Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-07-15 | - |
2025-07-21 | - |
Program Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology (PGCertGeothermTech) is an intensive, single-semester program designed for engineering and science graduates seeking advanced research or careers in geothermal energy. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of geothermal resources, technologies, and exploration, development, and exploitation techniques. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the geothermal industry and have consistently achieved success as leaders in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology (PGCertGeothermTech) is an intensive, single-semester program designed for engineering and science graduates who want to pursue advanced research or careers in the geothermal energy field.
Objectives:
- Provide students with the necessary applied knowledge and skills to succeed in the geothermal industry.
- Develop a thorough understanding of geothermal resources and their use.
- Introduce students to various geothermal energy technologies.
- Equip students with the ability to conduct research and develop solutions related to geothermal exploration, development, and exploitation.
Program Description:
- Highly practical program with a focus on hands-on learning.
- Offered only during Semester Two (July-November).
- Demanding program with a high workload, requiring an average of four hours of lectures and two hours of tutorials daily.
- Requires additional weekend work and independent study.
- Taught by highly-regarded staff who are members of the Geothermal Institute and GNS Science.
- Features two week-long field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone.
- Includes several day trips to visit geothermal companies and sites of geological or geothermal interest.
Outline:
Structure:
- Two 15-point compulsory courses focusing on general overviews of the geothermal industry and related technologies.
- One 15-point research report on a specific aspect of geothermal exploration, development, or exploitation.
- One 15-point elective chosen from the PGCertGeothermTech schedule (offered during weeks 8-13).
- Two week-long field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, with technical reports required after each trip.
- Several day trips to geothermal companies and sites of geological or geothermal interest.
Sample Programme Structure (Semester Two):
Compulsory (45 points):
- GEOTHERM 601 - Geothermal Resources and their Use (15 points)
- GEOTHERM 602 - Geothermal Energy Technology (15 points)
- GEOTHERM 689 - Geothermal Project (15 points) - Research project
Elective (15 points):
- Choose from available electives, such as:
- GEOTHERM 603 - Geothermal Exploration (15 points)
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Analyst
- Geothermal drilling supervisor
- Geothermal project manager
- Reservoir engineer
- Rig manager
- Site geologist
Opportunities and Outcomes:
- Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the geothermal industry.
- Program has consistently achieved its aim of providing graduates with the best technical skills applicable to the field.
- Over 1,500 graduates are employed around the world as leaders in the geothermal industry.
- Graduates may also gain wider industrial and technical perspectives to enable the pursuit of further research.
Other:
- The program is offered in Auckland, New Zealand, a location ideal for studying geothermal energy due to its proximity to high-temperature geothermal systems.
- The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the geothermal industry, from exploration and development to resource management and environmental considerations.
- Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the sustainable development of geothermal resources.
- Students can also access career planning services from the University of Auckland's Career Development and Employability Services.
University of Auckland Summary
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Entry Requirements:
University of Auckland Students:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) or Bachelor of Science (Hons) in an earth or physical science field.
- Minimum GPA of 4.0.
- Compulsory 45 points
- GEOTHERM 601: Geothermal Resources and their Use (15 points)
- GEOTHERM 602: Geothermal Energy Technology (15 points)
- GEOTHERM 689: Geothermal Project (15 points)
Other Tertiary Institution Students:
- One year of postgraduate study in engineering or science with a GPA of 4.0.
- Compulsory 45 points
Other Pathways to Study:
- Applicants with at least three years of work experience in the geothermal energy field may be considered with a lower GPA.
- Elective 15 points
- Choose between
- GEOTHERM 603: Geothermal Exploration or
- GEOTHERM 620: Geothermal Engineering .
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Note:
For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.