Course details

Summary

An intensive, single-semester, hands-on qualification for engineering and science graduates wishing to pursue advanced research or a career in geothermal energy.

Programme overview

New Zealand is a recognised leader in ensuring best practice in geothermal development. Being in Auckland – a three-hour drive away from most of the country’s high temperature geothermal systems - makes us perfectly suited to offer postgraduate study in this field.

This highly practical programme focuses on providing the necessary applied knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the geothermal industry. It includes two field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, and learning from our highly-regarded staff, all of whom are members of the Geothermal Institute and GNS Science.

Programme structure

This is a demanding programme with a high workload. You will be expected to attend an average of four hours of lecture and two hours of tutorials each day, with additional work to be addressed during parts of your weekends.

You will need to complete:

Two 15 point compulsory courses focusing on a general overview of the geothermal industry and related technologies.

A 15 point research report on some aspect of geothermal exploration, development or exploitation, based on a study using field, lab, or theoretical methods.

One 15 point elective from the PGCertGeothermTech schedule. The lectures and examinations for these occur during weeks 8 to 13. Parts of this programme can therefore be completed in six-week blocks.

You must attend two week-long field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, and complete a technical report after each trip. There will also be several day trips dedicated to visiting geothermal companies and sites of geological or geothermal interest.

Where could this programme take you?

This programme consistently achieves its aim to provide the best technical skills applicable to the field – we have trained over 1,500 students who are employed around the world as leaders in the geothermal industry. You may also gain wider industrial and technical perspectives to enable the pursuit of further research.

Jobs related to this programme

• Analyst
• Geothermal drilling supervisor
• Geothermal project manager
• Reservoir engineer
• Rig manager
• Site geologist

Further study options

• Master of Energy

Entry criteria

You must have completed a four-year engineering degree, or one year of postgraduate study in science following an undergraduate degree, in an earth or physical science. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 4.0.

English language requirements:
IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.