MSc Power Electronics and Control with Extended Professional Practice

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc in Power Electronics and Control with Extended Professional Practice at the University of Hertfordshire offers a cutting‑edge, two‑year sandwich route that blends advanced technical learning in energy conversion, renewable‑energy integration and control systems with a full industrial placement experience. It’s ideally suited for someone with an electronics, computing or engineering background who wants to step into roles designing power conversion systems, control engineering for renewables or smart‑energy applications.

Curriculum structure
Year 1
In the first year, the student will focus on core taught modules such as Advanced Power Electronics, Power Electronics Design and Applications, Embedded Control Systems, Smart Grid Technologies and Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies. These modules give the student a solid foundation in power conversion technologies, control system design and integration of renewable systems — blending lectures, simulation and lab-based practice.
Year 2
During the second year the student will undertake the professional practice placement (“Extended Professional Practice”) for around 30 weeks, applying what they have learned in a real industrial setting and gaining valuable work experience supported by the university careers service. After the placement, the student returns to complete the MSc Individual Project (Electronics) module, where they can apply simulation, experimental or case‑study methods to a specialist topic of their choice.

Focus areas: energy conversion systems, renewable‑energy integration, advanced power electronics, control engineering, smart grids, industrial placement.
Learning outcomes: On completion the student will be able to (1) analyse multidisciplinary problems in power conversion and control, (2) design and apply advanced power electronics and embedded control systems for renewable/ energy‑efficient applications, (3) integrate renewable energy and storage technologies into systems and (4) demonstrate professional competence through industrial practice and carry transferable skills to technical or management roles.
Professional alignment (accreditation): This 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 towards Chartered Engineer status (CEng) for graduates of an accredited BEng/BSc.
Reputation (employability rankings): The university reports that the School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science achieved 7th place for Engineering & Technology in the UK Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024. Also, according to The Complete University Guide, the subject ranking for this programme’s field places Hertfordshire at around 46th in “Electrical & Electronic Engineering” in their table.

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, and completing an extended professional placement. In the brand new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, they will have access to modelling and simulation labs, a controls testing suite, electric‑vehicle facilities, a wind‑tunnel and more.
During their placement year, students step into a real engineering environment, collaborating on multidisciplinary projects with external organisations and returning to campus to complete an individual project informed by that professional experience.

Specifically, students will benefit from:

Use of industrial‑standard simulation and modelling software in the dedicated engineering labs.
Hands‑on work with power conversion systems, renewable energy system integration and control of engineering systems.
Group projects and case‑studies involving real‑world scenarios, underpinned by experimental work.
A full‑time industry placement (typically ~30 weeks or more) during the second year, followed by an individual MSc project to apply the learning in practice.
Access to a suite of specialist facilities: controls testing suite, the electric‑vehicle workshop, modelling and simulation labs, plus collaborative social and meeting spaces designed for engineering students.

Why Choose This Programme

This MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and aligns with UKSPEC standards for professional engineering competence—which means graduates are well‑positioned for registration as Chartered Engineers (given the correct undergraduate background).
Students will emerge with the ability to solve multidisciplinary problems in power electronics, energy conversion, renewable systems integration and energy efficiency. The School has over 25 years’ experience in electronic engineering teaching and strong industry links.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well‑equipped to step into roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Control Systems Designer, or Renewable Energy Integration Specialist, having developed both technical depth and professional experience. Their practical placement experience and accredited status position them strongly for career growth and leadership in engineering.

They benefit from:

University services: The Careers & Employment Service at UH actively supports students in securing the required industrial placement (up to 30 weeks full‑time) as part of the “Extended Professional Practice” award.
Employment stats & salary figures: UH indicates that graduates of this kind of programme “manage power systems projects and deploy appropriate tools to … make independent design decisions on mission‑critical systems.” While exact salary data isn't published on that page, the roles mentioned (Power Engineer, Control Engineer) in the UK typically command competitive engineering salaries.
University–industry partnerships: The course mentions that graduates work for organisations including EDF, British Gas and AAB. The School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at UH also emphasises strong employer links and industrial‑standard software and labs.
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 it helps fulfil further‑learning requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration (assuming a relevant accredited BEng/BSc first degree).
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/control systems, and enter industries handling energy conversion, renewable integration, smart grid technologies and 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) or pursue specialist postgraduate certificates/diplomas in related fields (for example in advanced control, renewable energy management, or power systems optimisation). They may also deepen their expertise via professional qualifications (such as CEng) or industry certifications in electrical power systems and control technologies.