MSc Future Power Networks

This MSc programme is designed to transform you into a future leader in the energy sector through a deeply practical, research-led curriculum that bridges advanced theory with the realities of designing and operating tomorrow's power systems. You will have access to world-class facilities within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, including our Power Networks Laboratory, our Control and Power Laboratory, and our smart grid simulation suite, which are equipped with real-time digital simulators (RTDS), protection relays, and advanced software for modelling complex energy systems. Your learning is powered by industry-standard tools and culminates in a substantial individual project where you will tackle real-world challenges in grid modernisation, renewable integration, and smart grid technologies.

Here’s how you will gain advanced, hands-on experience:

• Industry-Standard Power Systems Software: You will gain deep proficiency in a suite of professional tools, including DIgSILENT PowerFactory and PSS®E for power system analysis, MATLAB/Simulink for dynamic modelling and control design, and RTDS Technologies for real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation.

• The MSc Individual Project: The cornerstone of the programme is a six-month research and development project, often linked to industry challenges or ongoing research, where you will work on a substantial problem such as stability analysis for high renewable penetration, designing microgrid control systems, or planning for grid resilience.

• Power Networks Laboratory: You will conduct experiments using our real-time digital simulators (RTDS) and physical hardware, including protection relays, inverters, and generators, to test and validate power system behaviour and control strategies under various conditions.

• Control and Power Lab: You will work with our advanced setups for designing and testing control algorithms for power electronic converters, renewable energy sources, and grid-forming inverters critical for future networks.

• Smart Grid Simulation Suite: You will have access to dedicated computing resources and software for co-simulation, analysing the interplay between power systems, communication networks, and market mechanisms in smart grids.

This MSc sets you up for an impactful career designing and managing tomorrow’s power systems. Graduates move into roles such as power systems engineer, grid analyst, renewable integration specialist, or power sector consultant. The programme is fully accredited for further learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status via the IET—meaning you’ll graduate ready to lead in a rapidly decarbonising energy industry link link.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Imperial accelerates your readiness and employability:

• University Services to Boost Employability
  You’ll complete a substantial individual research project—mentored by top academics—tailored to your interests and providing a powerful showcase of your skills to employers or PhD programmes link.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures
  While the programme doesn’t publish course-specific figures, Imperial graduates in computing and engineering often enjoy consistently strong employability thanks to institutional prestige and industry alignment link.

• University–Industry Partnerships
  Delivered by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the course reflects Imperial’s leading research strengths in power systems, control, smart grids, and power economics link. You'll also gain insights from real-world practice with guest lectures and industry-informed teaching link.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value
  The MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as further learning toward CEng status—assuming you already hold an accredited undergraduate degree link.

• Graduation Outcomes
  You’ll graduate as a specialist in zero-carbon electricity systems—skilled in modelling and control, smart grid solutions, and the intersection of heat, transport, and power networks. Armed with both rigour and relevance, you’ll be highly competitive for roles with network operators, utilities, equipment manufacturers, consulting firms, regulatory bodies, or aboard doctoral programs link.

Further Academic Progression:
This MSc positions you perfectly for additional study if you choose. Many graduates embark on PhD research in power system dynamics, smart grid control, or energy network resilience—thanks to the strong academic preparation and research project you complete as part of this course.