MSc Advanced Electrical Power & Energy Systems
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Study mode and duration: 21 months full-time
Study with us
- the UK's first two-year full-time MSc in Advanced Electrical Power & Energy Systems
- develop the design, planning and operational expertise needed for careers in the global electricity and renewable energy sectors
- engage with our industry partners on real-world energy challenges
As the UK's first two-year MSc of its kind, this offers a unique opportunity for ambitious engineering graduates to accelerate their career in the dynamic power and energy sectors.
Professor Kwok-Lun Lo
Why this course?
To be an effective power engineer you need a good knowledge of underpinning technologies and user and application requirements. You also require a firm understanding of the business and regulatory landscape that national and multinational power and utility companies must work within.
This course brings together advanced expertise in all aspects of electrical energy and power systems, complemented by studies in electricity markets and power systems economics.
The course is designed to provide the advanced training you need for a career in the dynamic power and energy sectors.
Accreditation
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) – this programme is CEng accredited and fulfils the educational requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer when presented with a CEng-accredited Bachelors programme.
What you'll study
Year 1
You'll take a selection of compulsory and optional taught classes. This is combined with training in business and project management skills and research methodologies and techniques.
Potential Year 2 research projects are explored during this year through completion of a mini-project, with a final topic agreed for the start of Year 2.
Year 2
You'll undertake a major research project within the electrical power and energy disciplines. You'll also select a number of advanced taught modules designed to broaden your understanding of your chosen topic.
Facilities
You'll have exclusive access to our extensive computing network and purpose-built teaching spaces including our outdoor test facility for photovoltaics high voltage laboratory, equipped with the latest technologies including:
- LDS 6-digital partial discharge test & measurement system
- Marx impulse generators & GIS test rigs
- £1M distribution network and protection laboratory comprising a 100kVA microgrid, induction machines and programme load banks
You'll have access to the UK’s only high-fidelity control room simulation suite and the PNDC. This is Europe’s first centre dedicated to the development and demonstration of 'smart-grid' technologies.
Accreditation
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) – this programme is CEng accredited and fulfils the educational requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer when presented with a CEng-accredited Bachelors programme.
Compulsory classes
High Voltage Technology & Electromagnetic Compatibility
This class will introduce you to the fundamentals of high voltage electrical insulating systems and the principles, mechanisms and characteristics of high voltage discharges in vacuum and condensed media. It will also provide you with a basic understanding of the behaviour of dielectric materials stressed with electric fields and their use in high voltage systems. You'll also gain an understanding of the principles of high voltage generation and impulse testing of the high voltage systems.
Power Electronics for Energy & Drive Control
Modern energy conversion systems rely on the integration of range of technologies including power electronics, electromechanical actuators and energy storage elements. This class will build knowledge of the building block technologies and show their application to modern energy conversion systems.
Power System Economics, Markets & Asset Management
This class will present and give an understanding of the economics, trading and pricing of electricity supply and how it is shaped by technical, commercial and regulatory considerations.
It will give you an understanding of power system economics under an environment of multiple suppliers and users, and present the challenges, technologies and value of asset management within an electricity supply industry context. You'll gain a deep appreciation of factors affecting security of supply and how it might be quantified.
Wind Energy & Distributed Energy Resources
This class will provide an understanding of the principles of wind turbine power generation with attention to the wind resource, rotor aerodynamics, structural design, power conversion and control.
It will also examine the socio-economic issues relating to wind power and provide an underpinning in distributed energy resources including small scale generation, energy storage and demand management and their integration and management within power networks.
Assignment & Professional Studies
The aim of this class is to provide you with support for your general academic and professional development.
You'll undertake an advanced investigation of an electronic or electrical engineering topic of your choice, to enhance your learning, and develop presentation and communication skills.
Advanced Power & Energy Systems
This class will allow you to understand, critically analyse and assess technical requirements for power system operation, management and planning. It will enable you to carry out advanced types of power system analysis as well as understand and use results from these analyses in power system operation and planning. You'll also develop an advanced knowledge of the main concepts related to the function, design and operation of protection schemes for distribution, transmission and generation applications.
Elective classes
Digital Signal Processing Principles
This class covers the fundamentals of discrete time convolution, correlation, transform methods, time frequency signal representation, downsampling/upsampling and digital filters that are core to state of the art machine learning and deep learning architectures. The class has an integral Matlab based laboratory set of tasks that students are required to undertake.
Information Transmission & Security
The aim of this class is to develop an understanding of the principles by which information can transmitted with varying levels of security and the techniques by which communication systems can be analysed and designed.
Control Principles (20 credits)
This module aims to introduce the basic concepts, mathematical tools and design methods of classical control theory. It also introduces students to advanced control methods and provides a basic understanding of a time-domain approach to control analysis and the design of industrial processes.
The module covers: First and second order systems, delay process, simple saturation models; Simulation tools such as GUI, SIMULINK, MATLAB; Control system performance, transient and steady-state figures of merit, time domain step response, reference tracking and disturbance rejection in time domain; Simple control principles; State space representation of linear systems; Continuous time and discrete-time system fundamentals: eigen-values & eigen-vectors, stability, controllability & observability, canonical forms for systems; State-space control methods: pole placement state feedback control with/without observer design and linear quadratic optimal control.
At the end of this module students will be able to:
- model simple systems with transfer function and state space representation, create simulations using MATLAB and Simulink
- analyse linear open loop and closed loop systems both in frequency and time domain
- understand the theoretical and practical implications of feedback control systems, design control systems using simple PID tuning methods
- assess control performance, make analytical calculations and critical evaluation of control performance-related metrics
- apply and understand the advanced control methods, principles and applications in an industrial context
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a coursework and class test in Semester 1 (15%), a project report (15%) and exam (70%) in Semester 2.
Software Engineering
This class will introduce you to the software engineering process through the development and application of C++ programming skills. You'll become competent in specifying, designing and developing software and in writing and testing programs of moderate complexity.
Wind Turbine Technology
The objectives of this class is to provide a basic understanding of the wind resource and the principal of wind turbine power conversion including:
- an introduction to rotor dynamic suitable for non-specialist engineers and scientists
- an explanation of the evolution of contemporary wind turbine technology
You'll gain sufficient understanding to outline the design and operation of multi-megawatt machines.
Hardware IoT Communication System Design
This module will provide you with the essential skills to design, build and test a sensor network for your smart grid application. The course makes use of radio frequency (RF) Internet of Things (IoT) development boards and a range of sensors and radio modules. You'll program the boards to communicate with the sensor nodes and wirelessly transmit data to gateway and onwards to a PC receiver or mobile wi-fi device. You'll analyse the measurement data and produce a graphical user interface to display it in a user accessible manner.
Data Analytics & AI for Energy Systems
A strong part of the business case for smart grids is using intelligence and automation to gain more capacity from existing assets to avoid large expenditure on further assets. Also, autonomy and intelligence is key to the flexible operation of smart girds, integration of low carbon generation and effective interaction with consumers.
This module teaches the key AI and data science methods that are applicable to smart grids, and provides case studies of their application. We are moving to a future where much more can and will be monitored and new techniques, leveraging data analytics, are needed to fully exploit the data. Areas covered will be machine learning, knowledge based methods, distributed intelligence methods and architectures, applications in asset management, applications in network management and control.
5G Communications Networks
The objective of this class is to provide an understanding of the principles and key transport technologies which underpin 5G communications networks and architectures while giving an insight to the technical and strategic challenges associated with the provision of a Quality of Service (QoS)-based integrated future-network platform.
MSc Research Project
The aim of the research project is to provide you with an opportunity to bring your knowledge and skills together and deploy them in a significant practical investigation, using relevant engineering literature, and where relevant, initial experiments or simulations.
Learning & teaching
We use a blend of teaching and learning methods including interactive lectures, problem-solving tutorials and practical project-based laboratories. Our technical and experimental officers are available to support and guide you on individual subject material.
Each module comprises approximately five hours of direct teaching per week. To enhance your understanding of the technical and theoretical topics covered in these, you're expected to undertake a further five to six hours of self-study, using our web-based virtual learning environment (MyPlace), research journals and library facilities.
The teaching and learning methods used ensure you'll develop not only technical engineering expertise but also communications, project management and leadership skills.
You'll undertake group projects. These will help to develop your interpersonal, communication and transferable skills essential to a career in industry.
Guest lectures
Guest presentations are a regular feature of the courses. These are often done by industry partners or department alumni. Speakers will share with you how they have put their knowledge and learning into practice in the world of work.
Interaction with industry is provided through our internships, teaching seminars and networking events. The department delivers monthly seminars to support students’ learning and career development. Iberdrola, National Grid, ScottishPower, SSE, Siemens and Rolls-Royce are just a few examples of the industry partners you can engage with during your course.
Assessment
A variety of assessment techniques are used throughout the course. You'll complete at least six modules in Year 1. Each module has a combination of written assignments, individual and group reports, oral presentations, practical lab work and, where appropriate, an end-of-term exam.
Assessment of the Year 2 research project consists of four elements, with individual criteria:
- Interim report (10%, 1,500 to 3,000 words) – The purpose of this report is to provide a mechanism for supervisors to provide valuable feedback on the project’s objectives and direction.
- Poster Presentation (15%) – A vital skill of an engineer is the ability to describe their work to others and respond to requests for information. The poster presentation is designed to give you an opportunity to practise that.
- Final report (55%) – This assesses the communication of project objectives and context, accuracy and relevant of background material, description of practical work and results, depth and soundness of discussion and conclusions, level of engineering achievement and the quality of the report’s presentation.
- Conduct (20%) – Independent study, project and time management are key features of university learning. The level of your initiative & independent thinking and technical understanding are assessed through project meetings with your supervisor and your written logbooks.
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Entry requirements
| Academic requirements/experience | Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in electronic, electrical, power or energy engineering. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
| Scotland | £11,900 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £11,900 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £31,100 |
| Additional costs | Course materials & costsThe department provides a service whereby printed notes are available to the students subject to a small charge to cover copying costs. Students are recommended/required to have copies of such notes but we provide access to both printed copies and e-copies. The latter are provided without charge – in accordance with University policy. Any printed material that is mandatory (in that form) is provided with no additional charge to the students. Expect that students pay around £100 for additional course materials and books. Placements & field tripsThe department and student societies support a number of industrial visits throughout the year. These trips are not mandatory for specific programmes and modules and any incurred charge to cover transport is either met by the students or by the department. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. Other costsStudents are not required to purchase any specific software licenses – all software used is available on campus machines, either locally or remotely. All students are provided for the duration of their course with student-membership of IET (Professional Body) paid for by the department. Some hardware (micro controllers, design boards) may be made available to students for loan subject to appropriate refundable deposit. Students may consider purchase of low cost microcontroller boards for project work - cost from £10-£30. Access to EEE Computer labs out of working hours is via card access - card cost is £20 - refundable on return of card. Students are provided with an additional print-quota for use in EEE labs for EEE classes conducted in EEE computer labs. Paid top-ups possible via University IT services. Expected printing and report binding costs are around £10-£15 a year - will depend upon exact programme and class assignments. Binding is provided at cost (50p to £1.00) by EEE Resource Centre in R4.01. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Careers
The course provides the advanced level of knowledge and understanding required for challenging, well paid and exciting careers in the high growth power and energy sectors.
Employment prospects are excellent, with recent graduates working in power engineering consultancy, global power utilities (generation, supply and distribution), the renewable energy sector and manufacturing. They've taken up professional and technical positions as electrical engineers, power systems specialists, distribution engineer and asset managers in large energy utilities such as Iberdrola, EDF Energy and China State Grid.
Graduates have also taken up roles in project management and engineering consultancy with companies such as Arup, Atkins Global, Ramboll, Mott MacDonald and AMEC.
How much will I earn?
Graduate salaries for electrical engineers start at around £20,000 to £25,000. With some experience, salaries can range from £28,000 to £40,000.
*Information is intended only as a guide with figures taken from Prospects (accessed January 2023).
Apply
During the application process, you must upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we will not be able to process your application:
- certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications. If you're still studying, please provide your individual semester mark sheets to date
- certified degree certificate for all qualifications. If you're still studying, please provide this after completing your qualification
- provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
- if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
- a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
- a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
- names, job titles and email addresses of two nominated referees
Start date: Sep 2025
Advanced Electrical Power and Energy Systems
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