Master of Engineering (Professional) in Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering (Professional) in Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering is a two-year postgraduate program for students who want to develop advanced skills in electrical engineering and renewable energy. It combines technical study with practical learning, professional engineering training and a research thesis, preparing students to work on modern energy and electrical systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds a strong foundation in engineering, electrical systems and renewable energy technologies. Students explore areas such as electrical circuits, renewable energy systems, power generation and distribution while developing practical skills through laboratory work, modelling, simulation and engineering software.

Year 2

The second year focuses on advanced engineering knowledge and applying technical skills to complex real-world challenges. Students complete a substantial research thesis, which can involve an academic supervisor, company or research organisation, giving them valuable experience in engineering research, design and analysis.

Focus Areas

Renewable energy systems, electrical engineering, solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, power electronics, inverters and converters, energy storage, electrical power transmission and distribution, smart grids, energy management, grid infrastructure, sustainable energy systems

Learning Outcomes

Graduates learn to design, analyse and operate electrical components, circuits and renewable energy systems using modern modelling, measurement and simulation techniques. They also develop skills in power transmission and distribution, sustainable energy design, project management, research, professional communication and ethical engineering practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering specialisation is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is designed around Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Professional Engineering competency standards. The combination of professional engineering study, practical learning and a major research thesis helps students prepare for professional engineering careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Macquarie University provides students with practical learning and opportunities to connect their studies with industry and research. The program's focus on renewable energy, electrical systems and sustainable power solutions prepares graduates for the growing demand for engineers who can contribute to the transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Engineering (Professional) in Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering at Macquarie University gives students plenty of opportunities to turn engineering theory into practical skills. Students take part in laboratory work, design activities, simulations and group projects, while the research thesis provides an opportunity to work on a substantial engineering problem with academic or industry supervision. Key practical opportunities include:

Renewable and Smart Grid Lab: A dedicated facility in Macquarie University's Engineering Innovation Building for working with renewable energy and smart-grid technologies.
Laboratory-based learning: Practical sessions allow students to develop skills in design, testing, measurement and simulation.
Engineering software and hardware: Students work with circuit-design, modelling and simulation tools alongside engineering hardware to investigate electrical and renewable-energy systems.
Group projects: Students work in teams on complex engineering problems, developing technical, teamwork and communication skills.
Power and Renewable Energy Systems Analysis: Includes in-person laboratory sessions and group-based project work focused on power and renewable energy systems.
Research thesis: Students can complete their thesis under academic supervision or work with a company or research organisation through an industry-based research project.
Engineering Innovation Building: The facility includes project-based learning spaces, rapid prototyping facilities, robotics and drone facilities, a renewable and smart grid laboratory, virtual reality spaces and student presentation areas.
Industry-connected learning: Practical projects and research opportunities help students apply engineering knowledge to real-world challenges.
Research environment: Students benefit from learning alongside academics involved in active engineering research, giving them exposure to current developments in renewable energy and electrical engineering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Engineering (Professional) in Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering can pursue careers across renewable energy, electrical systems, energy storage and sustainable power solutions. The program builds advanced technical, professional and research skills that can prepare students for roles in the growing clean-energy and electrical engineering sectors.

Typical career roles include: Electrical Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Energy Consultant

Career support: Macquarie Careers and Student Employment helps students develop career skills and access employment opportunities.
Industry connections: The Faculty of Science and Engineering works with organisations such as Honeywell, Huawei, Optus, Cochlear, BASF and Datacom, creating opportunities for internships, work experience, scholarships, industry events and guest lectures.
Practical experience: Macquarie's PACE initiative and industry-linked projects give students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real workplace settings.
Employment outcomes: Macquarie's Graduate Destination Survey reported that 88% of graduates were active in the labour market in 2020, while 73% were working as managers or professionals in 2019. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to this course.
Professional accreditation: The Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering discipline is provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is aligned with Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Professional Engineering competency standards.
Industry preparation: Project-based learning and access to engineering laboratories help students connect academic knowledge with practical engineering challenges.
Graduation opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles in renewable energy generation, electrical systems, sustainable power, energy storage, solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, students can continue into research-focused study, including a PhD, particularly if they want to develop expertise in renewable energy, electrical engineering or related research areas. The research thesis component provides valuable preparation for further research training.