MSc in Electrical Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Durham University

Program Overview

This MSc offers an intensive one-year full-time programme that builds a robust foundation in electrical engineering, geared especially towards modern power, conversion and sustainable energy systems. It suits graduates with a strong first degree in electrical/electronic engineering (or related science/engineering fields) who wish to advance into design, development or innovation roles in energy, power electronics, electrified transport or system engineering.

Curriculum Structure:
In the initial phase, students take core modules such as Electrical Energy Conversion, Power Electronics, Smart Energy Networks and Renewable Energy Technologies, where they advance their understanding of how electrical machines, conversion systems and networks support modern energy infrastructure.
They also engage in a Group Design Project, working collaboratively to apply taught material to a realistic engineering challenge, integrating learning from across modules.
Finally, students complete a major Research and Development Project (typically 60–90 credits) where they independently plan, execute and present a substantial piece of work addressing an engineering problem—often connected to power systems, future vehicles or sustainable electrical systems.

Focus areas:
Power electronics & electrical machines • Energy conversion • Smart energy networks & renewable systems • Future vehicle technologies • Systems integration & design project work

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to critically analyse, design and implement electrical engineering systems for modern energy and transport applications; use advanced technical tools and methods to address electrical conversion, machine and network challenges; work independently on a major engineering project; and engage with the engineering issues driving the transition to low-carbon and electrified infrastructures.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme meets the accreditation requirements of the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) for further learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for candidates who already hold an accredited undergraduate degree.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Durham University is globally recognised, and this engineering MSc is marketed as equipping students to meet key industry challenges—with strong links to major industrial partners and graduate employment opportunities in electrical/power/engineering roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Electrical Engineering programme at Durham University gain advanced practical and applied skills by working on design-and-research based modules linked to current electrical engineering challenges. They engage in both team-based and individual projects, supported by modern laboratory facilities and simulation tools within the Department’s engineering environment. This ensures that they don’t just study theory — they practise it, test it, evaluate it and present it, preparing them for professional roles in power, renewables, smart systems and vehicle-electrical domains.

Specifically, the learning environment includes:

A Research & Development Project (60 credits) and a Group Design Project (30 credits) that offer students the opportunity to apply their learning to substantial investigations and team-based engineering design tasks.
Core modules such as Future Vehicles, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy Technologies, Smart Energy Networks and Electrical Energy Conversion — each of which involve coursework and assessments that emphasise practical, systems-level work and application of modern electrical engineering tools.
Access to the Department’s dedicated engineering laboratories including the newly refurbished Electrical Laboratory and other specialist research nodes providing infrastructure for power electronics, electrical machines, microgrid work and smart-energy systems.
Use of simulation, modelling and measurement equipment tied to research-grade laboratories: for example, hardware-in-the-loop, high-power dynamos, microgrid setups and advanced computing to support system-level testing.
A collaborative and mixed format of teaching: lecture/seminar modules blend with design-work, team workshops and individual inquiry so that students practise engineering problem-solving in realistic contexts.
A supportive environment for independent learning: students benefit from access to specialist facilities and technician support enabling prototype testing and verification of their project work, bridging the gap between academic study and engineering practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Electrical Engineering programme are well positioned to take on roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Control & Automation Engineer, Smart Grid Specialist, or Electrical Design Engineer. The degree also offers the foundation for roles in R&D, consultancy or senior technical leadership in the electrical engineering domain.

Here’s how the degree supports future career success:

The Department of Engineering at Durham reports that its MSc taught programmes are part of a research-rich environment with real engineering applications in future energy systems, electronics & communications.
The MSc programme includes a major Research & Development Project and a Group Design Project, giving students practical experience designing, implementing and analysing electrical-engineering systems.
Employability data for the engineering department shows a strong track record: for example, about 92% of recent engineering graduates entered employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
The engineering programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions, meeting the educational base for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status — which adds long-term recognition and value.
The module list of the MSc includes cutting-edge topics such as Future Vehicles, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy Technologies, Smart Energy Networks, and Electrical Energy Conversion — aligning well with global industry trends.

Further Academic Progression:

After completion of the MSc, graduates may choose to progress into doctoral research (PhD) in areas like smart electrical networks, renewable energy integration, electric vehicle systems or advanced power electronics. Alternatively, they might pursue specialist postgraduate certifications or professional development pathways in control systems, power-systems management, or systems engineering leadership to further enhance their technical expertise and career trajectory.