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Study Energy Science and Technology / Energy Management at Otago

    Be part of the sustainable energy transition.

    New technologies are driving dramatic transitions in energy systems for heat, electricity and transport. These future energy systems will have much lower carbon emissions; be more renewable, efficient, flexible and intelligent; and more geographically distributed. Our unique programme aims to create energy professionals with the scientific knowledge, real-world skills, and flexible problem-solving capability to reduce carbon and drive this transition in New Zealand and globally.

    Otago offers a unique energy and carbon-focused undergraduate programme – the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This programme equips students with the technical knowledge and problem- solving skills to pursue successful careers driving the energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.

    Why study Energy Science and Technology / Energy Management?

    Learn the science behind renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

    Develop the technical expertise and problem-solving ability critical to helping industry and government reduce energy-related carbon emissions.

    Career opportunities

    Our graduates are in high demand! They get exciting, high-paying, meaningful and future-proof jobs. They have the skills and knowledge to reduce carbon emissions and save companies money.

    Our graduates  find successful and fulfilling careers in a diverse range of energy and carbon areas, including:

    • Designing and implementing renewable energy technologies
    • Identifying and implementing energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures at industrial sites or in commercial buildings
    • Developing energy and sustainability plans for national or local government.

    What will I study?

    Core first-year papers are MATH 130/140 and PHSI 131/132. This provides a flexible foundation year for a range of possible courses.

    From second year onwards, you'll study engineering thermodynamics and applied science papers covering climate change, renewable energy resources and technologies, and energy efficiency.

    The programme is very flexible and can cater for a range of student interests, including combining an Energy major or minor with Science, Finance or Environmental Management.

    How will I study?

    The high lecturer to student ratio provides a rich and effective learning environment. In addition to learning theory in lectures and tutorials, you'll gain hands-on experience in practical classes, enabling you to work with energy conversion equipment and directly experience how the principles you have learned work in the real world. Class discussions and assignments will explore energy and carbon problems and opportunities facing New Zealand and the world.

    Degree options

    There are two degree options:

    Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Energy Science and Technology
    The three-year Energy Science and Technology degree is a flexible science degree for students wanting to develop an understanding of the science and technology behind energy efficiency and renewable energy.

    Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Energy Management
    The three-year Energy Management degree is appropriate for students aiming for a career as an energy professional and encourages real-world business awareness.

    Transitions between the two degrees are possible in second and third years. An industry-focused honours year is possible at the end of the undergraduate degree.

    You may also be interested in

    Recommended background

    A typical Energy student is passionate about the environment and climate change, interested in the application of science to real-world problems, and has a solid grounding in maths and physics.

    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.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    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.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

    YearPapersPoints
    100-levelOne 100-level PHSI paper (PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II recommended)18
    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 118
    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 218
    BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making18
    200-levelEMAN 201 Thermoprocesses 118
    EMAN 204 Renewable Energy Technologies18
    PHSI 243 Environmental Physics18
    300-levelEMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer18
    EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 218
    One of:
    GEOG 397 Environmental Management
    PMAN 401 Project Management
    18
    One further paper from FINC 302-310, MANT 303, PMAN 401, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 392, GEOG 397, PHSI 365, PHSI 381, COMO 303, INFO 304, ENVI 31218
    Plus162 further points (MATH 203 highly recommended). Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.162
    Total 360

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-levelOne 100-level PHSI paper (PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II recommended)18
    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 118
    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 218
    200-levelEMAN 201 Thermoprocesses 118
    EMAN 204 Renewable Energy Technologies18
    PHSI 243 Environmental Physics18
    300-levelEMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer18
    EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 218
    Two of PHSI 331, PHSI 332, PHSI 336 (or MATH 374), PHSI 365, PHSI 381, CHEM 301, CHEM 302, CHEM 303, CHEM 304, CHEM 305, BIOC 351, MATH 304, COMO 303, INFO 304, GEOL 363, GEOL 376, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 392
    (PHSI 365 and PHSI 381 recommended)
    36
    Plus180 further points (PHSI 245, PHSI 282 or CHEM 201 recommended; MATH 203 highly recommended) must include 54 points at 200-level or above.

    Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science
    180
    Total 360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    One 100-level PHSI paper (PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II recommended)

    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1

    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2

    18

    18

    18

    200-level

    EMAN 201 Thermoprocesses 1

    EMAN 204 Energy Resources

    18

    18

    300-levelEMAN 301 Fluids and Heat Transfer, or EMAN 308 Thermoprocesses 218
    Total 108

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    EMAN papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    EMAN201 2025 Thermoprocesses 1 18 points Semester 1
    EMAN204 2025 Renewable Energy Technologies 18 points Semester 2
    EMAN301 2025 Fluids and Heat Transfer 18 points Semester 1
    EMAN308 2025 Thermoprocesses 2 18 points Semester 2
    EMAN310 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025
    EMAN402 2025 Process Optimisation 20 points Semester 1
    EMAN403 2025 Linear Systems and Control Theory 20 points Semester 2
    EMAN404 2025 Advanced Energy Resources 20 points Semester 2
    EMAN405 2025 Energy Practice 20 points Semester 1
    EMAN410 2025 Energy Policy 20 points Not offered in 2025
    EMAN490 2025 Dissertation 60 points Semester 1, Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026)

    More information

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