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The MEngSc in Electrical Power Networks (T378) at University College Dublin is a one-year full-time NFQ Level 9 Master of Engineering Science focused on advanced electrical power system design, control and operation in modern energy networks. It suits graduates in electrical, electronic or related engineering disciplines who want specialist technical skills for careers in power utilities, smart grid integration, renewable energy systems and engineering design.
Curriculum structure:
In this intensive master’s year, students develop deep technical expertise in power systems and networks. They study Control Theory and Power System Operation to gain analytical skills in modelling system behaviour and ensuring reliable grid performance. Renewable Energy Systems and Power System Dynamics & Control provide focused insight into integrating sustainable generation and dynamic grid responses. Modules such as Power Electronics & Drives and Power System Design build practical engineering design abilities, while the programme includes a Professional Work Experience (PWE) element and culminates with a substantive Master’s Project where students apply analytical, design and practical skills to a complex electrical power engineering challenge.
Focus areas (in a string):
Control theory; power system operation; renewable energy integration; power system dynamics; power electronics; system design; professional work experience; engineering project.
Learning outcomes (in a string):
Analyse and design advanced power systems, integrate renewable and smart grid technologies, apply power electronics and control methods, engage in professional engineering contexts, and complete a major independent engineering project.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master of Engineering Science accredited by Engineers Ireland (recognised under the Washington Accord), aligning with professional engineering and technical leadership roles in energy and power sectors.
Reputation (employability rankings):
University College Dublin is in the top 1% of global universities and ranks highly for graduate employability outcomes, enhancing visibility for engineering graduates in international energy, utilities and advanced systems sectors.
In this Master of Engineering programme, you’ll gain substantial hands-on experience that complements classroom learning, helping you develop the practical skills that employers highly value. UCD blends laboratory work in advanced electronics and computing environments with teamwork, industry placements, and projects that reflect real-world engineering challenges. You will also have access to campus facilities, research groups, and student-run technical communities that enhance your learning beyond lectures and exams.
In practice, experiential learning includes:
Professional Work Experience (PWE) internship: A structured six to eight-month work placement where you work in industry and apply your engineering knowledge on real company projects, supported by both academic and workplace mentors.
State-of-the-art electronics and computing labs: Specialist laboratories for circuit design, embedded systems testing, digital systems, and hardware prototyping allow you to turn theory into working systems.
Group design and research projects: Collaborative team projects, including the capstone design project, challenge you to solve complex engineering problems, design systems, and present your solutions, mirroring professional practice.
Technical student community involvement: Opportunities through student clubs and societies, such as robotics workshops and tech events, help you build practical skills and expand your professional network.
Research clusters and innovation centres: Engage with active research groups and projects within the School and wider College of Engineering & Architecture, connecting classroom knowledge with contemporary engineering challenges.
Academic and study resources: Access to UCD’s libraries, digital learning platforms, and support services that underpin both independent study and practical work.
Graduates from this Master of Engineering often move into rewarding roles such as Embedded Systems Engineer, Communications Systems Specialist, Software Developer, or Technical Project Manager. The combination of advanced technical skills and professional work experience gained during the programme prepares you for high-demand engineering positions both in Ireland and internationally. Many students secure full-time roles soon after graduation, supported by UCD’s dedicated careers services and strong industry connections:
University careers support: UCD Careers Network provides personalised coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer engagement events, and mentoring to help you prepare for the job market and connect directly with recruiters.
Employability outcomes and salary prospects: Approximately 94 % of engineering graduates are employed or pursuing further study within six months of graduation, with competitive starting salaries that increase as experience grows.
Industry and employer engagement: The programme’s embedded professional work placement gives students real-world industry experience, often leading to graduate roles with the same employers or within the wider technology sector.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is professionally recognised, supporting career progression and international mobility in engineering roles.
Graduate outcomes: Many graduates move directly into employment or further study, benefiting from the practical experience, group projects, and professional exposure provided by the programme.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, you could pursue doctoral research (PhD) in areas such as communications, embedded systems, or computer engineering, often collaborating with faculty on funded research projects. Alternatively, you might explore specialised postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or advanced systems design to deepen your expertise and further enhance career prospects.
An undergraduate honours degree (NFQ level 8) with at least upper second-class honours (2.1) in Electrical, Electronic, or Computer Engineering, including prior study in Mathematics, Signal Systems, and Electromagnetics.English requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 per band (2026 IELTS Indicator accepted), or TOEFL iBT 90 with minimum 21 in writing and 19 in other sections (2026 TOEFL Home Edition accepted).China- A UK 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) degree equivalent is required. For Chinese applicants, this typically corresponds to a final overall average of 80-85% or a B+ grade.India- A UK 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) degree equivalent is required. For Indian applicants, this typically means a First Class or a very high Second Class Bachelor’s degree, most commonly reflected by a cumulative score of 60-70% or above.USA - UK 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) degree equivalent is required. For applicants from the USA, this typically corresponds to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.Electronic Systems EngineerEmbedded Systems DeveloperHardware DesignerCommunications EngineerControl Systems EngineerRobotics EngineerSignal Processing EngineerNetwork Systems EngineerIoT Systems DeveloperAutomation EngineerResearch and Development EngineerSoftware Engineer for Embedded SystemsSystems Integration EngineerTechnical Project ManagerTechnology Consultant 
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