Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions are top of the global environmental agenda. This Masters programme is designed to address the fundamentals of renewable energy, showing how solar, wind and other energy sources can work harmoniously and be efficiently integrated into practical power systems.

You'll study core power engineering topics such as power converters, electric drives and control alongside modules specific to renewable energy sources and power system.

At the same time, you'll study a unique range of modules on the generation of electricity from solar and wind power, energy management through the applications of power electronics and comprehensive analysis of smart grid systems. You'll also explore the opportunity to address the control and management issues in modern energy systems.

The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering here at Leeds is an exciting and stimulating environment. It’s home to specialist teaching facilities and a wealth of leading researchers working on real-world issues and contributing to global change. This means you'll be learning the most up-to-date practices, equipping you with the specialist skill set and knowledge you’ll need to address the renewable energy challenges and problems in a wide range of careers.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as microgrids, smart energy systems, stand-alone energy systems based on renewable sources and energy systems for electric vehicles.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas like energy management, smart grid analysis, power electronics and programming.
• Build industry experience by conducting your own individual project which focuses on a real-world topic of your choice, giving you the chance to make your own contribution to science and develop professional skills in research and critical thinking.
• Access specialist and research-grade facilities including high-quality test and measurement equipment.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of researchers and academics who specialise in a wide range of electronic and electrical engineering.
• Enjoy small groups that are used to support the teaching, giving you access to regular feedback and help with solving problems you may have with a particular topic directly from the academic staff.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have secured jobs in major organisations, including the National Grid, EDF, Scottish Power and Northern Powergrid.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society ShockSoc where you can meet more of your peers, attend high-quality technical visits, enjoy social events and get the chance to put theory into practice by participating in our own Robot Fighting League (RFL). Watch our RFL video to find out more.

Accreditation

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning to Masters Level for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Course details

Core modules that run throughout the year will allow you to take part in different lab-based activities and explore different forms of renewable energy as well as how they can be integrated into electricity systems.

You’ll also consider how renewable source-powered generations can be integrated into the grid as well as analysis, design and control of smart energy systems.

Modules cover areas like energy management and conservation, electric power generation and distribution and programming. All of these underpin the knowledge and skills required for this specific course.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Energy Management and Conservation – 15 credits

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills required for efficient utilisation and management of energy services in industrial and commercial applications.

Modern Industry Practice – 15 credits

This module will engage you in developing a detailed understanding of the global engineering industry and support you with your career plans.

Smart Grid Analysis – 15 credits

Learn the concepts behind future sustainable electricity systems with increased use of distributed microgenerators. You will gain a knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to the integration of distributed generators (including renewable sources), their control and protection methods, and tools to analyse their impact on the grid.

Power Electronics and Drives – 15 credits

Appreciate how power electronics can play an important role in many engineering systems as well as to develop the knowledge and skills required by an engineer working in power electronics.

Electric Power Generation by Renewable Sources – 15 credits

This module provides you with knowledge of sustainable electrical power generation using renewable energy harvesting technologies, with particular emphasis on electrical solar and wind power generation.

Control Systems Design – 15 credits

Gain the knowledge and understanding of linear systems are developed to enable them to analytically investigate control systems and simulate them using computer tools. You will have the opportunity to design and evaluate PID and compensator-based controllers using several analytical techniques.

Electric Power Generation and Distribution – 15 credits

This module gives you an understanding of the various layers and components in modern electric power networks, of how power systems are operated in technical and economic terms as well as of the technological changes power systems will be facing in the years to come.

Programming – 15 credits

You will develop a competence in computer programming, using both Matlab and the C programming language.

MSc Individual Project – 60 credits

The focal point of the degree course is your individual project. Working on a project is incredibly satisfying, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.

Your supervisor will help you to select a project that is right for you, in an area of your choice. This may give you the chance to work as an integral part of one of our active research institutes, focusing on a specialist topic that motivates you and using the appropriate research methods. The project will equip you with the independent research and critical thinking skills that you'll draw on throughout your future career.

Recent projects have included:

• Optimal planning of Microgrids in developing countries
• Module Integrated Converters for Photovoltaic Energy Systems
• Modelling and Control of Parallel Connected Inverters
• Control of a Grid Connected Wind Energy System under Abnormal Operating Conditions
• Modelling and control of a DC motor simulating a wind turbine

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines, through lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, examples classes, tutorials and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the programme. You'll develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge while studying the modules taught modules and undertaking your project work.

Specialist facilities

Our School is an exciting and stimulating environment where you'll learn from leading researchers in specialist teaching facilities with high-quality test and measurement equipment. These include our Keysight Technologies Electronics Laboratory and Arm Embedded Systems Laboratory. During your MSc project, you'll be able to work in the NXP Electronics Project Laboratory.

Depending on your project topic, you may also get to work in our specialist research laboratories.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed using a range of techniques including mini-projects, case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests and coursework assignments.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in electronic/electrical engineering, mechatronics or a related subject. Applicants should have strong grades in relevant modules such as power electronics, power systems, electrical machines or drives.

Due to the high demand for programmes in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, incomplete applications may be rejected without full assessment.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgtelec@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Renewable energy and efficient power conversion systems are of immense importance worldwide and graduates of this Masters degree course can expect to find jobs in a wide variety of industries including electronics, automotive, transport, construction, industrial automation, power utility, energy, oil and environmental sectors.

You'll be well-placed to develop practical solutions to the problem of integrating renewable energy systems into established electricity distribution networks. You should be able to contribute to strategic planning, systems implementation and operation of sustainable power generation systems.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Electrical Engineering EIT, Kelvin Therman Energy
• Electrical Engineer, Scottish Power plc
• Senior Power System Engineer, National Grid
• Instrumentation & Control Engineer, EDF
• Project Manager, Stratagem Energy Ltd
• Graduate Electrical Engineer, Northern Gas Networks
• Senior Project Officer, Guyana Power and Light Inc.
• Aircraft Engineer, Airbus Electrical Engineer, Continental AG
• Controls Engineer, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems
• Electrical Engineer, Peter Brett Associates LLP
• Renewable Engineer, McD Built Environment Research Laboratory Pvt Ltd
• Senior Operations Engineer, Wind Prospect
• Project Engineer, Northern Powergrid
• Production Engineer-Electrical Maintenance, Shell Petroleum Development Company

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.