Online course

Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering

  • Qualification: MSc, PGDip, PGCert
  • Duration: 12-30 months, depending on the qualification level
  • Delivery: all taught units are delivered online
  • Workload: approx. 15 hours per week
  • Next enrolment: September 2024
Electric pylon

Introduction

Spark future change

Electricity is playing an increasing role as we look to develop low carbon sources of energy. Get ahead in this exciting field and develop your understanding of how electrical networks will be designed and operated in the future.

Gain a solid understanding of the characteristics of components such as generators, lines, cables, transformers and power electronic devices, and become the expert in your field, studying online while you continue to work.

Key features

Interactive learning

Study online through a mix of simulation lab work, written reports and recorded video presentations.

Practical focus

Working and studying together creates a richer experience of both. Apply your learning into practice and gain deeper understanding of the theories and techniques.

Expert teaching

Join one of the longest-running power system courses in the world, taught by high profile researchers and professors.

Contributing to the cutting-edge of industry

When things are changing so quickly, your studies can have a real influence on innovation in industry, and that’s really exciting.

David Bain
Protection Engineer
SSEN

David Bain picture

Accredited status

The Institute of Engineering and Technology

Benefits of the accredited status

  • IET accreditation recognises the high standard of the course and confirms the relevance of its content.
  • Attending an accredited course is the foundation for achieving professional registration (ICTTech, IEng, EngTech or CEng status).
  • Accredited courses are looked upon favourably by employers and can improve your career prospects.

Key information

  • Accreditation

    Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

  • Delivery

    All taught units are delivered online so you can fit your studies around your work and other commitments.

  • Qualification

    MSc (180 credits) - to achieve an MSc degree, you need to complete 8 mandatory units and the dissertation project.
    PGDip (120 credits) - to achieve a PG Diploma, you need to complete 8 mandatory units.
    PGCert (60 credits) - to achieve a PG Certificate, you need to complete the first two mandatory units and 2 optional units.
    Please see our course units section for detail.

  • Duration

    MSc - min. 30 months, part-time
    PGDip - min. 24 months, part-time
    PGCert - min. 12 months, part-time

  • Enrolment dates

    September

  • How to apply

    For more information on how to apply and what documents to submit with your application, please visit our application and selection section.

  • Workload

    Approx 15 hours per week.

  • Academic team

    Dr Steve Potts
    Dr James Brooks

Fees and funding

Total course tuition fee for September 2024 entry is as follows:

  • MSc - UK: £14,000 | EU/International: £35,000
  • PGDip - UK: £9,333 | EU/International: £23,333
  • PGCert - UK: £4,667 | EU/International: £11,667
  • Modular (1 unit fee) - UK: £1,167 | EU/International: £2,917

We offer payment by instalments , so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

Explore a range of scholarships and bursaries available for this course below.

Find out more about fees and funding

Entry requirements

We require at least an Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in electrical and electronic engineering disciplines from a reputable institution.

When assessing your application, we take into account your grade average with particular emphasis on relevant course units with marks at 2.1 level.

Find out more about entry requirements

Transforming the future of energy in Uganda

Innovation is needed to make systems work better - and innovation comes with knowledge.

Victoria Mary Nakalembe
Systems Engineer
Eskon Uganda Ltd

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Course overview

Who this course is for

Designed for engineers working in the sector, this course will arm you with the tools and techniques to keep pace with the rapidly evolving electricity industry. The course covers the latest developments in the electricity industry and delivers up to date training in electrical power systems.

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Student story - why study Power Systems online?

What you will learn

  • Build an advanced education in sustainable electrical power systems engineering.
  • Develop the knowledge and the skills you need to make sound decisions in a rapidly changing electricity supply industry.
  • Investigate, compare, and analyse sustainable innovations in electrical power systems.
  • Learn key principles and techniques of electrical power engineering.
  • Gain a broad knowledge of the issues and problems faced by electrical power systems engineers.
  • Develop a comprehensive working knowledge of the techniques used to solve these problems.
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Webinar: Challenges of sustainability

Where and when you will study

Our MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering is an online course, with content delivered online using web-enabled technology systems. This allows for a truly flexible study experience so you can study in your own time when it is convenient for you. You will be supported through regular contact with your tutor as well as access to wealth of resources including IEEE Xplore.

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Webinar: Hear from our alumnus - David Bain

How it will benefit your career

  • Join hundreds of successful graduates over the past 30 years and add this prestigious MSc to your CV.
  • Gain the knowledge and skills to take the next steps in your electrical power systems engineering career.
  • Go on to develop your career at a top employer, such as electric utility providers, equipment manufacturers, specialised software houses, universities and consultancy companies.

Tim Waugh's story

It's more important than ever to keep your skills up to date, and keep on top of new research and technologies.

Tim Waugh
Senior Design Engineer
Siemens

electrical transformer sunset

Course units

  • Unit 1 - Introduction to Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, Modular

    • Structure of Electrical Energy systems
    • Basic analytical skills for electrical energy systems
    • Components associated with electrical energy systems
  • Unit 2 - Analysis of Electrical Power and Energy Conversion Systems (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, Modular

    • Faults in power systems
    • Analysis and control of large networks
    • Analysis and control of power electronics systems
  • Unit 3 - Power System Plant, Asset Management and Condition Monitoring (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip

    Optional for: PGCert

    • Basic principles
    • Design of major power system plant components
    • Asset management and condition monitoring
    • Substation and system design
  • Unit 4 - Power System Operation and Economics (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip

    Optional for: PGCert

    • Introduction to optimisation and optimal economic system operation
    • Electricity markets and power system economics
    • Concepts of power system security
    • Power system investment
  • Unit 5 - Smart Grids and Sustainable Electricity Systems (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip

    Optional for: PGCert

    • Distributed low carbon technologies
    • Smart Grids
    • Sustainable electricity systems
  • Unit 6 - Power System Dynamics and Quality of Supply (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip

    Optional for: PGCert

    • Power system dynamics
    • Quality of supply
    • Reliability
  • Unit 7 - Power System Protection (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip

    Optional for: PGCert

    • Introduction to protection systems
    • Conventional protection systems
    • Advanced protection systems
  • Unit 8 - Business Cases for Sustainable Innovations (15 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip

    • Project/team/business planning
    • Ethics & professional responsibility
    • Intellectual property
    • Report writing (information sources, literature reviews, structure and presentation)
  • Project (60 credits)

    Mandatory for: MSc

    Your dissertation project will ideally be based on a problem you and your company need to resolve, ensuring the programme delivers value for both you and your employer.

Course structure

The course has been designed to support those working in industry. Multiple entry points exist and the course can be completed in a timescale that suits your needs. Your dissertation project will ideally be based on a problem you and your company need to resolve, ensuring the programme delivers value for both you and your employer.

Course learning aims

The course will develop your understanding of how electrical networks will be designed and operated in the future. It will provide you with a solid understanding of the characteristics of components such as generators, lines, cables, transformers and power electronics devices. The course will provide you with the skills you need to carry out power flow and fault calculations, learning how these techniques are used to study the behaviour of large systems.

The course also covers a range of other topics such as HVDC, how renewable generation is integrated into a power system, the increasing importance of smart grids, and how to assess and remedy power quality problems. The course is based on the long-running MSc in Electrical Power Systems Engineering delivered by The University of Manchester. On graduation you will be a member of a network of global alumni, many in senior positions in the electricity supply industry.

The course has been designed to support those working in industry. Multiple entry points exist and the course can be completed in a timescale that suits your needs. Your dissertation project will ideally be based on a problem you and your company need to resolve, ensuring the programme delivers value for both you and your employer.

Teaching and learning

Once you register for the course, you will be assigned a Study Advisor, who will stay with you throughout your studies and can be contacted by phone or email whenever you have a question or a concern.

Your Study Advisor will be able to guide you through your choice of units and help you to schedule and register for them. They will be familiar with all aspects of your course and your own progress and timetable and will be able to provide support on a wide range of issues or refer you to University specialist support services if necessary - such as the Careers Service, Counselling Service or Disability Support.

For each technical unit, you will be assigned an Academic Tutor with expertise in the particular subject area you will be studying. Your tutor will introduce themselves at the start of each unit to outline the material and plans for assessment. They will host regular online group discussions to review the content being presented that week and to give you the opportunity to engage with other students. They will also maintain and monitor a range of other tools including forums, blogs and live chat sessions, in case you have any questions about the course content.

You will typically need to commit around 15 hours per week during each unit taken. It is important to make sure your employer supports you by allowing suitable time to be spent on your studies.

Academic teaching start date for September 2024 entry (all levels) is 2 September 2024.

The welcome event and induction take place one week before the academic teaching start date. Our admissions team will confirm your induction date closer to the time.

Please ensure that you complete your registration ahead of your chosen entry date to gain access to the online learning material and library services.

Coursework and assessment

Each unit will require you to submit one or more pieces of coursework and a final assessment.

We use a mix of computer-based/simulation lab work, written reports, recorded video presentations, computer based-tests, and oral exams for assessment. The coursework will often involve using specialist software packages which will be provided for you. Your tutor will provide the exact details of how each activity contributes to your final marks for a given unit.

You will also be provided with regular opportunities to assess your progress through self-tests that do not count towards your final mark. Your tutor will seek to support you if you are having difficulty with a particular subject area and your Study Advisor will be there to help if there are any other issues affecting your studies.

Your dissertation project will ideally be based on a problem you and your company need to resolve, ensuring the programme delivers value for both you and your employer.

Admissions information

From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you’ll receive all the support you need. We can support you with enrolment and subject assistance, administrative logistics and fee options, online learning skills, workload management and special circumstances including a possible professional entry route.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require at least an Upper Second (2.1) class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in electrical and electronic engineering disciplines from a reputable institution.

When assessing your application, we take into account your grade average with particular emphasis on relevant course units with marks at 2.1 level. We would expect to see the following topics covered (though the wording on your degree may vary):

  1. Engineering maths (e.g. MATH19681 and MATH19682 and MATH29681 )
  2. Circuit analysis (e.g. EEEN10121 )
  3. Generation/transport of electrical power/energy (e.g. EEEN10212 and EEEN20242 )
  4. Systems analysis (e.g. EEEN20131 )

Students who meet most but not all of the above criteria may be considered for an alternative modular entry route into the MSc, where the first two mandatory units are taken.

Modular entry route

To be considered for the modular entry route we would require you to have covered the relevant topics (engineering maths, circuit analysis, general power system knowledge) with marks at 2.1 level. Alternatively this knowledge may be demonstrated via other routes such as workplace training or non-university training courses. We would also expect at least 1 years' experience in a technical role, including work on MV or HV systems. For example, system-operation/outage planning/network-planning/substation-design on systems 13.8kV and above. Please include specific details around the technical aspects of your involvement in any projects when you apply.

If accepted via this route, should you pass the first two units, you will be considered for a transfer to the MSc by the exam board. Exam boards sit every six months which would result in a break from studies, normally for three months, whilst waiting for the exam board's decision.

Please contact us if you have any questions about this process via studyonline@manchester.ac.uk .

If you are an international student, and are looking for a general guide on entry and language requirements for your country, please visit our country-specific information pages .

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Advice to applicants

To speed up the application process, please submit the following documents with your online application form:

1. Copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations in addition to your official certificates and transcripts.

2. English language score report (if applicable) or alternative evidence to demonstrate your English language competency.

3. A copy of your CV detailing your full work experience.

4. Personal statement addressing the questions below (max 500 words)

  • What is your motivation for studying the course?
  • What other relevant experience do you have (e.g. from work, student projects, CPD)? You only need to describe things that will not be obvious from your CV/undergraduate transcript.

5. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide contact details for one referee, professional or academic. The University will contact your referee directly after you submit your application and direct them to complete our online reference form.

If you need any support with your application, please contact us at studyonline@manchester.ac.uk .

Computer and time requirements

To take part in the course you will need:

  • An average of 15 hours per week to devote to studying.
  • Regular access to a computer with internet access fast enough to run video conferencing / stream the video lectures
  • A computer that meets the software requirements of the video conferencing and other software: (Broadband internet connection; Desktop or laptop PC with Windows 10 or later; 4 GB RAM; 6 GB disk space for installation (Administrator rights are required to install the software)
  • A webcam, microphone (and a quiet space) for the weekly video tutorials and for the oral exams at the end of each unit

Scholarships and bursaries

Postgraduate loans (UK/EU)

If you're an English or EU student living in the UK, you may be eligible for a loan.

Manchester Master's Bursary (UK)

We're committed to helping students access further education.

Equity and Merit Scholarships

If you're joining us from Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda or Tanzania, you can apply for this scholarship.

Funding for students with disabilities

If you have a disability, we can help you apply for relevant funding.

Explore more funding opportunities

Fees and funding

Total course tuition fee for September 2024 entry is as follows:

  • MSc - UK: £14,000 | EU/International: £35,000
  • PGDip - UK: £9,333 | EU/International: £23,333
  • PGCert - UK: £4,667 | EU/International: £11,667
  • Modular (1 unit fee) - UK: £1,167 | EU/International: £2,917

Please note the tuition fees are subject to an incremental rise in September.

Employer funding

If you are looking to secure funding from your employer, we can help you build a business case or talk to your employer directly. Contact us on studyonline@manchester.ac.uk to arrange a consultation.

Payment by instalments

During registration you will have the opportunity to pay your fees in three equal instalments. Learn more .

Additional cost information

Additional expenses

In addition to the tuition fees, students are also liable for any travel and accommodation costs involved when attending exams at either the University of Manchester or one of our external exam centres.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.