MSc Electrical Power Systems Engineering: The University of Manchester

Course description

Power system engineering is about keeping things in balance. Not just the balance between generation and load or between production and consumption of reactive power. It is also about the balance between the cost of energy and its environmental impact or the balance between the reliability of the supply and the investments needed to develop the system. These programmes will teach you how to quantify both sides of these equations and then how to improve the balances through technological advances and the implementation of sophisticated computing techniques.

In the autumn, you learn how power systems are designed and operated. This involves studying not only the characteristics of the various components (generators, lines, cables, transformers, power electronics devices) but also how these components interact. Through lectures and computer based exercises you become familiar with power flow and fault calculations and you learn how the techniques used to study the behaviour of large systems. Experiments in their high voltage laboratory give you an appreciation for the challenges of insulation co-ordination. During the spring, you have the opportunity to choose course units that explore in more depth either the 'systems' or the 'plant' aspects of power systems. For example, you might study how renewable generation is integrated in a power system or how to assess and remedy power quality problems. During the summer, your MSc dissertation project gives you a chance to develop your research skills and to explore in depth one of the topics discussed during the course.

Course aims

• 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.

Module details

Course units include Introduction to Power Engineering, Power System Analysis, Power System Plant and Operation, Asset Management and Dynamics, Sustainable Electricity Systems, Economics and Quality and Power Systems Protection.

Career opportunities

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.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: The standard academic entry requirements for a masters course will be an upper second class UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in an electrical and electronic engineering discipline.

English language: Students will need to be able to demonstrate competency in the English language and students who do not already possess a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a test such as IELTS or TOEFL and attain a minimum of IELTS 6.5 (with no sub test < 5.5), TOEFL 570 with 5.0 in the TWE (Test of Written English) or CBTOEFL 230 with 5.0 in the TWE.

If you do not currently have an English Language qualification at the required level then it may be possible to arrange a pre-sessional course, the duration of which will depend on your current English language qualification.