MES program overview

This program targets future energy leaders who will play a prominent role in the transition to a low carbon world. These future leaders come from a diverse range of educational backgrounds, including undergraduate degrees in engineering and the technical sciences, business, commerce, law or public policy, coupled with relevant work experience.

The MES focuses not only on the transfer of cutting edge, multidisciplinary knowledge, but also equips graduates with a solid set of skills and the ethical principles needed to be an adept leader in this field.

From this program a student gains:

• A solid practical and theoretical understanding of the challenges being faced at the nexus of energy, climate change and sustainability through exposure to a number of real projects and site visits.
• The capacity to address problems by taking an analytical, multidisciplinary, balanced and informed approach.
• The ability to effectively communicate and interact with colleagues and leaders from a variety of disciplines and  cultures.
• The capability to develop appropriate solutions that take into account the particular social, environmental, economic, political and geographical contexts in question.
• An understanding of the broad range of technological and social measures that can be implemented to move towards a low carbon economy and the challenges involved.
• An internationally recognised degree co-badged by The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia and The University of Newcastle.

Graduates are part of a global professional network of alumni, lecturers and institutions with access to a pool of shared expertise and opportunities for continuing professional development.

Key MES program components

Orientation workshop
All incoming students attend an intensive workshop that introduces the fundamental issues and challenges at the nexus of energy, climate change and sustainability. This includes the vast and complex array of issues facing industry leaders, such as energy supply options, energy markets, carbon markets, energy policy, climate change and sustainability. The workshops equate students’ basic knowledge and understanding of the topics, introduce students to trans-disciplinary approaches and systems thinking, and build upon existing team work and communication skills. Importantly, the workshops enable each cohort to establish a bond and provide the foundation for supportive and collaborative working relationships over the course of the MES program.

Case studies
Case studies are incorporated to form a specific component of each course. This provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply the skills, knowledge and capabilities they have acquired to an existing problem. Students work on genuine cases and are required to propose definitive solutions. This tests their ability to assimilate and apply knowledge, assume a position of leadership and work in multicultural and multidisciplinary team environments.

Specialisation project
The specialisation project s the culminating experience of the MES program; whereby students are  required to design and undertake self-directed project work that consolidates and applies the concepts, principles and methodologies learned to date. Students are strongly encouraged to anchor their project on a focal issue of personal or professional development interest. The rationale behind the project will be firmly rooted in a current, emerging or forecast challenge facing the energy sector, explored through integrated stakeholder and disciplinary viewpoints. Students must negotiate the scope and outcomes of the project with IEC prior to commencing work. Where possible, students will be linked with IEC or partner university supervisors for academic guidance.