Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering

Program Overview

This MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering is designed for engineers working in the sector, equipping them with the tools and techniques to keep pace with the rapidly evolving electricity industry. The course covers the latest developments in the electricity industry and delivers up-to-date training in electrical power systems. This online, part-time course can be completed as an MSc, PGDip, or PGCert, with multiple entry points and a flexible timescale to suit individual needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering is designed for engineers working in the sector, equipping them with the tools and techniques to keep pace with the rapidly evolving electricity industry. The course covers the latest developments in the electricity industry and delivers up-to-date training in electrical power systems.

Objectives:

• Build an advanced education in sustainable electrical power systems engineering.
• Develop the knowledge and skills needed to make sound decisions in a rapidly changing electricity supply industry.
• Investigate, compare, and analyze sustainable innovations in electrical power systems.
• Gain a broad knowledge of the issues and problems faced by electrical power systems engineers.
• Develop a comprehensive working knowledge of the techniques used to solve these problems.

Outline:

Content:

The course covers a range of topics including:

• The structure of electrical energy systems from the perspectives of a national grid, a distribution network, and an industrial/commercial facility.
• Models of generators, power transformers, lines, cables, loads, and power electronic devices.
• Analytical techniques such as per-unit, phasors, and power flow.
• Faults in power systems, including symmetrical and asymmetrical fault calculations.
• Analysis and control of large networks, including the formulation of the power flow problem, solution techniques, and control of real and reactive power flows.
• Analysis and control of power electronics systems, including piece-wise-linear modelling, numerical techniques, and state-space averaging.
• The principles underpinning the design of the major items of power system plant, including transformers, overhead lines, cables, and switchgear.
• Asset management techniques and condition monitoring methods used in the type testing process and/or during production/commissioning/inspection.
• Substation and system design, including earthing systems, insulation coordination, and substation design.
• The fundamentals of power system operation and economics, including the need to balance economical operation with system security.
• Economic principles underlying the introduction of competition in the generation and retail of electricity, as well as the opening of the transmission and distribution systems to third-party access.
• Distributed low carbon technologies, including distributed generation, electric vehicles, photovoltaic panels, and other technologies such as storage, smart appliances, etc.
• Smart grids, including distributed generation and active network management, present and future challenges for T&D, introduction to smart grids, smart grids - transmission and distribution perspectives, and demand-side management.
• Sustainable electricity systems, including towards low-carbon networks, introduction to low carbon thermal generation, renewable energy, emission models and indicators, multi-generation, electrification of heating, decarbonisation of transport, and the contribution from demand-side management to low carbon system operation.
• Basics of power system dynamics and quality of electricity supply issues.
• Classical and advanced operating principles and main features of various types of relays and protection schemes.
• Methods and instrumentation used for testing of protective devices and complex protective solutions involving a larger number of protective devices.
• Methods used in research and development, including independent research/self-learning, project planning, and writing reports.
• Professional responsibility in the wider context in which engineering operates, including ethical, environmental, regulatory, managerial, and social contexts.
• Team working, decision making, and presentations.

Structure:

The course is structured to support those working in industry, with multiple entry points and a flexible timescale to suit individual needs. The course can be completed as an MSc (180 credits), PGDip (120 credits), or PGCert (60 credits).

Course Schedule:

• Academic teaching start date for September 2024 entry (all levels) is 2 September 2024.
• The welcome event and induction take place one week before the academic teaching start date.

Modules:

• Unit 1 - Introduction to Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip, PGCert, Modular.
This unit covers the structure of electrical energy systems, basic analytical skills, and components associated with electrical energy systems.
• Unit 2 - Analysis of Electrical Power and Energy Conversion Systems (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip, PGCert, Modular.
This unit covers faults in power systems, analysis and control of large networks, and analysis and control of power electronics systems.
• Unit 3 - Power System Plant, Asset Management and Condition Monitoring (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip; Optional for PGCert.
This unit covers basic principles, design of major power system plant components, asset management and condition monitoring, and substation and system design.
• Unit 4 - Power System Operation and Economics (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip; Optional for PGCert.
This unit covers introduction to optimization and optimal economic system operation, electricity markets and power system economics, concepts of power system security, and power system investment.
• Unit 5 - Smart Grids and Sustainable Electricity Systems (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip; Optional for PGCert.
This unit covers distributed low carbon technologies, smart grids, and sustainable electricity systems.
• Unit 6 - Power System Dynamics and Quality of Supply (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip; Optional for PGCert.
This unit covers power system dynamics, quality of supply, and reliability. This unit covers introduction to protection systems, conventional protection systems, and advanced protection systems.
• Unit 8 - Business Cases for Sustainable Innovations (15 credits): Mandatory for MSc, PGDip.
This unit covers project/team/business planning, ethics & professional responsibility, intellectual property, and report writing.
• Project (60 credits): Mandatory for MSc.
This unit involves a dissertation project based on a problem that the student and their company need to resolve.

Assessment:

• Each unit requires the submission of one or more pieces of coursework and a final assessment.
• Assessment methods include computer-based/simulation lab work, written reports, recorded video presentations, computer-based tests, and oral exams.
• Specialist software packages are provided for coursework.

Teaching:

• Students are assigned a Study Advisor who provides support throughout their studies.
• Each technical unit has an Academic Tutor with expertise in the subject area.
• Regular online group discussions are held to review content and engage with other students.
• Other tools such as forums, blogs, and live chat sessions are available for questions.
• Students typically need to commit around 15 hours per week during each unit taken.

Careers:

• Graduates can pursue careers at top employers such as electric utility providers, equipment manufacturers, specialized software houses, universities, and consultancy companies.
• The course provides the knowledge and skills to take the next steps in an electrical power systems engineering career.
• The course can help graduates gain the knowledge and skills to achieve chartered status.

Other:

• The course is based on the long-running MSc in Electrical Power Systems Engineering delivered by The University of Manchester.
• Graduates become part of a network of global alumni, many in senior positions in the electricity supply industry.
• Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
• The course is delivered online, allowing for a flexible study experience.
• The course is taught by high-profile researchers and professors.
• The course is interactive, with a mix of simulation lab work, written reports, and recorded video presentations.
• The course has a practical focus, allowing students to apply their learning into practice.
• The course is relevant to the rapidly changing electricity supply industry.
• The course is designed to support those working in industry.
• The course is delivered using web-enabled technology systems.
• The course provides access to a wealth of resources, including IEEE Xplore.
• The course is IET accredited, which can improve career prospects.
• The course is designed to help students keep their skills up to date and keep on top of new research and technologies.
• The course is part of a larger effort to transition away from carbon-based solutions and towards a more sustainable future.
• The course is designed to help students contribute to real change in the industry.
• The course is designed to help students make a sustainable contribution to their country.
• The course is designed to help students share their knowledge and expertise with others.
• The course is designed to help students build a more self-sufficient domestic workforce.
• The course is designed to help students compete internationally.
• The course is designed to help students make a difference in the world.

Total course tuition fee for September 2024 entry is as follows: MSc - UK: £14,000 | EU/International: £35,000 PGDip - UK: £9,333 | EU/International: £23,333 PGCert - UK: £4,667 | EU/International: £11,667 Modular (1 unit fee) - UK: £1,167 | EU/International: £2,917 Please note the tuition fees are subject to an incremental rise in September. Employer funding Payment by instalments During registration you will have the opportunity to pay your fees in three equal instalments. Learn more .