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University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Master of Engineering Science (Renewable Energy)

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Engineering Science (Renewable Energy) is a two-year full-time degree that'll help you take your career in renewable energy to new heights.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
1 - 2 years full-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$9,000 per year / $112,500 total

About this course

Overview

The Master of Engineering Science (Renewable Energy) is a two-year full-time degree that'll help you take your career in renewable energy to new heights. Designed for students with a recognised four-year engineering degree, you can develop job prospects through specialisation, retraining or cross-training with this Masters degree. This renewable energy specialisation suits engineers attracted to the renewable energy industry. During your postgraduate study you'll undertake a number of targeted courses in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Taught at Australia's top engineering faculty, you'll have the flexibility to specialise in one area or broaden your knowledge in other areas of engineering. Exciting and practical, this degree features complex, open-ended enquiry-based projects as well as a range of opportunities to help you become a leader in your field.

A postgraduate degree in renewable energy allows graduates to develop their existing skills or refocus in the direction of renewable energy technologies, systems and integration with existing energy systems. Flexible learning is a key aspect of this degree as it's designed for students who already have a four-year accredited engineering degree. If you have a degree or extensive professional experience in a related area you can apply for credit towards this degree.

*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Why study this degree at UNSW?

You'll study at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, a leader in world-class education and research. We produce internationally acclaimed research, working closely with industry to provide innovative solutions to the sector. The School was formed in response to the booming renewable energy industry. Our research and education programs are helping transition energy systems across the world towards clean renewable and efficient use of energy.

  • Our research has produced world record solar cells for a range of materials and technologies
  • Our academics are world experts in their fields and internationally respected and recognised
  • We focus on translating research into practice so your learning is hands on and up to the minute
  • Since 1974 UNSW is the world leader in photovoltaic research, holding the world record for the highest efficiency silicon solar cell for more than three decades
  • Industry partners include Suntech, China Sunergy, LG Electronics, Schmid, BlueScope, Ergon Energy and Solar Citizens

We're equipped for world-leading research ranging from blue-sky research to applied research at pilot scale level. The laboratories at UNSW's Tyree Energy Technology Building have a range of deposition, etching, structuring, simulation and metrology tools to support our photovoltaic and renewable energy research. Our Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF) houses a flexible R&D enabled pilot line for crystalline silicon solar cells and modules.

Program Code
8338
CRICOS Code
084282A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
2,383
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

This Master of Engineering Science specialisation accepts students from any engineering discipline.

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Students with a 3 or 4-year Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with an engineering background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with a science background must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Electrical and Renewable Energy
    • Electrical and Renewable Power
    • Electrical Engineering (Renewable Energy)
    • New Energy Science and Engineering
    • Power Generation and Renewables
    • Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    • Renewable Energy
    • Renewable Energy Systems

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Photovoltaic Engineering
    • Solar and Renewable Energy
    • Solar Energy

    • Cognate disciplines

      • Photovoltaic Engineering
      • Solar and Renewable Energy
      • Solar Energy
    1. A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline; or
    2. A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Computer Engineering
    • Computer Systems Engineering
    • Electrical and Renewable Energy
    • Electrical and Renewable Power
    • Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering (Renewable Energy)
    • Electronics Engineering
    • New Energy Science and Engineering
    • Photovoltaic and Solar Energy Engineering
    • Power Electronics
    • Power Engineering
    • Power Generation and Renewables
    • Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    • Renewable Energy
    • Renewable Energy Systems
    • Telecommunication Engineering
English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

This Master of Engineering Science specialisation accepts students from any engineering discipline.

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Students with a 3 or 4-year Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with an engineering background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with a science background must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Electrical and Renewable Energy
    • Electrical and Renewable Power
    • Electrical Engineering (Renewable Energy)
    • New Energy Science and Engineering
    • Power Generation and Renewables
    • Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    • Renewable Energy
    • Renewable Energy Systems

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Photovoltaic Engineering
    • Solar and Renewable Energy
    • Solar Energy

    • Cognate disciplines

      • Photovoltaic Engineering
      • Solar and Renewable Energy
      • Solar Energy
    1. A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in any engineering discipline; or
    2. A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Computer Engineering
    • Computer Systems Engineering
    • Electrical and Renewable Energy
    • Electrical and Renewable Power
    • Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering (Renewable Energy)
    • Electronics Engineering
    • New Energy Science and Engineering
    • Photovoltaic and Solar Energy Engineering
    • Power Electronics
    • Power Engineering
    • Power Generation and Renewables
    • Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    • Renewable Energy
    • Renewable Energy Systems
    • Telecommunication Engineering
Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Select from the options below *
Which applies to you? *

Study locations

Kensington

Career pathways

Future careers

Career opportunities in the renewable energy sector are almost limitless. Across the world there's rapid growth in the sector especially photovoltaics and wind, the most low-cost technologies to generate electricity. With a shift towards more efficient use of energy, energy storage and electrification of the transport sector Renewable Energy Engineers are now more in demand than ever.

Upon graduation with specialised renewable energies expertise under your belt there are a range of roles graduates can pursue. Potential roles include:

  • PE & RE system design, analysis and construction
  • Policy, financing, marketing and energy markets
  • Engineering consulting and project management
  • Solar architecture, energy efficient building design
  • Energy efficiency
  • Manufacturing, quality control and reliability
  • Research and development

UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.