Master of Professional Engineering (Energy Resources)

Career outcomes

Energy resource engineers provide oil and gas in efficient, safe and environmentally responsible ways. The career paths are diverse – you’ll be able to work across all key stages of a project lifecycle.  

You could oversee the setup and operation of drilling rigs, ensuring safety and efficiency. Maybe you’ll design new technologies to enable cleaner, more efficient energy production. Perhaps you’ll project manage an entire operation, coordinating with various engineering disciplines and stakeholders to ensure a project’s success. 

No matter your career goals, your studies will pave your way to success. You could work in a wide range of sectors including: 

• Advanced materials
• Carbon capture storage
• Consulting and advisory services
• Environmental and sustainability
• Government and policy
• Infrastructure planning
• Mining and extraction
• Oil and gas exploration and production
• Petrochemical and refining industry
• Renewable energy
• Research and development.

Industry trends 

There’s never been a more exciting time for a career in the energy resources sector. Currently, the sector is undergoing widespread transformation driven by many factors. There is increasing investment in renewables and sustainable resource extraction. There is growing interest in hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, and development and use of biofuels. There are advancements in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, including microbial EOR techniques, to maximise extraction from existing oil fields. The common thread? Energy resource engineers are the boots on the ground, leading these major transformations. 

Adoption of smart technologies including digital twins, Internet of Things devices, and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning are driving digital transformation in the sector. These technologies are being utilised to enhance exploration, production efficiency and predictive maintenance. Energy resource engineers with the expertise to leverage these technologies are highly sought after by employers. 

Accreditation

This program is provisionally accredited at the level of Professional Engineer by Engineers Australia. Full accreditation is likely following graduation of the first cohort. Subject to full accreditation, graduates will be eligible for Engineers Australia membership and international recognition under the Washington Accord.