About Electrical Power, MSc - at Newcastle University

Our Electrical Power MSc covers all major disciplines of electrical power. You'll deepen your knowledge, commercial awareness and technical ability to develop advanced skills. Specialise in one of three streams: electrical power, power distribution engineering or advanced electrical power.

About this course

Newcastle University is home to the UK's largest academic research group in Electrical Power, giving you an enhanced learning experience. Taught by leaders in their field, you will benefit from research-led teaching and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. You'll learn from researchers solving problems of global importance by engaging with industry and working across disciplines.

Our MSc programme is designed for graduates in:

• electrical and electronic engineering
• related disciplines

The flexible nature of this programme allows you to specialise in one of three streams:

• Electrical Power
• Power Distribution Engineering
• Electrical Power (advanced option)

Electrical Power Stream

We developed this stream alongside industry experts. It will provide you with a thorough understanding of key areas of electrical power and applications including:

• advanced power electronics
• power systems operation
• electrical machines
• control of electric drives
• design and analysis of electrical machines
• renewable energy and smart grids

Power Distribution Engineering Stream

We developed this stream alongside industry experts. Industry experts will also help to deliver it. It covers all aspects of modern and future power distribution systems including:

• fundamentals of distribution engineering
• environmental, health and safety management for power distribution engineers
• asset management, maintenance and condition monitoring
• network design and automation
• energy economics and markets

Electrical Power (advanced) Stream

This stream is designed for those who want to advance their knowledge further in electrical power. It encompasses the key areas of electrical power. There is an emphasis on project work, such as:

• practical electrical power and control project developing experimental skills communicated in a technical report
• technology review project reviewing developments and future trends
• multidisciplinary individual project applying knowledge and expertise to solve a complex problem

Our industry focused approach equips you with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. This will demonstrate your in depth commercial awareness and technical knowledge. Benefits include:

• industry guest lectures
• site visits
• technical projects
• placements
• employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service

What you'll learn

Electrical Power Stream

This stream is ideal if you want to work within the electrical power and renewable energy sectors. It has been designed alongside industry experts. This means you'll gain an advanced education, plus the skills needed to make sound decisions in this dynamic global industry.

You will:

• develop insight into modelling and control of power converters, advanced dc/dc converters and multilevel and modular power electronic converters
• gain an advanced understanding and critically analyse power networks/systems
• identify problems and solutions to network operational problems
• understand the modes of operation of electrical machines at an advanced level and have the ability to model in steady state and transient modes
• develop advanced knowledge of electric drive systems through theory and practice including simulation studies
• gain an understanding of electrical machines and drives and experience the physical design process
• understand the challenges and future developments of renewable energy sources including conversion and distribution

Power Distribution Engineering Stream

This stream is both highly academic and practical. You'll acquire specialist knowledge in electrical power distribution systems at an advanced level. You will gain an appreciation of real-life issues and problems in an area of industry where skills are in great demand. Working alongside industry experts, you'll develop a unique understanding of the theory and apply it to solve problems in real-life situations and practical environments.

You will:

• understand fundamental principles of the operation of power distribution systems
• gain knowledge of global environmental issues, regulation and legislation. This gives you the skills to manage health and safety of power distribution engineering
• appreciate the important role of asset management in developing skills in maintenance and condition monitoring
• develop knowledge and transferable skills in business and technical aspects of network design, automation, and control
• analyse and solve complex engineering problems in power distribution engineering through an individual research project

You will also have the opportunity to select optional modules that cover:

• construction and operation of switchgear technology*
• technology related to the design, use and operation of power cable systems*
• design of network and substation earthing systems
• power transformer technology and its application with a focus on new technologies
• economics of energy and energy markets*

(*running 2021/22)

Electrical Power (advanced) Stream

Complemented by themes featured in the Electrical Power Stream, this advanced stream will enable you to extend your knowledge in electrical power further through enhanced practical learning. Structured projects will allow you to develop the skills sought by industry.

You will:

• gain practical experience in the design, simulation, construction, testing, evaluation and verification of an electrical drive system, developing analytical and experimental skills
• conduct a technology review project reviewing modern engineering developments and future trends. You'll take into consideration the financial, ethical and sustainability issues in relation to the topic
• apply knowledge and expertise to solve a complex problem through the individual project. You will analyse, design and develop an original system or device using multi-disciplinary skills gained throughout the course

Your development

We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. This means you will engage with students across key engineering disciplines as well as being taught by senior industry experts. Our industry experts range from network operators to solution developers, and from infrastructure manufacturers to consultants. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.

You will have the opportunity to carry out research and development projects in multi-million pound state-of-the-art facilities. You'll work alongside active collaborations between the University and industry.

Delivery

We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and you will engage with students across all key electrical and electronic engineering disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.

Our teaching consists of:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical lab sessions
• group work
• personal supervision

Modules are taught by block delivery, allowing you to immerse yourself and understand the subject in more depth.

Our strong industrial engagement means our courses are shaped by industry. You will benefit from:

• industry guest lectures*
• site visits
• projects
• employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service

(*Power Distribution Engineering stream)

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Engineering Council. This ensures you receive a good foundation for professional registration.

Facilities

You have access to a range of dedicated specialist facilities in the School of Engineering and across campus to support your studies and enhance your learning experience.

Teaching facilities include:

• Computing Lab
• Electrical Power Teaching Lab
• Electronics Lab

Research facilities include:

• CAD Lab
• Cockle Park Farm
• Electrical Power Research Lab
• Newcastle Helix
• InTEGReL
• Modelling and Device Design
• Smart Grid Lab and Energy Storage Test Bed
• Urban Sciences Building Facilities

Our research group also has dedicated equipment and laboratories:

• Intelligent Sensing and Communications
• Emerging Technology and Materials (ETM)
• µSystems
• Electrical Power

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Newcastle University to find course entry requirements.

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