Master of Engineering Electrical Power Engineering Specialisation

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering specialising in Electrical Power Engineering at Edith Cowan University (ECU) is designed for engineering graduates who want to build advanced skills in electrical power systems and prepare for professional engineering careers. Students explore areas such as power electronics, electrical machines, power systems, control systems and renewable energy while developing practical problem-solving, project and professional skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with Engineering Innovation and Ethics and develop their specialist knowledge through subjects such as Instrumentation and Measurement, Power Electronics, Data Communication and Computer Networks and Power Systems 1. These units help students understand electrical power technologies, measurement systems, communication networks and the operation of modern power systems.

Year 2: Students progress to advanced subjects including Electrical Machines and Transformers, Communication Systems 1, Control Systems, Power Systems 2 and Sustainability and Renewable Energy. They also complete Engineering Professional Practice, Master of Engineering Project 1, Engineering Management and Master of Engineering Project 2, allowing them to apply their knowledge to a substantial engineering project.

Focus Areas

Electrical power engineering, power electronics, power systems, electrical machines and transformers, instrumentation and measurement, signals and systems, electrical engineering design, communication systems, control systems, industrial control, data communication, renewable energy and engineering project management.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop advanced knowledge of electrical power engineering and the ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems. They also strengthen their communication, teamwork, project management and professional skills, including the ability to plan and complete substantial engineering projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Electrical Power Engineering specialisation is accredited by Engineers Australia when studied within ECU's Master of Engineering. This professional recognition provides a strong foundation for graduates seeking professional engineering careers in Australia and internationally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

ECU reports 5-star ratings for overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality in the latest Good Universities Guide. The university also focuses strongly on practical and industry-relevant learning, helping students develop skills that can be applied in professional engineering environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Engineering specialising in Electrical Power Engineering at ECU combines advanced technical learning with practical engineering experience. Students have access to specialist electrical power, renewable energy, circuits and instrumentation facilities, while professional practice and engineering projects help them apply their knowledge to real engineering situations.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Power Engineering Laboratory: A dedicated facility supports teaching and research in electrical power engineering, including practical work with three-phase generation and power networks.
Renewable Energy Laboratory: Students can work with equipment including wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays, battery storage systems, hydrogen fuel cells, electric vehicle chargers and different types of grid-connected and hybrid inverters.
Specialist software: The Renewable Energy Laboratory provides access to HOMER and LabVIEW for renewable energy modelling, monitoring and experimentation.
Circuits and Systems Laboratory: Students can undertake practical work involving electrical circuits and engineering systems.
Advanced Instrumentation and Measurement Laboratory: This facility supports practical learning and research involving instrumentation, measurement and sensor technologies.
Schneider Electric Instrumentation, Control and Automation Laboratory: Students can gain exposure to industry-related instrumentation, automation and control equipment.
Engineering projects: Students undertake substantial engineering project work, developing their ability to investigate problems, plan solutions and apply engineering knowledge.
Professional practice: Students must complete at least 12 weeks of professional practice in a relevant industry environment before graduating, giving them direct experience of professional engineering work.
Industry and research collaboration: ECU's engineering facilities support collaboration between students, researchers and industry in areas including electrical power, renewable energy and smart energy systems.
Team-based learning: The specialisation develops practical problem-solving, teamwork and project development skills as part of professional engineering preparation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Engineering specialising in Electrical Power Engineering prepares graduates for professional engineering careers in areas such as power generation, transmission, distribution and energy management. The program combines advanced technical knowledge with practical engineering, project and problem-solving skills, helping graduates pursue opportunities across the energy and engineering sectors.

Typical career roles include Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Electrical Power Engineer, Professional Engineer.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Career support: ECU Careers and Employability provides career advice, job-search assistance, CV and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, career workshops, employer events and access to CareerHub for job opportunities.
Industry experience: ECU supports Work Integrated Learning through internships, placements and industry-based projects, helping students apply their engineering knowledge in professional environments.
Industry partnerships: ECU's School of Engineering works with industry on student placements, industry projects, commercial projects, design consultancy, prototype development, testing and research activities.
Industry connections: ECU works with organisations across industry and government, giving students opportunities to connect with employers and gain exposure to professional engineering environments.
Employment outcomes: ECU reports that 93% of its graduates are in full-time employment within three years of completing their degrees, while 71.8% are in professional or managerial positions. ECU also reports an average graduate salary of AUD 86,900 per year three years after graduation across the university; these figures are not specific to Electrical Power Engineering.
Professional value: The specialisation provides a strong foundation for professional engineering careers, with an emphasis on practical problem-solving, teamwork and the ability to manage complex engineering projects.
Employment sectors: Graduates can explore opportunities in energy generation, electricity distribution, power utilities, mining, manufacturing, renewable energy and energy management.
Graduation outcomes: ECU identifies career opportunities such as Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer and Renewable Energy Engineer, while professional engineering roles are also relevant to graduates of the Master of Engineering.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates who want to pursue advanced research can continue to a Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated). ECU identifies research pathways in areas such as Electrical Power Engineering and related engineering disciplines, making doctoral study a suitable option for students interested in specialist research or academic careers.