MSc Power Electronics and Control (18-month route)

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc Power Electronics and Control (18‑month route) at the University of Hertfordshire gives students a comprehensive, one‑and‑a‑half year pathway to deepen their expertise in power conversion, control systems and renewable‑energy integration with a longer timeframe for the individual project phase. 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 (Semesters A & B)
In the first year the student will 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 enable the student to build strong knowledge of power conversion technologies, embedded control, renewable integration and simulation‑lab practice.
Year 2 (Semester C – Project Phase)
In the second year (making up the remaining half year), the emphasis shifts to the independent engineering project where the student applies simulation, experimental or case‑study methods to a specialist topic in power electronics or control engineering. This advanced project allows the student to demonstrate mastery 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 (CEng) status for graduates with an accredited first degree.
Reputation (employability rankings): The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science at Hertfordshire reports a strong student experience: the faculty was ranked 7th for Engineering & Technology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students enrolled on this programme will gain real‑world, hands‑on experience by working in cutting‑edge labs, applying industrial‑standard simulation and hardware tools, and completing a substantial individual project over 18 months. The course is delivered in the state‑of‑the‑art “Spectra” building on the Hatfield campus, which includes modelling & simulation labs, a controls‑testing suite, an electric‑vehicle / automotive workshop, a wind tunnel, and interactive learning zones.
The schedule spans three semesters, allowing for a deeper exploration of project work and design integration:

Students will benefit from:

Use of industrial‑standard simulation and modelling software in dedicated labs for power electronics and control systems.
Hands‑on work with power‑conversion systems, renewable energy‑system integration, and control of engineering systems in lab and workshop settings.
An individual final project following the taught modules (taught in Semesters A & B, project in the following Semester A for the 18‑month route)—this gives students additional time to develop their design, experiment and research skills.
Group‑based and individual work combining simulation, experimentation, research methods and case studies, enabling students to tackle real‑world challenges in power electronics.
Access to the Spectra building’s collaborative spaces, workshops, social and meeting rooms to support teamwork, innovation and independent work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well‑positioned to take on roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Control Systems Designer, or Renewable Energy Systems Specialist, thanks to the strong technical foundation and extended study period which allows deeper project work and system‑integration focus. Their industry‑accredited status and comprehensive exposure to advanced power electronics and control technologies position them for both technical and leadership career tracks.

They benefit from:

University services: The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science offers access to the state‑of‑the‑art “Spectra” building with simulation labs, EV workshop, wind‑tunnel and controls testing suite, along with the Academic Support Hub for employability guidance.
Employment stats & salary figures: The course 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 numbers aren’t publicly broken down on the site, early‑career engineers in UK power and control roles frequently earn in the region of £30,000‑£40,000+, with upward potential as experience accumulates.
University–industry partnerships: The programme benefits from long‑established links with industry, including partnerships and guest‑lectures with companies like Imagination Technologies, Samsung and BAE Systems.
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 towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Graduation outcomes: On completion, students will have developed the knowledge, intellectual and practical skills to analyse and synthesise engineering/manufacturing 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 advanced 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.