This course has an advanced option: MSc Advanced Electrical Power Systems Engineering
The MSc in Electrical Power Systems Engineering equips you with advanced knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy sector. You will gain expertise in balancing technical, economic, and environmental considerations in power generation, transmission and distribution.
Power systems keep our world running – from the electricity in our homes to the infrastructure that powers industry. This course is designed for graduates with a background in engineering, maths, computer science, or the natural sciences who want to deepen their expertise and play a part in shaping the future of sustainable energy.
The course combines lectures, group work, and laboratory studies with opportunities to apply sophisticated computing techniques to real-world problems. You will also benefit from world-class facilities, including the UK’s largest high-voltage research laboratory, and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation.
Key areas of focus include:
- the principles and techniques of power engineering
- advanced methods for analysing and improving system security, reliability and stability
- application of modern technical solutions to ever changing power systems with distributed resources, new load types and storage
- and critical perspectives on industry issues such as, regulated business, investment decision making, innovation and sustainability
You will also develop essential professional skills in critical thinking, communication, and technical reporting, preparing you for leadership roles in industry or research.
Whether you’re aiming to advance in industry, move into consultancy or government roles, or continue into research and academia, this course gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make an impact in a sector that touches every aspect of modern life.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Total self-study time Approximately 33 hours per week (depending on individual background and learning needs)
Teaching time Approx. 12 hours of contact/course delivery time per week., including tutorials and labs where appropriate
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Completing the MSc in Electrical Power Systems Engineering opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Many graduates join the power industry, working with transmission and distribution utilities to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity supply. Others move into consultancy, advising on energy systems, renewables integration, or large-scale infrastructure projects. Your skills will also be valued in manufacturing industries, government organisations, and regulatory bodies dealing with energy policy and planning.
If you’re interested in research, this course provides a strong foundation for PhD study and academic careers, building on Manchester’s proud history as the home of Europe’s oldest power systems programme, established in 1953.
Career outcomes are diverse. Alumni have joined leading UK and international consultancy firms, while others have pursued entrepreneurial routes – for example, developing wind farms with integrated battery storage. With advanced technical expertise, problem-solving ability and strong professional skills, you’ll graduate ready to shape the future of global energy systems, wherever your ambitions take you.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Graduates go on to make an impact in utilities, consultancy, manufacturing, government organisations, education, and emerging fields such as renewables and smart grid technology. Many also continue to PhD study and academic careers. Our recent graduates have joined organisations including:
- National Grid
- Saudi Electricity Company
- Tata Power
- Siemens
- ABB
- GE Power
- Schneider Electric
- Various government energy authorities and universities worldwide …and many more.
They have secured positions such as:
- Power Systems Engineer
- Transmission and Distribution Engineer
- Senior Electrical Project Engineer
- Grid Operations Manager
- Research Associate / Lecturer / Professor
- Engineering Manager
- Innovation Lead, Senior Consultant
- VP Power, Energy, Climate & Green Growth
- CEO / Founder of energy and engineering companies …and many more.
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Power Flows in electricity-gas systems
Considers power flows and interactions between power and gas systems that are interconnected.
🔎 Machine Learning Based State Estimation in Power Systems Solves the state estimation problem with bad data using ML methods and algorithms.
🔎 Co-ordination of Wind, Storage and EV charging in Distribution Network Operation Optimizes operation of modern distribution networks with renewables and modern technologies.
🔎 Marginal Pricing of Power System Investments Applies competitive economics to generate system nodal marginal charges aimed at reducing the investment cost in networks.
🔎 Detailed Representation of Power System Dynamics in Future Power Systems Considers power systems with high penetration of PE connected devices and performs dynamic simulations of system operation.
🔎 Smart Charging Control for Grid Connected EV Batteries Based on Grid Frequency Studies control of batteries which can support the frequency containment.
🔎 Control of Grid-forming Inverters in Microgrids Considers microgrids with renewable and storage and their control in standalone mode.
🔎 Optimizing Overhead Line Design for Flexible Connection of Renewable Energy Sources Considers OHL design with dynamic ratings in the areas with renewable generation.
Dr Victor Levi Senior Lecturer
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
Our Electrical Power Systems Engineering (EPSE) MSc studies are the very first European MSc studies in power engineering, started in 1954. Many of our MSc graduates became world-class leaders all around the globe and are holding both executive and professorial positions. The EPSE modules accommodate the latest technological, regulatory, and economic changes experienced worldwide. Our academics deliver lecturing and supervision to the highest standard.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
I began my professional journey with a BTech in Electrical Engineering from NIT Rourkela in India. Following that, I worked for two years as an Assistant Manager in Grid and Park Design and Modelling in Suzlon Group from 2021 to 2023. In September 2023, I joined The University of Manchester to pursue an MSc in Electrical Power Systems Engineering.
I received a job offer to work at Blake Clough Consulting as a Power System Consultant in December 2023 while I was still a student. I initially joined them on a part-time role, before converting to full-time on the completion of my course. The MSc in Manchester was very important for me, as it gave me a deeper understanding of an increasingly specialised field in Power Systems. I use a lot of what I studied in Manchester in my daily work routine, starting from system-level studies to reliability assessment of network assets. Certain group coursework at the University played a significant role in helping me work with cross-country teams in my workplace. Overall, the degree at the University of Manchester was significant, in fact pivotal, in my career path.
Siddhant Guru
MSc Electrical Power Systems Engineering, Class of 2024 Current role: Power System Consultant, Blake Clough Consulting, London, UK.
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