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Overview

Programme Overview

New Zealand is a recognised leader in ensuring best practice in geothermal development. Auckland is only a three-hour drive away from most of the country’s high temperature geothermal systems. We're therefore perfectly positioned to offer postgraduate study in this field.

This highly practical programme focuses on the 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. It is only available during Semester Two. You will be expected to attend an average of four hours of lectures and two hours of tutorials each day. Additional work will be completed 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 courses occur during weeks 8 to 13. Parts of the programme can therefore be completed in six-week blocks.
  • You must attend two week-long field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, completing a technical report after each trip. There will also be several day trips to geothermal companies and sites of geological or geothermal interest.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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

MEnergy - Master of Energy

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (60 point) - 2.5 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) or Bachelor of Science from this University, or equivalent prior study

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have completed a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from this University with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in at least 60 points above Stage III, or a Bachelor of Science from this University with a minimum GPA of 2.5 above Stage II.

In some circumstances, you may be admitted with a lower GPA if you have at least three years of work experience in the geothermal energy field.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2027 Semester Two19 July 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate certificate are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate certificate, an applicant must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher over 60 points above Stage III

or

b (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher over 60 points above Stage II

or

c completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science from this University, or have equivalent prior study, with at least three years of professional experience in the geothermal industry approved by the Programme Director.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student enrolled for this postgraduate certificate must:

a pass courses with a total value of 60 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Certificates.

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate certificate must not exceed 90 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student enrolled for this postgraduate certificate must pass 60 points from courses listed in the Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology Schedule.

7 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this postgraduate certificate must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director or nominee.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Variations

9 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

10 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 60 points comprising:

  • 45 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points from Elective Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Compulsory Courses

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

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