Electrical Power Engineering MSc

The programme consists of 120 credits of taught material, complemented by a 60-credit research project.

Courses can change from year-to-year depending on availability. Those listed provide a representation of courses previously offered. Courses for the forthcoming year will be published on the Degree Programme Table in the Spring.

Semester 1

In the first semester, you will build a strong foundation in modern power engineering. The curriculum covers fundamental topics in power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics.

You will also learn essential research methods and scientific writing techniques, preparing you for advanced studies and professional practice.

Semester 2

The second semester advances your knowledge in power engineering. You will delve into more complex topics in power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics.

This semester also includes specialised subjects such as wind energy, solar energy, and the economic aspects of power systems. You will also have the opportunity to choose elective topics to tailor your MSc studies to your interests and career goals.

Electrical Power Engineering dissertation

During the summer semester, you will undertake an individual research project, culminating in a dissertation. This project allows you to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to a real-world problem in electrical power engineering.

You will have opportunities to work closely with faculty members and potentially to collaborate with industry partners, enhancing your practical experience and professional network.

You will carry out your project in one of our power research groups, working alongside academics and researchers from the Institute for Energy Systems.

(Revised 11 October 2024 to clarify where project will be carried out)

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

By the end of this MSc programme, you will be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required to excel as a next-generation power engineer, ready to meet the evolving demands of the industry and society.

Specifically, you will:

• Master cutting-edge developments and research skills: gain a deep understanding of the latest advancements in power engineering, including power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics. Develop robust research and development skills using advanced numerical methods and research tools, preparing you for both industrial and academic settings.
• Address global energy challenges: understand and tackle the global energy trilemma of providing secure, equitable, and environmentally sustainable energy. You will appreciate the technical, social, and economic challenges faced by both developed and developing countries, with a focus on integrating wind energy, offshore renewables, energy storage, and smart grids.
• Gain hands-on and industry-relevant experience: benefit from extensive practical experience through labs, workshops, and group design projects, using cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Gain insights from an industry-driven curriculum and guest lectures by leading experts, ensuring your knowledge is current and relevant.
• Experience career opportunities and professional networking: be well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the energy sector, including roles in renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, and power system design. Build valuable professional connections through collaboration with research groups and industry partners during your dissertation project, enhancing your practical experience and professional network.

Graduates of the MSc Electrical Power Engineering programme at the University of Edinburgh are well-prepared for a variety of industrial and research roles, thanks to the programme’s strong emphasis on both practical skills and cutting-edge research.

Industrial careers

As a graduate, you will be equipped to pursue roles in various sectors, including:

• Energy utilities and manufacturers: work with companies that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, focusing on the development and maintenance of power systems and equipment.
• Energy consultancies: provide expert advice on power systems, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency projects.
• Engineering and construction companies: engage in the design, construction, and maintenance of electrical infrastructure, including power electronics, smart grids, and renewable energy installations.
• Renewable energy developers: contribute to the development and implementation of renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, solar power plants, and energy storage systems.

Research careers

For those interested in academia or advanced research roles, the programme offers:

• Research and development: join research teams in industry or government labs, focusing on innovative solutions to energy challenges, such as power electronics, smart grid technology, energy storage, and sustainable power systems.
• Academic positions: Pursue a career in teaching and research at universities and research institutions, contributing to the advancement of electrical power engineering knowledge.

Career support and networking

The University of Edinburgh provides robust support to help you achieve your career goals:

• Networking events: participate in events that connect you with industry professionals, alumni, and potential employers, expanding your professional network.
• Industrial presentations: attend presentations by leading industry experts, gaining insights into current trends and future directions in electrical power engineering.
• Seminars and workshops: engage in seminars and workshops that enhance your understanding of key topics and provide opportunities for hands-on learning.
• Careers service: benefit from dedicated career support, including one-on-one career advice, CV and interview preparation, and job search resources.

By leveraging these opportunities, you will be well-positioned to secure a fulfilling career in the dynamic field of electrical power engineering, whether in industry or research.

Our Careers Service provides information and advice for taught postgraduate students:

• Careers service

(Revised 11 October 2024 to explain Careers Service resources)

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 degree, or international equivalent, in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering.

Applicants with different academic backgrounds may be considered but we expect you to have passed at least two power engineering related courses with marks equivalent to UK 2:1 as a minimum. Examples of relevant courses are power electronics, power systems, electric machines, control engineering, renewable energy etc. This requirement may be partially met by relevant industrial experience; applicants with non-standard backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants will also need to submit a personal statement, which should clearly demonstrate both their level of understanding of power engineering, and their strong interest in and commitment to the field.

Please note that entry to this programme is very competitive. A typical offer will normally require a UK first class honours degree or equivalent.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Any applicants who are required to pay will receive an offer with full details. (If there is no information on your offer about the deposit, then you are not required to pay.)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposits

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money
  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Engineering International Masters Scholarships

• £3,000

The scholarships will be awarded to overseas applicants who have been accepted for admission on a full-time basis for an eligible postgraduate taught Masters programme within the School of Engineering.

The scholarship will be awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit with candidates requiring a first-class honours degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent.

Learn more about this scholarship:

• Engineering International Masters Scholarship

Scottish Power Scholarship

• Full tuition fees plus a monthly maintenance allowance

ScottishPower has been building relationships with universities in our communities for a number of years. Working together, we aim to support development of future talent while mitigating the projected skills gap within the energy sector.

The programme is designed to financially support high achieving recent graduates in Spain, the United Kingdom and Mexico, who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in industry relevant fields such as engineering, smart grids, renewable energy, sustainability, energy and environment, information technology, big data, cybersecurity, and more.

Learn more about this scholarship:

• Scottish Power Scholarship

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding