MSc Electrical Power

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Newcastle University

Program Overview

This one‑year full‑time MSc gives students a deep dive into modern electrical power engineering — covering power electronics, machines, drives, renewable energy systems and network operation. It’s suitable for graduates of electrical/electronic engineering (or very closely related disciplines) who want to become specialists in power systems, renewable integration or advanced machine‑drive technologies.

Curriculum Structure:

Taught Modules (Autumn & Spring terms): Students begin with compulsory modules such as Advanced Power Electronics and Applications (20 credits) and Power Systems Operation & Analysis (20 credits) where they will analyse modern converter topologies, look into multilevel and modular power electronics and then explore the behaviour and control of bulk power systems. They also study Control of Electric Drives (20 credits) and Designing Sustainable Electric Propulsion and Generation Systems (20 credits), gaining hands‑on experience in machine design, drive control and sustainable power generation frameworks.
Individual Project (Summer term): The final phase is a substantial Individual Project (60 credits) where each student applies their learning to an original investigation (for example design, simulation and testing of a power converter system, or modelling a smart‑grid connected machine drive). This gives a chance to integrate device/drive/machine work with network‑systems thinking.
Final Stage (Submission & evaluation): At the end of the year the student presents/submits their project, often including a report and possibly a demonstration or simulation, showing competence in power‑engineering design, modelling, analysis and practical constraints.

Focus areas: advanced power electronics and converter systems; electrical machines and drives; power systems operation & control; renewable energy integration and smart grids; sustainable propulsion and generation technologies.

Learning outcomes: Students will be able to critically analyse electrical machines, drives and power converter systems, apply advanced modelling and simulation techniques in power networks, design and evaluate sustainable electrical propulsion/generation systems, work effectively in multidisciplinary power‑engineering teams and deliver a complex engineering project in electrical power.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is professionally recognised and aligns with the requirements for engineering professional registration (via Institution of Engineering and Technology – IET / Engineering Council) which supports progression towards Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation (employability rankings): Newcastle University’s School of Engineering is part of a globally‑recognized institution. For example, the university is ranked in the global top 200 for engineering and technology disciplines. Graduates of this MSc are well placed for roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Design Engineer for machines & drives, Renewable Energy Systems Engineer or advanced roles in grid & drive integration.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the moment students begin this programme, they engage in hands‑on work and benefit from a rich set of specialist engineering facilities. They will use advanced simulation software, work in modern labs focused on power systems, machines and drives, and undertake a significant individual project to apply their learning in a real‑world context. The School of Engineering’s strong research focus in power engineering means students are learning in a context where cutting‑edge industry and academic work happen side‑by‑side.

Here are the facility‑ and experience‑specific details you’ll get on this programme:

Use of computer‑aided design and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink and PSpice for modelling power systems and electrical machines.
Access to dedicated labs including an Electrical Power Teaching Lab, Smart Grid Lab and Energy Storage Test Bed, as well as the Electrical Power Research Lab. These enable practical measurement, control and system‑level experimentation.
Hands‑on work with power electronics, electrical drives and machines, applying theory in real drives and machines labs (e.g., drive systems, machine tests) in modules such as Control of Electric Drives and Design of Machines and Drives.
A block‑delivery approach combining lectures, seminars, group work and lab‑based sessions, enabling immersive study of key topics such as power systems operation & analysis, advanced power electronics and renewable energy/smart grids.
A major Individual Project (60 credits) in which a student defines, designs and tests an original system or device in the domain of electrical power — for example a smart‑grid integration, EV charging system or new machine/drive design.
Engagement with industry through guest lectures, site visits and technical projects embedded in the course, supporting real‑world relevance and employability.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates emerge ready for roles like Power Systems Engineer, Electrical Machines Design Engineer, Renewable Energy Systems Specialist or Smart Grids Engineer — because this programme gives both deep technical capability and real‑world commercial awareness.

Furthermore:

University services & support – The university’s dedicated Careers Service supports you with one‑to‑one advice, employer networking opportunities, job‑search help and industry‑relevant workshops.
Employment stats & prospects – While the programme itself doesn’t publish independent figures, its close alignment with the UK’s largest academic research group in electrical power gives a strong basis for employability.
University–industry partnerships – The school collaborates with industry in power electronics, drives, machines, and smart grids: their research group works with major industry partners and these linkages feed into teaching and projects.
Accreditation & long‑term value – The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), underpinning its professional recognition for engineers.
Graduation outcomes – On completing the degree you will:
- Understand advanced topics such as power electronics, electric drives, machine design, power‑system operation and smart grid integration.
- Be able to apply computer‑aided design and simulation (MATLAB, Simulink etc) in power system and machine design contexts.
- Be positioned for roles across sectors: power generation, distribution, renewable energy integration, machine and drive design, control systems and smart grids.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this MSc, you could advance into a PhD in power engineering, electrical machines, smart grids or renewable energy systems. Alternatively you may pursue chartered engineer (CEng) status via further learning or professional development, or take specialist certifications in power‑electronics systems, grid design or renewable integration to elevate into senior engineering or leadership roles.