Boost our energy resilience

The transition to renewable energy sources needs a multi-disciplinary approach and a workforce with diverse skills.

When you study renewable energy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll gain industry-relevant expertise based on the latest science. Build your understanding of the theory behind renewable energy systems, and develop the technical and analytical knowledge to create and sustain energy resilience.

Then put it into practice through community-based projects, where you’ll design and build real systems for communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.

Choose your study path

Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.

When you study by coursework, you’ll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.

Focus on coursework

Coursework and research

Focus on research

Study for the Master of Renewable Energy

In this specialist degree, you’ll develop a theoretical knowledge of renewable energy systems and then put it into practice.

Take part in practical projects to develop renewable energy systems for communities in New Zealand and overseas.

Qualification support and advice

We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.

If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.

If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.

For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.

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Study options

Find out how you can study Postgraduate Renewable Energy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Master of Renewable Energy—MRE

POSTGRADUATEMASTERS
Duration
1.5 Years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
180
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Course
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
Tohu Paetahi Pūtaiao (Honore)

Bachelor of Science with Honours—BSc(Hons)

POSTGRADUATEBACHELOR’S DEGREE WITH HONOURS
Build on your Bachelor of Science degree with one year of advanced study and research in your area of scientific interest.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research project · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paerua, Pūtaiao

Master of Science—MSc

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Complete advanced study in science and carry out independent and original research in your area of interest—by coursework and thesis, or by thesis alone.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120 or 240
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework, research, research project, practicum / placement, and project work
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Pūtaiao

Postgraduate Diploma in Science—PGDipSc

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Extend your Bachelor’s degree with advanced study in your chosen field of science.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027

Postgraduate Certificate in Science—PGCertSc

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Duration
0.5 Year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Course
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORAL [PG]
Duration
3 Years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Future careers

Renewable energy specialists work in energy companies, like:

  • Transpower
  • Wellington Electricity
  • Infratec.

Others work with the government to develop energy policy, and for organisations that design energy systems to sustainably power rural or developing communities.

More career information

Find out more about careers in renewable energy.

The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

Scholarships for science and engineering

  • Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.

  • Worth: $5000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    This scholarship is for students who have been accepted into the MA programme at the International Institute of Modern Letters. Applicants must provide a written overview of the work they intend to undertake during their MA study. It will be established that the work being undertaken by the applicant does not infringe upon any copyright law.

  • Worth: $3,750 (subject to funds available) Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

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, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.

Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Other scholarships

We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

Scholarships for science and engineering

  • Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.

  • Worth: $3,750 (subject to funds available) Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Worth: $5000 Closing: 30 November, 2026

    The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Join our postgraduate community

The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Postgraduate Students’ Association

MAI ki Pōneke

MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.

Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

Academic staff research areas

Alan Brent

Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems

Daniel Burmester

Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Energy

Ramesh Rayudu

Deputy Head of School, Learning & Teaching

Get help to manage your finances

We can help you:

  • budget your money
  • manage your student loan or allowance
  • work out your accommodation payment schedule.

If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.

You may be eligible for government or community support, too.

Two smiling people facing each other across a table

Apply for a New Zealand study visa

You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.

You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū

Get in touch about postgraduate study

Need some help before you apply? Complete the enquiry form below. 

Get in touch about postgraduate study

Need some help before you apply? Complete the enquiry form below.