Master of Engineering in Specialisation Renewable energy engineering

The Master of Engineering – Renewable Energy Engineering at Monash University gives students opportunities to apply their knowledge to practical renewable-energy challenges. Students explore solar power, energy storage, renewable energy systems, smart grids and energy efficiency while developing practical and technical skills through laboratory work, modelling, research and industry experience.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

• Industry Experience: Students can undertake an industry placement, subject to availability, gaining experience in a professional or research environment.

• Solar and Energy Storage Experiments: Advanced Photovoltaics and Energy Storage provides practical exposure to solar cells, batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and fuel cells.

• Renewable Energy Laboratory: Monash's Renewable Energy Laboratory at the Clayton campus supports research into thin-film solar cells, photovoltaic devices and renewable-energy technologies.

• Computer Modelling and Simulation: Students use computer-based modelling and simulation to explore renewable-energy systems and understand energy production and usage.

• Smart Grid Learning: Students investigate how renewable and distributed energy resources can be integrated into modern electricity grids.

• Energy-Storage Technologies: Students explore technologies including batteries, capacitors, hydrogen storage, water splitting and fuel cells.

• Engineering Facilities: Students can access Monash engineering facilities, including the Alan Finkel Building for Technology and Design, Monash Makerspace Network and Monash Innovation Labs.

• Research and Industry Connections: The Renewable Energy Laboratory works with organisations such as CSIRO, ANSTO/Australian Synchrotron and the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, providing connections to advanced research and technology development.

• Real-World Projects: Students have opportunities to work on real-world engineering projects and participate in student teams, strengthening collaboration and practical problem-solving skills.

• Energy Research Environment: Students can benefit from the wider research environment of the Monash Energy Institute, including facilities focused on renewable energy and emerging energy technologies.

The Master of Engineering – Renewable Energy Engineering prepares graduates for careers in renewable energy, sustainable power systems and emerging clean-energy technologies. Students can use their knowledge of renewable energy systems, smart grids, energy efficiency, photovoltaics and energy storage across engineering, consulting, research and energy-sector roles.

Typical career roles include renewable energy engineer, energy systems engineer, energy consultant and sustainability engineer. Graduates can also move into specialist engineering, consulting, research and energy-management positions.

Key progression and future opportunities:

• Career and Employability Support: Monash provides career guidance and professional development opportunities, while the program offers access to real-world projects, student teams, internships and Work Integrated Learning.

• Graduate Employment: Monash Engineering reports that 94% of postgraduate students secured employment within four months, based on Graduate Outcomes Survey data.

• Salary Growth: Monash reports an average 55% salary increase with a master's qualification, based on Graduate Outcomes Survey data.

• Industry Experience: Students can undertake Industry Experience, subject to placement availability, gaining exposure to a professional or research-based workplace.

• Industry Partnerships: The Monash Energy Institute works with organisations such as AEMO, CSIRO, AEMC, X-Elio and PSC on areas including renewable-energy integration, smart grids and energy storage.

• Energy Research Network: Students can benefit from the Monash Energy Institute, which brings together researchers from energy, economics and data science and supports research, education and industry collaboration.

• Professional Recognition: The Master of Engineering provides advanced specialist knowledge but does not provide Stage 1 engineering accreditation. Students seeking Stage 1 accreditation should consider the Master of Professional Engineering.

• Industry-Relevant Experience: Practical projects, industry opportunities and specialist renewable-energy subjects help graduates develop skills suited to the evolving clean-energy sector.

• Graduate Outcomes: Graduates can progress into specialist engineering and consulting roles, engineering management positions, public- or private-sector careers and entrepreneurship.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, students can continue into research-based postgraduate study, including a research master's or PhD. Potential research areas include renewable energy, energy systems, smart grids, energy storage and sustainability.