MSc Sustainable Electrical Power Engineering

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Buckinghamshire New University

Program Overview

This one‑year full‑time programme gives students a strong grounding in the design, operation and optimisation of electrical power systems—with a clear focus on renewable energy, grid integration and sustainability. It is ideal for engineering graduates (or those with a related STEM background) who want to advance into the sustainable power / clean‑energy sector and gain hands‑on skills as well as theoretical insight.

Curriculum structure

Year (the 1‑year master’s)
In the first part of the programme students explore core modules such as Smart Grids and Distributed Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Electrical Power Systems and Protections. They learn to evaluate renewable generation (solar, wind, marine), analyse transmission/distribution systems including symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults, and consider the integration of distributed renewable sources into future electricity networks.
Then they move into advanced specialist modules such as Advanced Power Electronics, Drives and Control and Clean Growth and Electric Propulsion, where they develop critical understanding of power‑electronics converters, electrical machines and high‑power systems, in the context of clean growth and electric propulsion.
The final phase is the Individual Research Project, where students undertake a substantial independent investigation (60 credits) into a topic of their choice—drawing on their learning, conducting experiments or simulations, and presenting a dissertation‑style piece of work.

Focus areas: “renewable energy integration; smart grid technologies; power electronics and drives; sustainability and environmental assessment; advanced electrical power system protection and control.”
Learning outcomes: “graduates will develop comprehensive understanding of sustainable electrical power engineering principles (renewable technologies, energy conversion, grid integration), critical thinking and problem‑solving skills for sustainable power systems design and optimisation, practical hands‑on experience through labs and projects, and ability to lead and communicate in engineering contexts with an ethical and sustainability perspective.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): According to the programme specification the MSc is seeking accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) once a cohort has graduated.
Reputation (employability rankings): The university emphasises employability strongly: it is in the UK “top 10 for the proportion of graduates earning more than £45,000 within 15 months” of graduation. Also, a past report noted BNU ranked 8th in the UK for graduates entering employment or further study (among multi‑faculty universities) according to HESA data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power Engineering at Buckinghamshire New University gain extensive hands-on experience, combining technical theory with practical application. The programme provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation tools, and industry-standard equipment, enabling students to develop the skills required to tackle real-world sustainable energy challenges. Through group projects, research work, and industry engagement, students refine their technical knowledge while enhancing teamwork, project management, and professional skills. Key practical elements include:

Lab sessions in the Electrical and Electronics Lab, covering power and energy electronics, modern electrical machines, and three-phase power systems.
Access to an Immersive Virtual Reality Lab and CAD/design workstations for simulation and modeling.
Modules incorporating project management, group work, and team presentations to build communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
Industry engagement through guest lectures, networking opportunities, and site visits facilitated by the university’s partnerships and proximity to London, Oxford, and Reading.
An individual research project allowing students to conduct independent investigation into a specialist area of sustainable electrical power engineering.

Students also gain proficiency in relevant software tools and simulation platforms, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power Engineering are equipped to pursue careers in:

Renewable Energy Engineering
Power Systems Engineering, particularly in grids integrating renewable and distributed energy
Smart Grid Engineering
Sustainability Consulting in energy infrastructure
R&D Engineering focused on high-power electronics, drives, or sustainable energy conversion systems

By combining technical expertise in power electronics, drives, control systems, and smart grids with professional skills in teamwork and project management, the programme prepares graduates to contribute effectively to the low-carbon energy transition and the development of next-generation power systems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) MSc Sustainable Electrical Power Engineering programme consistently move into roles such as Renewable Energy Engineer, Smart Grid Engineer, Power Systems Engineer and Energy Analyst, enabling them to contribute directly to the green‑energy transition and infrastructure of tomorrow. They’ll be well positioned for senior technical or management positions in the sustainable engineering and power‑systems sectors.

Job roles you might consider include:

Renewable Energy Engineer (designing/implementing solar, wind, hydroelectric projects)
Smart Grid Engineer / Power Systems Engineer (integrating renewables into transmission/distribution networks)
Sustainability Consultant / Energy Analyst (advising organisations on energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, decarbonisation)
Project Manager or R&D Engineer (leading development of new sustainable power technologies)

Key programme features supporting these outcomes:

BNU’s strong student‑employment record: 98% of graduates were in or about to start employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Excellent modern facilities: including labs for power & energy electronics, smart‑grid and simulation environments for renewable systems.
Industry partnerships and input: the programme emphasises guest lectures, industry‑sponsored projects and site visits.
Accreditation and relevance: The course is developed in partnership with the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and embedded in BNU’s School of Engineering & the Built Environment, reinforcing professional relevance.
Career‑focused skill development: modules, group work and a research project ensure students gain both specialist engineering knowledge and employability skills (communication, teamwork, project management).

Further Academic Progression:
Students who complete this MSc have strong pathways to continue their studies, for example by pursuing a PhD in sustainable power systems or renewable energy engineering, specialised professional certifications (such as chartered engineer status), or moving into executive‑MBA or leadership programmes in energy management.