Electrical Power Systems (MSc)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Southampton

Program Overview

The MSc Electrical Power Systems is a one-year, full-time programme designed to equip students with the skills to design and develop future energy networks, with a focus on sustainable generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. It is ideally suited to graduates who already hold a strong engineering degree (typically in electrical or electronic engineering) and who want to specialise in the power-systems arena — in generation, grid networks, protection and modern energy infrastructure.

Curriculum Structure

Because this is a compact one-year course, it moves quickly to cover theory, tools, and then project work.

Semester 1 – Core Principles of Energy & Power Systems
In the first semester students engage with modules such as Fundamental Principles of Energy and Power Systems and Power Systems Technology, where they build strong foundations in how power systems are designed and operated, including analysis, modelling and management of bulk energy transport.
They also cover tools and analytical skills required for modern power systems, preparing them for the more applied work ahead.

Semester 2 – Specialisation in Operation, Economics & Protection
In the second semester the student selects from modules such as Power Distribution: Design, Operation and Protection, Power Generation: Technology and Impact on Society, and Power Systems Operation and Economics. These modules focus on how power networks function in practice — covering distribution infrastructure, protection systems, the economics of electricity supply, and the role of renewables and sustainable generation.

Summer (Project) – Individual Design/Research Project
Finally, students undertake an individual project and dissertation where they apply what they’ve learned to a real-world or research problem in power systems — for example analysing system stability, grid integration of renewables, or designing protection schemes. This project ties together their theory and practical experience.

Focus areas

design and management of electricity generation, transmission and distribution networks; bulk electrical energy transport; tools such as ERACS/PowerWorld; sustainable power systems; operation and economics of modern grids.

Learning outcomes

graduates will be able to analyse and model power systems; design and evaluate transmission and distribution networks; understand the role of sustainable generation and how to integrate it into power systems; specify and use tools for system simulation and operation; communicate engineering solutions in the context of the power industry.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meaning it meets the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for candidates with the right undergraduate background.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Southampton is highly respected in electrical and electronic engineering, and this course sits within a power engineering group with excellent facilities (including a high-voltage laboratory) and industry links. For example the subject ranking shows top 100 global for engineering-electrical & electronic. This means strong prospects for graduates entering roles in power utilities, grid operators, consultants, or advanced research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Southampton, this programme emphasises applied engineering from the start. Students engage with simulation of power networks, design of transmission and distribution systems, and real-world experiment using high-voltage test facilities. They benefit from full access to the university’s dedicated high-voltage laboratory, advanced modelling and simulation tools, and projects that reflect industrial practices. These facilities enable students to build, test and optimise electrical power systems — not just study them.

Here are the key experiential-learning opportunities:

Use of specialist software tools for power-systems modelling and analysis (for example, ERACS and PowerWorld) as described in the programme overview.
Practical laboratory work with the university’s state-of-the-art high-voltage facility: the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory, supporting testing up to MV levels, environmental chambers, material characterisation and more.
Individual project in the summer term where students personalise their focus, working on advanced topics in power generation, transmission or distribution networks.
Lab-based group work and experimental testing of power-systems components, including bulk transport, insulation systems, network stability and renewable generation integration. The research group explicitly mentions power-systems operation, control, insulation and sustainable generation.
Access to a research environment that spans materials to megavolt systems: you’ll benefit from being connected to the school’s industrial links and commercial testing capability.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are equipped for roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Grid Integration Specialist, Transmission & Distribution Network Designer or Renewable Energy Systems Consultant:

The university’s dedicated Careers & Employability service connects students to employer networks, and supports CV development, interview prep and job-search strategy in the engineering & energy sector.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) – meaning it meets the further-learning requirement for Chartered Engineer status in the UK.
You’ll develop practical skills in designing and managing power generation, transmission and distribution systems, and modelling via tools like ERACS and PowerWorld – taught in the university’s high-voltage laboratory and interdisciplinary clean-room environment.
This solid grounding in electrical power engineering together with strong research infrastructure gives long-term professional value and recognition in the global energy industry.
Through the programme, you gain exposure to core themes such as bulk electrical energy transport, network operation, equipment specification and future-energy production methods.

Further Academic Progression:
Once this MSc is complete, students can progress to a PhD in Power Systems Engineering, Smart Grids, Renewable Energy Systems or Electrical Infrastructure. They may also move toward professional development pathways (e.g., gaining Chartered Engineer status) or specialise further via postgraduate diplomas in energy-system modelling or grid-control.