MSc Power Electronics and Control with Advanced Project

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc in Power Electronics and Control with Advanced Project at the University of Hertfordshire offers students an intensive pathway to deepen their expertise in power conversion, control systems and renewable‑energy integration while working on a substantial advanced project to demonstrate their mastery. It is ideally suited for someone with a strong background in electronic or electrical engineering who wants to lead design, research or engineering roles in power systems, energy conversion and control technologies.

Curriculum structure
Year 1
In the first year the student will engage with core taught modules such as Advanced Power Electronics and Control, Control of Engineering Systems, Advanced Reconfigurable Systems Design, Artificial Intelligence and Applications, and Digital Signal Processing and Applications. These modules build the foundational knowledge in power conversion technologies, embedded control, smart systems and analysis methods, blending theory with simulation and applied case‑studies.
Year 2
During the second year the student will focus on the advanced project, a major independent piece of work where they apply research methods, design, simulation or experimental techniques to a specialist topic in power electronics or control engineering. Throughout this year the emphasis is on project management, professional skills and developing a deliverable engineering outcome aligned with industrial practice or research.

Focus areas: power conversion systems, control engineering, renewable energy system integration, advanced project management, smart and reconfigurable systems.
Learning outcomes: On completion the student will be able to (1) analyse and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems in power electronics and control, (2) design and apply advanced power conversion and control systems for energy‑efficient and renewable applications, (3) carry out a significant independent engineering project demonstrating professional competence, and (4) demonstrate transferable skills in project delivery, critical thinking and engineering judgement.
Professional alignment (accreditation): This programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK SPEC) for further learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for graduates of an accredited first degree.
Reputation (employability rankings): The School offering this course reports strong student experience and employer outcomes: the faculty was ranked 7th for Engineering & Technology in the UK Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students enrolling in this programme will gain practical, industry‑level skills by working in modern labs, applying industrial‑standard software tools, and completing an advanced project focused on real‑world engineering challenges. In the state‑of‑the‑art “Spectra” building within the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, students will have access to modelling and simulation labs, a controls testing suite, electric‑vehicle facilities, a wind tunnel, automotive workshop and more.
Specifically, the programme emphasises a hands‑on individual project component where students apply their learning through simulation, experimentation and design under supervision—integrating theory and practice in a substantial capstone:

Students will benefit from:

Use of industrial‑standard simulation and modelling software in dedicated engineering labs (the Department emphasises use of ‘industrial standard software wherever possible’).
Hands‑on work with power‑conversion systems, renewable energy‑system integration, and control of engineering systems in laboratory and workshop settings.
An advanced individual project (60 credits) plus modules on project skills & professional development (“Project Skills and Professional Development (Electronics)”, “Successful Project Delivery (Electronics)”) so students develop project‑management and research capabilities.
Group‑based taught modules and case studies, blending simulation, research methods and experimental work (e.g., modules such as Advanced Power Electronics, Embedded Control Systems, Smart Grid Technologies).
Access to the building’s collaborative zones, workshops and social spaces to support teamwork and innovation (Spectra includes interactive learning zones and meeting rooms).

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) for further learning—making it a strong choice for students aiming toward Chartered Engineer status (provided their undergraduate degree aligns).
With over 25 years’ experience in teaching electronic engineering and a strong research‑active School, the University offers a combination of up‑to‑date curriculum and industry relevance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well‑positioned to take on roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Control Systems Designer, or Energy Conversion Specialist, thanks to a strong technical foundation and advanced research/project experience. Their advanced‑project focus plus industry‑accredited status gives them a clear edge for both technical and leadership paths.

They benefit from:

University services: The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science provides specialist academic and career support, along with access to the new “Spectra” building labs, workshops and simulation facilities.
Employment stats & salary figures: The programme page notes that graduates work on power systems projects for organisations including EDF, British Gas and AAB. While exact salary figures are not published on the site, these roles in the UK engineering sector typically command competitive salaries (often in the “£30k‑£45k+” range for early career, depending on location and company).
University–industry partnerships: The course specifies strong links with industry and that graduates have gone into relevant employers; the School emphasises “industrial‑standard software and laboratories” for teaching and research.
Long‑term accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC). This means that if a student holds a CEng‑accredited BEng/BSc first degree, this MSc supports further learning towards Chartered Engineer registration.
Graduation outcomes: On completion, students will have developed the knowledge, intellectual and practical skills to analyse and synthesise complex engineering/manufacturing problems, design and apply power conversion/control systems, and work across sectors such as renewable integration, smart grids, and advanced control systems.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students could progress to doctoral research (e.g., a PhD in Power Electronics, Control Systems, Smart Grids or Renewable Energy Engineering), or pursue specialist postgraduate certificates/diplomas in related fields (e.g., advanced control, renewable energy management, power systems optimisation). They may also deepen their expertise via professional qualifications (such as CEng) or industry certifications in advanced electrical power and control technologies.