Career opportunities
Our graduates are in high demand! They go on to exciting, high-paying, meaningful careers across a range of industries:
- Designing and implementing renewable energy technologies.
- Identifying and implementing energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures at industrial sites and commercial buildings.
- Developing energy and sustainability plans for government departments.
How you will learn
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, hands-on labs and practical fieldwork. You’ll perform energy audits of commercial and industrial sites, including breweries and large manufacturing plants, where you’ll analyse energy use and make recommendations for reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
In labs, you’ll work with other students to explore renewable energy technologies and model complex, off-grid energy systems.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
You’ll need a solid grounding in maths and physics and a deep interest in the environment and climate change. NCEA level 3 mathematics with calculus is ideal preparation, NCEA level 3 physics is recommended.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
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Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
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)
Related subject areas
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Uniquely Otago
Learn more about programmes, qualifications, or outstanding facilities that you won't find elsewhere in Aotearoa
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.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | One 100-level PHSI paper (PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II recommended) | 18 |
| MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 | |
| MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 | 18 | |
| 200-level | ENRG 201 Engineering Thermodynamics I | 18 |
| ENRG 204 Renewable Energy Technologies | 18 | |
| PHSI 243 Environmental Physics | 18 | |
| 300-level | ENRG 301 Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer | 18 |
| ENRG 308 Engineering Thermodynamics II | 18 | |
Two papers from 300-level PHSI, CHEM 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, MATH 304, COMO 303, INFO 304, GEOL 363, 376, GEOG 388, 389, 392, 397, PMAN 401, FINC 302-310, MANT 303, ENVI 312, BIOC 351 (PHSI 365 and PHSI 381 recommended) Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 300-level papers when selecting 200-level papers | 36 | |
| Plus | 180 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 180 |
| Total | 360 |
Papers
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