Program Overview

Power Electronics and Drives MSc

Overview

The control and conversion of electric power using solid-state techniques is now commonplace in both domestic and industrial environments. A recent estimate suggested that over 40% of all electric power generated passes through silicon before reaching its final destination.

A knowledge and understanding of the diverse disciplines encompassed by power electronics - devices, converters, control theory and motor drive systems - is therefore essential to all power engineers.

This course aims to provide a specialist education in power electronics and drives techniques, covering key fundamental principles along with modern applications and current practices.

Key Facts

• The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nottingham has long been at the forefront of research and teaching in the area of power electronics and drives.
• This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Why Choose This Course?

• 10th in the UK for electrical and electronic engineering (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
• One of the largest research groups in Power Electronics, Machines and Control in the world (The Power Electronics and Machines Research Centre)
• Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Modules

Core Modules

• Advanced Control (autumn) 20 credits
  • This module covers a range of advanced control techniques used in a wide range of engineering applications.
  • Typical topics include:
    • multivariable state space modelling
    • linear and nonlinear systems
    • continuous and discrete domains
    • observer theory.
  • Delivery:
    • Lecture: 7 weeks, 2 sessions, 2 hours
    • Practicum: 10 weeks, 1 session, 2 hours
  • Assessment method:
    • Coursework: 50%
    • Exam: 50%
• Advanced Power Electronics (autumn) 20 credits
  • This module covers the design of power electronic converters for real applications. Both component-level design and the impact of non-idealities on modelling and operation are considered.
  • Assessment:
    • Exam: 40%
    • Coursework 1: 30%
    • Coursework 2: 30%
• Power Systems for Aerospace, Marine and Automotive Applications (spring) 20 credits
  • This module aims to develop an understanding of the design and operation of power systems in aerospace, marine and automotive applications.
  • Method and Frequency of Class:
    • Lecture: 11 weeks, 2 sessions, 2 hours
    • Practicum: 10 weeks, 1 session, 2 hours
  • Method of Assessment:
    • Coursework: 25%
    • Exam: 75%
• Advanced AC Drives (spring) 20 credits
• MSc Project (summer) 60 credits
  • In this module, a student will be assigned to an individual supervisor who will be a staff member in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
  • The student will carry out a practical, theoretical or simulation-based project chosen from the current interests of the staff member concerned.
  • The student will be expected to conduct a literature survey, undertake practical, theoretical or simulation work and write a dissertation on this work.
• Holistic Engineering Design 10 credits
  • The Holistic Engineering Design module is vital for future engineers as it equips them with the skills and mindset needed to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of the modern engineering landscape.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 20%
    • Coursework 2: 15%
    • Coursework 3: 5%
    • Coursework 4: 60%
• Project Design and Development 10 credits
  • The Project Design and Development module equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to design, plan, and implement research projects.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 80%
    • Coursework 2: 20%

Optional Modules

• Power Networks (spring) 10 credits
  • This module provides students with an understanding of power system apparatus and their behaviour under normal and fault conditions.
  • Delivery:
    • Lecture: 11 weeks, 1 session, 2 hours
    • Practicum: 11 weeks, 1 session, 1 hour
  • Assessment method:
    • Coursework: 25%
    • Exam: 75%
• Renewable Generation Technologies (spring) 10 credits
  • This module covers the analysis and design of renewable and sustainable energy systems.
  • Delivery:
    • Lecture: 12 weeks, 1 session, 2 hours
  • Assessment method:
    • Coursework: 25%
    • Exam: 75%
• Sensing Systems and Signal Processing (spring) 10 credits
  • This module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed.
  • Method and Frequency of Class:
    • Lecture: 11 weeks, 1 session, 2 hours
  • Method of Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Exam: 50%
• Applications of AI in Electrical and Electronic Engineering 10 credits
  • TBC
• Cybersecurity in Electrical and Electronic Engineering 10 credits
  • TBC

Learning and Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Independent study
• Lectures
• Group study
• Practical classes
• Workshops
• Lab sessions
• Supervision
• Tutorials

How You Will Be Assessed

• Coursework
• Examinations
• Lab skills
• In-class test
• Online exams
• Dissertation
• Reports
• Research project
• Presentations

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 or equivalent grade in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

Fees

• Home / UK: £11,850
• International: £28,600

Careers

• Careers advice
• Job prospects
• Accreditation

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate Destinations

Our postgraduates generally progress to exciting roles in design and development with major international companies or government agencies, obtain consultancy posts with leading contract consultant companies or move into successful academic careers.

Career destinations for our graduates in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering include:

• IT business analysts
• Systems designers
• Programmers
• Software development professionals
• Production technicians
• Electrical engineers and engineering professionals

Career Progression

100% of postgraduates from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £25,450.

• HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.