MSc Advanced Electrical Power Engineering

21 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This MSc is a two‑year full‑time programme designed to equip students with deep technical knowledge and leadership skills in electrical power and energy systems across generation, transmission, distribution and the transition to low‐carbon energy. It suits engineering graduates (electrical, electronic, power, energy or closely related numerate subjects) who want to assume specialist or strategic roles in utilities, consultancies, transmission/distribution companies or regulatory bodies.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students begin with core modules such as Advanced Power & Energy Systems (20 credits) and High Voltage Technology & Electromagnetic Compatibility (20 credits), where they develop expertise in power‑system operation, planning, protection, high‑voltage insulation, fault analysis and system stability.
Year 2: They then take optional modules (for 40 credits) such as Wind Energy & Distributed Energy Resources and Power Electronics for Energy & Drive Control, and undertake the 80‑credit MSc Project — typically over the second year — applying their skills in a major investigation or industry‑linked project.

Focus areas:
“Electrical power‑system design & planning; high‑voltage technology; power electronics & drives; renewable energy integration (wind, distributed resources); smart grids & intelligent energy systems; asset management & electricity markets.”

Learning outcomes:
“Graduates will be able to analyse and design advanced electrical power systems, integrate generation/diverse energy resources, apply high‑voltage technologies and power electronics in system contexts, understand market, regulatory and asset‑management frameworks, and carry out substantial independent projects addressing real‑world power/energy challenges.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meaning it satisfies the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, when combined with an appropriate accredited undergraduate degree.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is one of Europe’s largest power‑engineering research groups and hosts facilities such as the Power Network Demonstration Centre (PNDC). Graduates of this MSc are highly sought after in the global power and energy sector — in utilities, grids, renewables and engineering consultancies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students enrolled in the MSc Advanced Electrical Power & Energy Systems engage in a two‑year full‑time programme that places strong emphasis on real‑world systems, labs and industry engagement. Over the 21‑month full‑time duration, learners work in high‑voltage and smart‑grid laboratories, engage with data analytics for energy systems, and undertake a major research or industry‑based project. This combination ensures graduates emerge with both deep technical understanding and practical readiness for the modern power & energy sector.

Key experiential components include:

Specialist laboratory and demonstration centre access: Students have access to the department’s high‑voltage laboratories (including impulse generation, dielectric test rigs), and the Power Network Demonstration Centre (PNDC) which supports smart‑grid and whole‑system energy testing.
Advanced modules using real‑world tools & data: Modules such as “Advanced Power & Energy Systems”, “High Voltage Technology & Electromagnetic Compatibility”, “Power Electronics for Energy & Drive Control” and “Data Analytics & AI for Energy Systems” expose students to professional‑grade simulation, system modelling and measurement tools.
Major individual project / industry‑aligned research: During the latter part of the programme students complete a substantial project (80 credits in the full programme) which may be research‑based or industry‑based, offering site visits, access to technical data and mentorship from industry professionals.
Industry engagement & professional development: The course features guest lectures, industry case‑studies, and competitive internship opportunities linked to the MSc project, facilitating direct exposure to utility companies, regulators or technology firms.
Blended learning environment with labs, tutorials and independent study: Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, problem‑solving tutorials, laboratory sessions and self‑study via the virtual learning environment, mirroring professional engineering workflows.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the University of Strathclyde MSc in Advanced Electrical Power & Energy Systems are well‑positioned for senior technical and strategic roles such as Power Systems Engineer, Grid Integration Specialist, Renewable Energy Project Lead, and Energy Asset Manager—because this programme combines deep engineering detail with industry‑driven project work and strategic energy‑system insight.
Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering supports students with access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories (including high‑voltage systems, micro‑grid test‑beds, smart‑grid demonstration centre) and industry‑mentored project opportunities.
Employment stats & salary figures: Recent graduates have secured roles in leading utilities and power‑system companies such as Iberdrola, EDF Energy, ScottishPower Energy Networks and China State Grid. Entry‑level electrical engineers in the UK can expect around £37,000 per year, rising to about £52,000, while specialist power‑systems consultants may begin around £27,000 and progress to £76,000+ with experience.
University–industry partnerships: The course features competitive internships and real‑world project work with utility and industry partners, and draws on the university’s “Power Network Demonstration Centre” (PNDC) and high‑voltage electrical engineering labs.
Long‑term accreditation value: Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the degree meets the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration when combined with an appropriate undergraduate qualification.
Graduation outcomes: Students develop advanced technical expertise in areas such as power system design, fault analysis, smart grids, high‑voltage technology, renewables integration, energy markets and regulation; they apply it in a substantial individual project (typically 80 credits) which may be industry‑based or research‑based.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may pursue a PhD in fields such as Smart Grid Systems, Renewable Energy Integration, Asset Health Monitoring or Power Systems Control—leveraging Strathclyde’s strong research environment. Alternatively, graduates could pursue professional certifications in power asset management, functional safety, or specialised short courses in emerging technologies (e.g., HVDC, micro‑grids, energy storage) to position themselves for senior specialist or leadership roles in the global energy sector.