Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
Take the lead in the future of our energy networks. Our MSc course will develop your power engineering skills ready for an exciting career.
You’ll discover the challenges facing the electrical power industry and learn how to develop innovative solutions for power system problems. Earn a qualification respected around the world.
Accredited programme
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The renewal of our accreditation takes us past a 40 year unbroken record of offering professional engineering qualifications.
The School lacks nothing, be it licences for software you need to study like MATLAB, or links with companies, or even PhDs which are offered by the School, etc. Their careers network is just amazing, with the latest opportunities sent right to your inbox.
Course Structure
The MSc in Electrical Power Systems is a 1 year full-time programme, comprising of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials and assignments. You'll submit your project at the end of the academic year. The course can also be taken on a part time basis over two years.
In this term, you'll complete three compulsory modules. Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures, tutorials, and simulation-based lab experiments.
Module assessments comprise of a presentation and a group assignment, or individual assignments and a final examination. Final examination for this term takes place in January.
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Course highlights
Learn advanced concepts of electrical power systems and renewable energy. We’ll prepare you to lead teams in the design, control and operation of smart grids, the electrical power systems and networks of the future.
Our course bridges the gap between theory and practice, and you’ll get the opportunity to work with our industry partners on research.
- Become a power system and smart grids expert
- Based in our state-of-the-art School of Engineering building
- Work with industrial problems and gain valuable experience
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
Industrial expertise: Develop your power engineering skills through expert teaching and extensive research work undertaken in collaboration with power industry partners
Course delivery
Teaching is led by world leading experts in the area of electrical power systems. You'll work on your dissertation on an original research problem or an extension to an established problem. You may be offered industrial collaborative projects as your dissertation depending on their availability.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Engage in tutorials and seminars that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning• Engage in projects and practical assignments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing your understanding and retention of concepts
- Experience increased engagement and motivation with 1:1 supervision, held in a supportive environment where you feel valued throughout your academic journey
- Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work
- You'll study in our new state-of-the-art School of Engineering building which 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
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
Laboratory
Module information
The course is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice and help you understand how to use the advanced methods to solve the real challenges the energy industry is facing. This course consists of 180 credits.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26
Core modues:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Project | 60 | Full Term |
| HVDC and FACTS | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Introductory Module for Electrical Power Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Power Systems Stability Control and Protection | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Renewable Energy Systems Integration | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Power System Economics | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Power Systems Operation and Control | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Dr Dilan Jayaweera
Programme Director
Profile of Dr Dilan Jayaweera, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham
Dr Daniel Donaldson
Assistant Professor
Profile of Dr Daniel Donaldson, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a relevant subject. Applicants with a 2.2 with high grades in relevant modules will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Industrial experience and CEng/IEng qualifications will be considered.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
- £5,870
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
The programme meets the industrial demand for the training and education of both existing and future engineers in the advanced concepts of electrical power systems and renewable energy.
Emerge as a graduate of the highest calibre with the right skills and knowledge, capable of leading in teams involved in the operation, control, design, and economic analysis of the electrical power systems and networks of the future: smart grids.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.