Master of Energy Systems university course

The University of Melbourne has launched a new graduate program to train future leaders in energy business and technology. The new Master of Energy Systems has been developed in close consultation with industry, in response to rapid changes to today’s global energy sector.

These changes have seen the need for quick responses from industry and governments to issues such as climate change, carbon emissions pricing and regulation, increasing demand on energy resources and emerging energy technologies.

As such, graduates with cross-disciplinary skills are urgently needed to work in a range of careers being opened up by the shift in the energy sector. There is a growing need for experts spanning energy technology, business and policy to: evaluate the performance of energy systems; inform energy-related investment decisions; develop and implement policy; and manage greenhouse gas and pollutant reporting, regulation and compliance.

The Academic Coordinator of the new program, Associate Professor Michael Brear, said the new course integrates the study of the technology and business of energy and is a unique offering in Australia.

An industry advisory panel has been convened by the university to consult on the new program’s curriculum. The panel includes senior representatives from GE Energy, Pacific Hydro, Origin Energy and the Australian Industry Group, along with federal government climate change advisor Professor Ross Garnaut and the former Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Robin Batterham.

The Master of Energy Systems course combines expertise from across three faculties. It is taught by engineers, scientists and specialists in economics, finance and energy policy, delivering a tailored program on energy systems. As a core component, renewable energy, finance for decision-making and energy supply and value chains will be examined.

The course is open to students with a relevant undergraduate degree such as commerce, science or engineering. It is taught over 1.5 years (full time) and features seven core units and four electives. Part-time study is available, along with evening classes and intensive subjects for working professionals.

For further information about the program, go to http://www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/Postgrad/m-energy-sys.html.