The UNSW Master of Engineering (Geothermal Engineering) degree is designed to teach skills that will help you develop new and innovative energy technology solutions. You’ll study problems covering the technical aspects of earth exploration and development.

Sustainable forms of energy are becoming a priority in the modern world, given the increased demand for energy globally. Geothermal energy is one of the sustainable forms energy where the heat energy generated and stored in the earth are applied. The exploitation of these resources has a large overlap with petroleum engineering methods including reservoir characterisation and drilling methods.

The two-year geothermal engineering specialisation within the Master of Engineering provides extra research for the familiarity of students with these resources at an advanced level. It aims to help existing leaders in energy disciplines to solve problems related to earth exploration, as well as project economics and consider the environmental and social context of the industry.

The degree, sitting within the UNSW School of Minerals & Energy Resources Engineering, includes a range of courses with a research or enquiry-based learning component. These enquiry-based components involve students solving an open-ended problem. This is established through the integration of taught material with their own investigation into the problem and developing their own solutions.

By studying at UNSW you’ll be able to take advantage of our strong links with industry in the energy field, including partners such as:

• BHP
• Chevron
• Glencore
• Exxon Mobil
• Baker Hughes

Why study this degree at UNSW?

The UNSW School of Minerals & Energy Resources Engineering has been a provider of innovative world class engineering education and research in both petroleum and mining for more than 70 years. Our mission is to support future cleaner energy, such as geothermal energy, and sustainable supply of mineral resources.

The school leads not only in Australia but also the world, placing 4th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2023. By joining us, you’ll have access to world-class facilities to help you develop innovative solutions to technical problems concerning geothermal energy.

These include a virtual reality simulator with floor-to-ceiling screens that casts a 360-degree, 3D image with cinematic clarity. It allows for exploration of the earth beyond the boundaries of traditional education into experimental learning.

The Tyree Micro-CT facility offers bespoke X-ray and neutron beam transparent flow and deformation cells with 4D-material characterisation down to the molecular level. Various materials such as rocks, cement, sand, composite, coal, steel, coral, battery and biological samples (insect, animal tissues and bones) can be imaged.