Course overview
Renewable energy is a key driver for a sustainable global future, and this course will provide you with the background needed to create a sustainable future for our planet.
This course offers advanced training in the area of renewable and sustainable energy systems, sustainable energy policy and development, energy efficiency and carbon management. It's been been developed in conjunction with industry consultants in the energy and carbon industry, with additional units added to the program in response to industry demands and developments.
You’ll learn the advanced interdisciplinary skills required to design, optimise and evaluate the technical, social and economic viability of renewable energy schemes.
Gain practical experience and learn from experts from the Murdoch University Energy Research and Innovation Group (MUERI), with the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in an area you’re passionate about.
You’ll graduate with a globally recognised multi-disciplinary degree taught by researchers at the forefront of their fields.
3 reasons to study a Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering at Murdoch
- Murdoch have been at the forefront of energy teaching and research since 1975 and offer the most comprehensive program in renewable energy within Australia.
- Learn from industry and academia experts who have research expertise in renewable energy system design and performance, energy efficient buildings and transport, sustainable energy development, Smart Cities, climate change risk assessments, carbon neutral strategies, energy storage, and biomass technology.
- Take advantage of our teaching and research facilities, including our renewable energy outdoor test area for research and development on solar photovoltaic technology, solar thermal power, wind turbines, hybrid systems and micro-grid technology and engineering and energy laboratory.
What you'll learn
- Renewable energy systems design
- Planning sustainable energy projects in developing countries
- Assessing the energy efficiency of buildings
- Developing sustainable energy policy
- Conducting climate change risks assessment and developing management strategies
- Executing a substantial research project in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change management
Your future career
Graduating with a Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy will give you skills that are in high demand for a range of careers in areas ranging from renewable energy systems design and project management, through to energy and carbon policy, greenhouse gas accounting and energy management. You could expect to gain employment in the following industries and organisations:
- Power generation
- Renewable energy manufacturing and installation
- International aid
- Government departments
- Economic regulatory authorities
- Energy efficiency and environmental consultancies
- Carbon accounting
- Energy and environmental consultancies
- University and private industry research organisations
- Local councils
Professional recognition
Students who complete the unit PEN590 Energy Systems as part of this course are eligible for provisional accreditation by the Clean Energy Council for design of stand-alone photovoltaic systems, small wind power systems and micro hydro power systems. Students who complete the units PEN628 are eligible to apply to become an Infrastructure Australia Accredited Professional.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
This course is available to online students anywhere in the world who wish to study off-campus by using online facilities. Assistance is provided by tutors who correspond with students by telephone, email, or the Internet.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Recommended documents
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.