usage technologies, with particular emphasis on renewable and sustainable energy. Graduates are also expected to understand the environmental, economic and societal impacts of decisions about energy systems.

Potential career directions include:

• Renewable energy systems engineer.

• Renewable energy project or development specialist.

• Energy systems analyst.

• Energy and sustainability consultant.

• Energy policy or planning analyst.

• Renewable energy research or technical specialist.

• Energy storage, generation or power-systems specialist.

• Sustainability or environmental project roles in the energy sector.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The University’s 2027 Engineering and Computer Sciences handbook lists the MRE as a 12–16-month coursework-and-project master’s, with Trimester 1 entry and a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a B+ average.

• The international application page lists 22 February 2027 as the start date and 7 December 2026 as the application deadline.

• The international fee estimate shown by the University is NZ$78,600 for the full programme, based on its 2027 estimate.

• The School’s programme information describes the degree as 180 points over three trimesters, with a 120-point coursework component and a 60-point final project.

• The University’s requirements page and School course information should be checked together when planning the course combination, as course codes and combinations may be updated.

• Applicants with no previous renewable-energy background may be required to take RESE 423.

• Applicants seeking credit for previous postgraduate study must obtain approval from the Head of School.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students enrolling in the MRE will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Main requirements

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or confirmation of an acceptable scholarship or other funding arrangement.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• Genuine reasons for studying in New Zealand.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period.

• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay, such as an outward travel ticket or sufficient additional funds to purchase one.

Visa cost and processing

• Application cost: from NZ$850.

• Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks. Processing times can change.

• The visa can allow a stay of up to four years, depending on the course and visa granted.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

Living-cost funds

For tertiary-level study, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of:

• NZ$20,000 for each year of study if the course is one year or longer; or

• NZ$1,667 per month if the course is shorter than one year.

The MRE is listed as taking 12–16 months full-time. Applicants should therefore use their actual programme dates and visa application circumstances to establish the required funds.

Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on the visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student; applicants must check their individual visa conditions.

• If an internship or industry project is part of the approved course, students should check with the University and Immigration New Zealand whether any specific practical-work conditions or documentation are required.

India-specific financial information

• Immigration New Zealand has a Funds Transfer Scheme for eligible applicants from India and certain other South Asian countries.

• For applicants applying from South Asia, including India, only immediate family members can generally sponsor or provide a financial undertaking under the relevant rules.

• Applicants should follow the current instructions for their nationality and application location.