Electrical Power Systems with Advanced Research Masters/MSc
Program Overview
The 2-year MSc Electrical Power Systems with Advanced Research program equips students with advanced skills and specialist experience in the electrical power industry through comprehensive coursework and a dedicated research project. Designed to bridge the gap between MSc and PhD studies, this program prepares graduates to lead teams involved in the operation, control, design, and economic analysis of future electrical power systems, including smart grids, and to develop and manage R&D programs.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This 2-year MSc Electrical Power Systems with Advanced Research program is designed to equip students with advanced skills and specialist experience in the electrical power industry. It builds upon the University of Birmingham's extensive research work and expertise in the field. The program aims to produce graduates with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to lead teams involved in the operation, control, design, and economic analysis of future electrical power systems and networks, including smart grids. It also focuses on developing and managing R&D programs. The program is designed to meet the industrial demand for training and education of both existing and future engineers in the advanced concepts of electrical power systems and renewable energy. It aims to bridge the gap between the 1-year MSc and PhD study, providing students with the opportunity to understand how to use advanced methods to solve real challenges in the energy industry and develop advanced research skills for advanced R&D projects.
Outline:
The program is structured into two years:
Year 1:
- Taught Modules:
- Control concepts and methods
- Advanced energy conversion systems and power electronic applications
- Advanced power electronic technologies for electrical power networks – HVDC and FACTS
- Electrical power system engineering - using state-of-the-art computational tools and methods, and design of sustainable electrical power systems and networks
- Economic analysis of electrical power systems and electricity markets.
- Required Modules (20 credits each):
- HVDC and FACTS
- LM Power Systems Stability Control and Protection
- Power System Economics
- Power Systems Operation and Control
- Renewable Energy Systems Integration
Year 2:
- Advanced Research Project (120 credits): Students will work on a dedicated research project for 12 months to develop their comprehensive research skills. Some projects are undertaken in collaboration with companies, and in some cases, students may work on company premises investigating issues of direct concern to future product development.
Assessment:
Assessment is a combination of written examinations and coursework. The pass mark is 50%. A merit is awarded to students with an average of 60% or more, and a distinction is awarded to students with an average of 70% or more, in both taught and project modules. There are prizes for students who perform especially well overall and for those who complete exceptionally good individual projects.
Teaching:
- Some modules are taught by leading industry experts, providing students with the opportunity to understand the real challenges facing the power industry and propose innovative solutions.
- Students working on relevant MSc projects may have the opportunity to work with leading industry experts directly.
- The program is led by Professor Xiao Ping Zhang.
Careers:
- The program prepares graduates for careers in the electrical power industry, including roles in:
- Operation
- Control
- Design
- Economic analysis of electrical power systems and networks
- Graduates will be in high demand due to their skills, knowledge, and ability to lead teams involved in the operation, control, design, and economic analysis of future electrical power systems and networks, including smart grids.
Other:
- The program runs in parallel with the existing 1-Year MSc Electrical Power Systems. The taught credits in the 1st year of the 2-Year MSc are identical to that of the 1-Year MSc, while the 2nd Year is mainly focused on a research project.
- The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
- The University of Birmingham's School of Engineering building includes a 50-seat electronics and electrical focused projects space and a basement that houses a full-size set of railway points, the University's pantograph test rig, and a test track for the scaled hydrogen-powered train.
- The University of Birmingham's Careers Network offers a range of services to help students prepare for their careers, including:
- Tailored careers guidance
- Exclusive work experience opportunities
- Mentoring
- Global internships and placements
- One-to-one support with CVs and job applications
- The University of Birmingham is recognized by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) for 86% of research impact ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent.
- The University of Birmingham enjoys one of the broadest portfolios and most successful track records of collaborations with industry in the country, giving students real working knowledge and valuable experience for future employment.
- UK students: Year 1 - £11,340 full-time, £5,670 part-timeYear 2 - £4,778
- International students: Year 1 - £29,340Year 2 - £27,360
- Please note: year 2 fees for students starting in 2024/25 will not be confirmed until 2025. The year 2 fees that are shown are relevant to students who started in 2023/24. PLease contact us for fee clarification and part-time fees.
