MSc Advanced Electrical Power Systems Engineering

We operate a non-staged admissions process for this programme. Provided your application is complete we aim to give you a decision on your application within 3 months from the date on which it was submitted. However, due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may take longer than the standard time frame to receive an outcome. Please note that all places are subject to availability.

Applications placed after 30th June 2026 may be considered at our discretion if there are still places available on the programme.

Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place must demonstrate that they have met all the conditions of their offer by 31st July 2026.

Apply online

 We require the following documents before we can consider your application:

• Official Bachelor degree transcripts, including official translations and original language copies if study not undertaken in English. 2+2 and 3+1 applicants must provide official transcripts and certificates from both institutions.
• An official document from your university verifying your current weighted average mark (not arithmetic average) if this information is not included in your transcript of study.  Please note : where grades are given as a percentage, the weighted average mark must also be recorded as a percentage, not as a GPA grade.
• Degree certificate if you have already graduated.
• If still studying, please provide an official list of all the modules you are taking in your final year.
• A CV if you graduated more than three years ago.
• We require one supporting academic reference. Referees will be contacted and asked to submit a reference directly to us via our referee portal. We will let you know when they have done this. Make sure your referees are aware in advance as they play a vital part in the assessment of your application.

Personal statements are not required for your application to this programme.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application.

You must submit all these supporting documents with your application. If any of the above information is missing, we will not be able to consider your application and it may be withdrawn.

Power system engineering is about keeping things in balance. Not just the balance between generation and load, but also about the balance between the cost of energy and its environmental impact or the balance between the security-reliability of the supply and the investments needed to develop the system.

This programme will teach you how to apply technological advances and implement sophisticated computing techniques to power systems.

The programme has been significantly improved in several areas: you will learn static and dynamic modelling of electric machines and power electronics. You will be able to apply this modelling in dynamics and stability assessment, with particular emphasis on power converters stability. You will also learn control aspects of micro-grids, technologically advanced solutions in distribution networks, the fundamentals of communications in power systems, as well as the resilience aspects in modern power systems.

First semester

In the first semester you learn how power systems are designed and operated. This involves studying not only the characteristics of the various components (generators, lines, cables, transformers and power electronics devices) but also how these components interact. Through lectures and computer based exercises you become familiar with power system static and dynamic phenomena and modelling. Experiments in our high voltage laboratory give you an appreciation for the challenges of insulation co-ordination.

Second semester

During the second semester the course units explore in more depth the 'operation' and the 'plant' aspects of power systems. For example, you will study how renewable generation is integrated in a power system or how to assess and remedy stability and reliability issues. You will also apply the acquired knowledge to study modern distribution networks, protection with communications, as well as planning and resilience of power systems.

Prior to your summer break a preliminary study and the outline of your MSc dissertation project is completed, this is fully developed throughout the second year of the course.

The year-long enhanced individual research provides you great opportunities to develop advanced research skills and to explore in depth some of the topics discussed during the course. This includes training in research methods, and advanced simulation and experimental techniques in power systems and high voltage engineering as well as academic paper writing and poster and paper presentation.

• Provide an advanced education in electrical power engineering.
• Give graduates the education, the knowledge and the skills they need to make sound decisions in a rapidly changing electricity supply industry.
• Give a sound understanding of the principles and techniques of electrical power engineering.
• Give a broad knowledge of the issues and problems faced by electrical power engineers.
• Give a solid working knowledge of the techniques used to solve these problems.
• Educate students with advanced research skills necessary to address current and future technological advancements.

You are required to take eight examinations. In addition, course work (eg lab reports) accounts for typically 20% of the mark for each course unit. One course units is assessed on the basis of 50% coursework and 50% exam.

The enhanced research project is assessed on the basis of a research poster, an extended abstract, a research papers and a dissertation of about 70 pages.

Excellent facilities

With access to an extensive range of leading facilities , you will get hands-on with industry-standard equipment - improving your knowledge and skills, and preparing you for work post-graduation. Our flagship facilities include the High Voltage Lab and Photon Science Institute .

The future of learning in Manchester

OurHome for Engineering and Materials Scienceis transforming the way ourstudentsstudy, research and shape the world forever. Now, more than ever, is the time to study at The University of Manchester.

At the heart of the building’s design is a desire to bring together all disciplines, in one connected and dynamic environment. The space supports a variety of teaching and learning styles, through blended lecture theatres, multi-purpose study spaces and over 250 state-of-the-art laboratories. There is also a range of technical spaces to help encourage students to shape their own learning environment. 

We want our facilities to showambition as well as recognisethe real-world challengesthatstudents will face in addressing some of themost pressing issuesof our time. Our Home for Engineering and MaterialsScience boasts some of the most unique, industry-leading equipment and instrumentation in the sectorto meet today’s requirements and those of the future. 

Explore Our Home for Engineering and Material Science .

Over the last thirty years, hundreds of students from around the world have come to the University to obtain an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering or similar. After graduation, they went on to work for:

• electric utilities,
• equipment manufacturers,
• specialised software houses,
• universities,
• and consultancy companies.

This course also provides the students with additional research skills necessary for starting a PhD degree or entering an industrial research and development career.

Careers Service

We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's  award-winning Careers Service  will continue to support you two years after graduation. 

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Blog

Explore more about our students' experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in  our blog .