MSc Power Electronics and Control

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc Power Electronics and Control at the University of Hertfordshire is designed to give students deep technical expertise in power conversion, control systems and renewable‑energy integration, through a focused one‑ or 18‑month route. It is ideally suited to graduates in electronic, electrical or control engineering who wish to move into roles designing power electronics systems for energy, renewables or smart grid applications.

Curriculum structure
Year 1 (or full taught‑year route)
In the taught phase students engage with core modules such as Advanced Power Electronics, Embedded Control Systems, Power Electronics Design and Applications, Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies and Smart Grid Technologies. These modules equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to analyse, design and apply power‑conversion and control systems in industrial settings.
Year 2 (for 18‑month route including project)
If opting for the 18‑month route, after the taught modules the student undertakes the MSc Individual Project (Electronics) in Semester 3 (or Semester A of the following year), applying simulation, experimental or case‑study methods to a specialist topic in power electronics or control engineering. This enables the student to demonstrate mastery, problem‑solving and professional readiness.

Focus areas: power conversion systems, advanced power electronics design, control engineering for energy systems, renewable energy integration, smart grids, embedded control.
Learning outcomes: On completion the student will be able to (1) analyse multidisciplinary engineering problems relating to power electronics and control, (2) design and apply advanced power conversion and embedded control systems for energy‑efficient/renewable applications, (3) undertake an individual project demonstrating independent engineering and research capability, and (4) communicate and apply appropriate professional and transferable skills in technical or management roles.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK SPEC) for further learning toward Chartered Engineer status for graduates with an accredited BEng/BSc.
Reputation (employability rankings): The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science at Hertfordshire was ranked 7th in the UK for Engineering & Technology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on this programme will gain hands‑on, industry‑level experience by working in state‑of‑the‑art facilities, using industry‑standard software tools, and engaging in experimental and simulation‑based work. The programme is delivered in the university’s new Spectra building (School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science), where students can access modelling and simulation labs, an automotive workshop (including an electric‑vehicle facility), a wind tunnel, a controls testing suite, and collaborative learning zones.
During their studies, students will apply theoretical knowledge through simulation, case studies, and design‑oriented modules, ensuring they are ready for real‑world applications.

Specifically, students will benefit from:

Use of industrial‑standard simulation/modelling software in dedicated labs for power electronics and control systems.
Hands‑on work with power‑conversion systems, integration of renewable energy systems, and practical control of engineering systems in lab settings.
Modules that combine experimental, simulation and case‑study work: e.g., “Advanced Power Electronics”, “Power Electronics Design & Applications”, “Smart Grid Technologies”, “Embedded Control Systems”.
Access to the Spectra building’s collaborative workshops, social and meeting spaces designed to foster teamwork and innovation.
Support via the university’s learning platform (StudyNet) and combined face‑to‑face teaching plus tutorial‑backed online resources, enabling flexible, interactive learning.

Why Choose This Programme

This MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC), meaning it aligns with the requirements for further learning toward Chartered Engineer status (for those with an appropriate undergraduate degree).
Students develop strong capabilities in integrating and designing systems based on renewable energy, power conversion and energy‑efficient technologies.
The School has over 25 years’ experience in electronic engineering teaching and holds a strong international reputation in the field.
Graduates are well placed for careers where they will make independent engineering and design decisions on mission‑critical systems, often in power systems, control systems and industrial applications.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well‑prepared to move into roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Control Systems Designer, or Renewable Energy Integration Specialist, thanks to a strong foundation in power electronics and control for modern energy systems. Their industry‑accredited status and focus on both theory and practice make them competitive for technical and leadership positions.

They benefit from:

University services: The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science at Hertfordshire offers access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities in the “Spectra” building—including modelling, simulation labs, automotive/electric‑vehicle workshop, wind tunnel, controls testing suite—and has an Academic Support Hub for career guidance and employability.
Employment stats & career prospects: The programme page states that graduates work as Power Engineers, Power Systems Engineers and Control Engineers on power‑systems projects for organisations including EDF Energy, British Gas and AAB Group. While exact salary figures are not published on the course page, engineers in these roles in the UK typically earn from £30,000‑£40,000+ in early career and more with experience.
University–industry partnerships: The School emphasises over 25 years’ experience in electronic engineering education, and the programme content reflects industry‑standard software and hardware use.
Long‑term accreditation value: The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC) for further learning to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Graduation outcomes: On completion, students will have developed skills to analyse and synthesise engineering problems, design and apply power conversion and control systems, integrate renewable‑energy and smart‑grid technologies, and enter industries such as energy conversion, renewables, smart grids and control systems.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students could progress to doctoral research (for example a PhD in Power Electronics, Control Systems, Smart Grids or Renewable Energy Engineering). They may also choose specialist postgraduate certificates or diplomas in areas like advanced control, renewable energy systems, power systems optimisation or energy storage technologies. In addition, they can pursue professional registration (such as CEng) or certifications in industry‑specific tools and methods relevant to power electronics and control engineering.