Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems MSc (Eng)

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:

• Graduate with an MSc accredited by the IET from a university that ranks 8th in the UK for Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Guardian League Table 2022.

• Learn the latest innovations in areas such as microgrids, smart energy systems, stand-alone energy system based on renewable sources and energy systems for electric vehicles from our world-leading research conducted right here on campus that feeds directly into the course.

• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas like energy management, smart grid analysis, power electronics and programming.

• Build industry experience and conduct 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 join our successful alumni who have secured jobs in major organisations, including the National Grid, EDF, Scottish Power and Northern Powergrid.

Accreditation

The MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For this course, these are the quality standards set by the IET.

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.

You'll complete your studies with modules including Energy Management and Conservation, Electric Power Generation and Distribution and Programming. All of these underpin the knowledge and skills required for this specific course.

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. This is your chance to make your own contribution to science.

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:

• Power hardware in the loop studies in Microgrid laboratory

• Dynamic security assessment of power systems using high performance computing methods

• Optimal planning of Microgrids in developing countries

• Power Flow Control of a Distribution Network using FACTS Devices

• Module Integrated Converters for Photovoltaic Energy Systems

• Modelling and Control of Parallel Connected Inverters

• Power Regulation in the Power System using an Energy Storage Device

• Application of Current Source Converters to Power Flow Control in a Power System

• Control of a Renewable Energy System based Microgrid having an Energy Storage System as Backup

• Control of a Grid Connected Wind Energy System under Abnormal Operating Conditions

• DC-AC Inverter for grid-side connection of an induction generator

• Modelling and control of a DC motor simulating a wind turbine

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems module descriptions for more detail on what you'll study.

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

Modules

Year 1

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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and your modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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.

Entry requirements

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

A bachelor degree with a first class (hons) in mechanical engineering, physics, physical sciences or mathematics.

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. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

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

How to apply

Application deadlines

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

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

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're 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 Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £12,750 (total)
• International: £28,000 (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 about additional costs.

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.

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 five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 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. Our wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team — are on hand to offer 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, 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.

Find out more about career support.