Master of Engineering Science (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy)
#1 in Australia for Engineering and Technology*
Domestic
International
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program
Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details
Expand your knowledge in your area of expertise or broaden your knowledge in another area of Engineering to grow professionally.
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Engineering Science
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
1 - 2 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Develop innovative solutions for one of engineering's most urgent challenges with a Master of Engineering Science (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy). This two year full-time or part-time equivalent postgraduate degree offered at Australia's top engineering faculty will empower you to create a more sustainable future.
This postgraduate degree builds on the previous undergraduate education of engineers who want to further their careers in the booming sustainable energy industry. UNSW’s academics in the photovoltaic field are global academic leaders. Under this expert guidance, you’ll study courses on photovoltaic devices, systems and applications.
You'll have the opportunity to study courses and electives across:
- Energy efficiency
- Photovoltaics
- System design
- Renewable energy policy
- Renewable energy system modelling and analysis
- Solar energy
- Entrepreneurial engineering
This degree includes an extensive research project where you'll be challenged to develop creative solutions in a specific area of interest to you. You'll learn valuable skills in project management and the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of results.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Postgraduate study at UNSW Engineering gives you the opportunity to make career change or progress in your current field. We offer study options in more engineering disciplines than any other Australian university. Our degrees are designed to help you specialise in your field and take a leading role in the industry.
UNSW Engineering is a leader in engineering education and research. We’re ranked #1 for Engineering in Australia and 49th globally.
We’re also ranked:
- 1st in Australia - Civil and Structural Engineering
- 1st in Australia - Electrical Engineering in Australia
- 1st in Australia - Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing
- 2nd in Australia - Mineral and Mining Engineering
- 3rd in Australia - Computer Science
- 4th in Australia - Chemical Engineering
UNSW Engineering is the largest engineering faculty in Australia. With eight schools and more than 70 years’ experience, our researchers are at the forefront of exciting technological developments engaging in partnerships both here and overseas.
UNSW is known for its graduate employability, UNSW placed in the GradConnection AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Australia’s top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 29th in the world for employer reputation.
We’re committed to providing a supportive, equitable and inclusive environment where all students and staff can thrive. We foster the highest number of female students of any engineering faculty. Our Engineering Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee works alongside students and staff to ensure the next generation of engineers succeed, regardless of their background.
Program Code
8338
CRICOS Code
084282A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
2,383
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Entry requirements
Admission to the standard 2-year program requires one of the following:
- 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from Australia or accredited under the Washington Accord in any discipline with a minimum 65% average*.
- 4-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or equivalent, with completion of TWO maths and TWO physics courses from the list below with a minimum 65% average*.
| Relevant Physics Courses | Relevant Work Experience |
Physics Electromagnetism Statics Dynamics Engineering Mechanics (sometimes just called Mechanics) Fluid Mechanics Solid state physics Thermal physics Mechanics of Solids Semiconductor Physics Laser Physics Optics |
Photovoltaic System Designer Photovoltaic System Technician Photovoltaic Engineer Renewable Energy Engineer Electrical Engineer PV Process Engineer PV Device Engineer Solar Energy Consultants Renewable Energy Consultants Solar Energy Project Manager Renewable Energy Project Manager Energy Consultants |
To confirm if your degree is accredited under the Washington Accord, please use the Qualification Checker on the Washington Accord homepage.
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
1 Year Program:
- If you have a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from Australia or accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines below with a minimum 65% average*
OR
- a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree not accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines below with a minimum 65% average*, including a final year capstone design or research project, a project management course, AND 3 years of work experience in a relevant professional engineering role, you will be given 48 Units of Credit.
| Cognate Discipline |
Examples of Relevant Work Experience |
Photovoltaics Renewable Energy |
Photovoltaic System Designer Photovoltaic System Technician Photovoltaic Engineer Renewable Energy Engineer Electrical Engineer PV Process Engineer PV Device Engineer Solar Energy Consultants Renewable Energy Consultant Solar Energy Project Manager Renewable Energy Project Manager Energy Consultant |
1.7 Year Program: If you have a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree not accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines with a minimum 65% average*, a final year capstone design or research project, AND a project management course, you will be given 24 Units of Credit.
*Please note that Chinese degrees from non-211 universities will require a minimum 70% average.
Admission pathways
Our Engineering Postgraduate Admissions Scheme (EPAS) is an alternative pathway for students considering postgraduate study. It applies to students who don’t quite make the cut-off weighted average mark, across all UNSW Engineering schools.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Admission to the standard 2-year program requires one of the following:
- 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from Australia or accredited under the Washington Accord in any discipline with a minimum 65% average*.
- 4-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or equivalent, with completion of TWO maths and TWO physics courses from the list below with a minimum 65% average*.
| Relevant Physics Courses | Relevant Work Experience |
Physics Electromagnetism Statics Dynamics Engineering Mechanics (sometimes just called Mechanics) Fluid Mechanics Solid state physics Thermal physics Mechanics of Solids Semiconductor Physics Laser Physics Optics |
Photovoltaic System Designer Photovoltaic System Technician Photovoltaic Engineer Renewable Energy Engineer Electrical Engineer PV Process Engineer PV Device Engineer Solar Energy Consultants Renewable Energy Consultants Solar Energy Project Manager Renewable Energy Project Manager Energy Consultants |
To confirm if your degree is accredited under the Washington Accord, please use the Qualification Checker on the Washington Accord homepage.
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
1 Year Program:
- If you have a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from Australia or accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines below with a minimum 65% average*
OR
- a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree not accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines below with a minimum 65% average*, including a final year capstone design or research project, a project management course, AND 3 years of work experience in a relevant professional engineering role, you will be given 48 Units of Credit.
| Cognate Discipline |
Examples of Relevant Work Experience |
Photovoltaics Renewable Energy |
Photovoltaic System Designer Photovoltaic System Technician Photovoltaic Engineer Renewable Energy Engineer Electrical Engineer PV Process Engineer PV Device Engineer Solar Energy Consultants Renewable Energy Consultant Solar Energy Project Manager Renewable Energy Project Manager Energy Consultant |
1.7 Year Program: If you have a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree not accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines with a minimum 65% average*, a final year capstone design or research project, AND a project management course, you will be given 24 Units of Credit.
*Please note that Chinese degrees from non-211 universities will require a minimum 70% average.
Admission pathways
Our Engineering Postgraduate Admissions Scheme (EPAS) is an alternative pathway for students considering postgraduate study. It applies to students who don’t quite make the cut-off weighted average mark, across all UNSW Engineering schools.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.
Within these specialisations your study will include:
- Enquiry-based courses
- Disciplinary courses
- Engineering and Technical Management Courses.
You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.
You’ll also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:
- At least 4 Disciplinary Courses
- At least 4 Advanced Disciplinary Courses
- At least 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
- At least 3 enquiry-based courses (which includes a research project)
- At least 4 elective courses (across Disciplinary, Advanced Disciplinary and Engineering and Technical Management courses)
Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.
Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.
You’ll complete a research project in this degree within the enquiry-based courses. In this you can choose to develop your Postgraduate Research skills to assist with the research project component of the degree or as your first step towards a Higher Degree Research (PhD) program. Or you can complete a “Launching a Startup” course where you will be equipped with the skills necessary to successfully commercialise your ideas.
Future careers
Increased focus on sustainability and the climate crisis has opened an array of new job opportunities to explore the best use of renewable energy technologies. As a Photovoltaics and Solar Energy graduate, you'll be able to work across a range of industries to develop a more sustainable future.
You'll be prepared to work in a variety of fields, including:
- Renewable energy engineering
- Manufacturing
- Quality control and reliability
- Policy formation
- Solar and battery design
- Energy consultancy
- System design
- Programs for developing countries
UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative CSP First Year Fee
$8,010*
2023 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree
$16,285*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$36,480*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$73,205*
Full Fees are the cost of the degree for students who do not receive a CSP place.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$47,700*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$96,845*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
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Top 20WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2024.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
