MSc Wind Energy Systems
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
Industry Engagement: Competitive internships available
Study with us
This MSc aims to equip students with the advanced technical expertise and skills to capitalise upon job opportunities in the high-growth wind energy sector. You'll:
- develop understanding in the design, operation, and optimisation of wind turbines and wind farms, including onshore and offshore systems
- learn how wind power integrates with electrical grids and other renewable sources, addressing challenges in stability, storage, and distribution
- gain proficiency in using simulation tools, data analytics and modelling to assess performance, forecast output, and inform decision-making
- cultivate expertise in the compliance and regulatory frameworks, environmental and safety standards governing the wind energy industry
Why this course?
Wind energy is at the forefront of the global energy transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. As one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable electricity, it plays a crucial role in meeting ambitious national and international climate targets. The rapid expansion of the wind energy sector has created a significant skills gap, demanding a new generation of engineers with the technical expertise, strategic vision, and interdisciplinary insight to lead the way.
Delivered by the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, this MSc is designed to address that need. It offers a comprehensive education in the technologies, systems, and frameworks that underpin modern wind power generation. You’ll gain a deep understanding of wind energy technologies and their application requirements, from turbine design and grid integration to performance optimisation and maintenance strategies.
The course goes beyond technical training. You’ll explore the regulatory, political, environmental and socio-economic contexts that shape the wind energy industry, and develop a critical understanding of the compliance and policy frameworks that govern its deployment. This holistic approach ensures you graduate with the ability to navigate the complex landscape of renewable energy development.
A key feature of the course is its strong industry engagement. You’ll learn directly from professionals working in the field, gaining valuable insights into business operations, real-world engineering challenges, and the innovative, technology-driven solutions being implemented across the sector.
Whether you’re aiming to work in wind farm development, energy consultancy, policy, or research, this MSc will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in one of the world’s most vital and dynamic industries.
“Evolving in parallel with the wind energy industry, this MSc responds to the demand for talented individuals with the advanced technical expertise, regulatory and compliance knowledge, and professional training needed to help lead and shape the wind energy sector”.
Professor Olimpo Anaya-Lara
Course Director

What you’ll study
The MSc course is structured to provide both depth and flexibility. You will study a selection of compulsory and optional taught modules focused on technologies, applications and operations associated with wind power. Wind turbine design and manufacture, power generation and deployment strategies will be explored, along with in-depth studies of the political and socio-economic issues relating to wind energy. These modules are designed to develop advanced technical expertise alongside regulatory and compliance awareness, and the project management skills needed in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
Teaching Semesters
- Autumn Semester: September to December
- Spring Semester: January to May
Modules are delivered across these two semesters, combining lectures, hands-on labs, and project-based learning.
MSc Project
Upon successful completion of all the required modules, you will progress to the MSc Project, undertaken between May and August. This component involves an in-depth investigation into a core area within the wind energy domain. Projects may be:
- Research-based, aligned with current departmental research themes, or
- Industry-based, conducted as an internship with one of the department’s partner companies.
While all projects are designed to address real-world engineering challenges, the competitive internships offer additional benefits, including:
- site visits
- access to technical data & facilities
- mentorship from an industry professional
This course structure ensures that students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also practical experience and industry insight.
Check key dates for your MSc and the University academic session.
Assignment & Professional Studies (20 credits)
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.
Power Systems & Wind Integration (20 credits)
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.
Socio-economic issues, distributed energy resources including small-scale generation, energy storage and demand management and their integration and management within power networks will also be examined.
Wind Turbine Technology (20 credits)
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.
You’ll study 40 credits from List A and 20 credits from List B. Please note that these lists reflect the curriculum in the current year. They are subject to change, but modules likely to be available include:
List A
Power Electronics for Energy & Drive Control (20 credits)
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.
High Voltage Technology & Electromagnetic Compatibility (20 credits)
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.
Advanced Power & Energy Systems (20 credits)
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.
Power Electronics, Machines & Applications (20 credits)
You'll develop an understanding of the principles of common power electronic systems. You'll gain familiarity with the techniques required to analyse common power electronic circuits and learn about the basic principles behind the design of rotating electrical machines. The techniques required to analyse basic DC and AC machines will also be investigated.
You'll learn to recognise that disturbances exist within a power system substation, appreciate that these disturbances may affect electromagnetic compatibility and become competent in dealing with the implications of those disturbances.
You'll gain an understanding of the use of power electronic devices, drives and machines for given applications, specifically for electric vehicles. You'll examine the range of energy sources capable of powering ‘independent’ EVs, how these sources work, their performance and degradation issues and how to charge/fuel them.
Power System Design, Operation & Protection (20 credits)
The objective of this class is to enable you to appreciate the principles of analysis, design and protection of electrical power systems including:
- the design and operational approaches in power systems including electricity generation, transmission and distribution
- the analysis and design of transmission and distribution networks
- power flow, fault and stability calculations
- power system control including load frequency control and economic dispatch
- generation technology implications on power system design and operation.
You'll also study the main concepts related to the requirements, functions, design and operation of protection schemes for power system transmission and distribution systems. You'll gain an advanced understanding of selected protection schemes used in transmission and distribution networks.
Power System Economics, Markets & Asset Management (20 credits)
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.
Control Principles (20 credits)
This module will deliver the following learning outcomes:
- appreciate and experience state-of-the-art modeling and simulation tools, represent linear dynamic systems in state space and transfer function, create simulations using Simulink, use MATLAB system analysis tools.
- understand the feedback control fundamentals. Use and interpret time and frequency domain performance measures, understand stability and controller tuning principles, understand system controllability and observability, and obtain awareness of functionality and design of state observers.
- understand the structure and effects of PID controllers, use simple PID tuning methods, design state feedback controllers including pole-placement and linear quadratic optimal control, be aware of advanced control methods such as predictive control and statistical process control.
List B
Energy Economics (10 credits)
The class aims to provide students with:
- an understanding of economic principles underpinning the demand for, and supply of energy resources
- an understanding of the role of energy policy and efficient and sustainable energy use
- economic techniques used by private and public organisations in analysing energy projects and policies
- the interrelationships between economy-energy-environmental impacts of energy policies, including the use of economic modelling techniques
Environmental Impact Assessment (10 credits)
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made.
This class aims to provide you with an introduction to some of the methods used to predict environmental impacts and to see how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.
The class emphasises the use of EIA as a design tool and focuses on issues related to the quality of the EIA process overall and of Environmental Impact Statements in particular.
The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment (also called Environmental Assessment), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations, together with developing international experience of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
Geographical Information Systems (10 credits)
This class, run by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, introduces Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis. The course covers the key theory with a strong focus is on practical applications. Students will develop skills to apply GIS independently to real world datasets and problems. The student will need to independently develop spatial research questions, find, or collect relevant data and perform a state-of-the-art spatial analysis. GIS is a digital tool for analysing spatial phenomena. It focusses on spatial data, so data where the location of the data is just as important as the data itself. GIS allows us to organize, visualize and analyse this data in a spatial context, so that we can interpret and understand the underlying processes. GIS can be used in a wide range of fields for example in engineering (site selection, flood risk, transport planning, impact of construction), environmental science (e.g. soil erosion, health and disease, pollutant transport, landscape visual impact assessment, wildlife preservation), business (e.g. asset management, customer relations) to policy making (e.g. urbanization, deforestation, spatial distribution of crime).
Renewable Marine Energy Systems (10 credits)
TBC
Inspection & Survey (20 credits)
This module provides you with an insight into ‘marine’ materials, their properties, failure and protection and an understanding of how degradation affects the life-cycle of marine and offshore structures.
Particular emphasis is on inspection and assessment of inspection results, corrosion, fatigue and fracture of steels and the corrosion properties of high-strength and stainless alloy steels.
Students who successfully pass all required compulsory and optional modules will progress to the MSc Project.
MSc Project (60 credits)
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
The MSc is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining both in-person and online methods to provide a flexible and engaging educational experience. Teaching methods include:
- lectures (in-person & online)
- problem-solving tutorials
- hands-on, project-based laboratory sessions
This approach is designed to equip you with advanced technical expertise, while also developing essential leadership, project management, and professional engineering skills.
Each module typically includes:
- five hours of direct contact time per week
- at least five additional hours of independent study, supported by the University’s virtual learning environment, digital research resources, & library facilities
This structure encourages you to take an active role in your learning and to deepen your understanding through self-directed exploration and research.
Assessment
Each module employs a variety of assessment methods designed to maximise your learning and help you realise your full potential. These methods may include:
- coursework – involving research, design & analysis tasks
- examinations – testing core theoretical knowledge & problem-solving
- lab reports – documenting technical investigations
- presentations – developing the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly & professionally
- group projects – fostering collaboration & innovation skills
- final MSc Project – a substantive piece of independent work demonstrating mastery of a specialist area
Weighting of assessments
Taught modules account for two-thirds (120 credits) of the total assessment, while the MSc Project contributes the remaining one-third (60 credits).
The project is assessed based on the technical quality and contribution of an interim and final report, a poster presentation and demonstrated initiative, independent thinking and project management skills.
This diverse assessment structure ensures that you are not only tested on your academic knowledge, but also on your ability to apply it in real-world and professional contexts.
Professional development & employability
We are committed to helping you build a strong professional network and enhance your employability. In today’s competitive power and renewable energy sectors, having the right skills, training, and mindset is essential for career success.
To support your development, the MSc offers:
- access to cutting-edge facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories
- guidance from academic experts who are leaders in their fields
- opportunities for industry engagement through internships, guest seminars, careers events and networking sessions
These experiences are designed to help you develop not only technical expertise but also the professional confidence and connections needed to thrive in the global power and energy industry.
Facilities
The Department offers extensive teaching spaces alongside a dedicated Masters Project and Study Environment designed to support self-study and group working. You’ll benefit from access to these facilities, as well as internationally leading research centres and state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to topics covered within the MSc. These include our high-voltage (HV) laboratories equipped with cutting-edge partial discharge systems, gas, liquid, and solid dielectric insulation measurement equipment, and associated HV instrumentation; and our distribution network and protection laboratory, featuring a 100 kVA microgrid, induction machines, and programmable load banks.
You’ll also have access to the Power Network Demonstration Centre (PNDC) - Europe’s first centre dedicated to the development, demonstration, and deployment of new smart-grid technologies and whole energy systems.
These facilities will support your project work, enabling you to explore areas as diverse as wind turbine design, build and deployment, energy economics and grid integration.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | A first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent qualification in electronic, electrical or mechanical engineering or related discipline (physics, mechatronics, control or systems engineering) from a recognised academic institution. |
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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.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
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 |
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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 & costsAll students should expect to pay around £100 for additional course materials and other associated costs. You are not required to buy any specific software licences as all software used in classes will be available locally or remotely on campus machines. Some hardware (microcontrollers, design boards) may be available for loan purposes subject to a refundable deposit. If you choose to purchase these for project work, they cost approximately £10 to £30. Access to department computer labs out of normal working hours is via key card. This costs £20, but is refundable upon return of the card. You are provided with a printing quota for department lecture and tutorial notes, available for use in work conducted in department computer labs. You can buy top-ups if required through University IT Services. Some printing and report binding will be required as part of your course. This is provided by the department’s dedicated Resource Centre. Costs are likely to be about £10 to £20 per year, but will depend on the exact programme and classes taken. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
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.
Scholarships & funding support
Each year, we offer an extensive range of scholarships for new Home, UK, EU, and international students to help with tuition and living costs. These are offered at university and faculty level, as well as by our industry partners.
Careers
The course provides the advanced knowledge and technical understanding required for challenging, well paid and exciting careers in the rapidly evolving wind energy industry and broader renewables sector. Opportunities are excellent, with graduates finding employment in:
- global power utilities (generation, supply & distribution)
- network operation & grid management
- large onshore & offshore wind farms
- low carbon & clean energy technologies
Potential career paths include:
- Turbine Design Engineer – designing and optimising wind turbine components for efficiency and durability
- Operations & Maintenance Specialist – undertaking troubleshooting, inspections and performance analysis to ensure wind farm efficiency and safety
- Renewable Energy Engineer – Developing renewable energy projects, integration wind, solar and hybrid systems
- Energy Analyst – Modelling wind energy production, forecasts output and assessing financial viability
- Power Systems Engineer – managing real-time grid operations, ensuring reliability and compliance with regulations
Outside the energy sector, the advanced technical knowledge and professional skills developed in power systems offers career opportunities in other industries, such as:
- Manufacturing & industrial production – optimising production lines for wind turbine components
- Engineering consultancy – providing expert advice on energy systems, sustainability and infrastructure
- Academia & Research Development - investigating new materials, technologies or systems to deliver innovation and support the transition to net-zero
What could I earn?*
Role | Potential earnings |
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Electrical Engineer | Entry-level salaries in the UK start at £37,000 per year, rising to £52,000 |
Power Systems Consultant | Typical salaries tend to start at £27,000, with average earnings reaching £37,500, rising to £76,000 for the most experienced workers |
Wind Energy Advisor | The average salary in the UK for a Wind Energy Advisor is £47,500 per year, with Project Managers earning on average £55,000, rising to £70,000 for the most senior positions |
Wind Turbine Inspection | As a graduate starting out in your career, you can expect a salary of around £33,000, but this can rise as high as £62,000 for senior roles. |
Information is intended as a guide only. Salary details acquired from Talent.com, June 2025

Strathclyde’s reputation and its connections with the power industry were the reasons I opted for this MSc. I made the right decision as my lecturers were really encouraging, had great industry experience and one month after graduating, I started work as a wind energy advisor.
Apply
To apply, click on the relevant apply button
As part of the admissions process, you must upload the following supporting documentation. We will be unable to process your application if these are not provided:
- official 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
- 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 demonstrating expertise, skills and suitability for the programme
- 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
Wind Energy Systems