New Zealand is a leader in the fight against climate change. Over 85% of its electricity comes from renewable sources like hydropower and geothermal. The country plans to shift towards 100% renewable energy generation by 2030. 

This makes the University of Otago’s Department of Physics the perfect setting for anyone seeking a future in sustainable energy. Here, professors embrace innovative teaching methods to provide students with the highest quality education and to produce research of international excellence. 

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) has six interdisciplinary majors:

A Sustainable Energy qualification here can empower you to drive change in the defining issue of this generation. Whether it’s a Bachelor of Science with Honours, Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science, or Master of Applied Science, each seeks to develop and use low-carbon energy innovations to reduce carbon emissions and guide critical decision-making in the energy sector. 

“We are excited about the range of new degrees available for study that will suit the varying requirements of students. Our aim for the new range of programmes is to enable graduates to secure future-proof, rewarding careers in the globally growing sustainable energy industry.” 

says Programme Director, Associate Professor Michael Jack

Both programmes combine lectures, hands-on labs, and practical fieldwork to explore the science behind renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Students get to work on diverse projects such as energy-efficient housing, heat pump technology, designing renewable energy installations, and more. Each course is designed to equip graduates with the key skills required for energy analysis in industrial and commercial settings. 

The push for low-carbon energy transition has created many rewarding new careers in this field. The department has links to institutions in key energy markets like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and more, encouraging international association via partner research collaborations or personal interest. Employers and recruiters often contact the department directly with career opportunities, and students also receive offers during their workplace-based projects. 

Many Sustainable Energy alumni now work in energy companies and energy and carbon consultancies. Some have been hired directly by large companies or governments to manage their energy and carbon emissions. Their roles range from full-time engineers and data scientists to sustainable energy advisors and carbon auditors.