Electrical Power Engineering MSc

Our MSc in Electrical Power Engineering is a dynamic one-year programme designed to provide you with comprehensive training in modern power engineering technologies.

With a strong emphasis on power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics, this programme prepares you to tackle the challenges of the evolving energy sector.

Semesters 1 and 2 focus on equipping you with advanced fundamentals, cutting-edge research tools, and techniques in modern power engineering. You will gain in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies and advanced numerical methods, addressing global challenges such as:

• the integration of wind energy
• offshore renewables
• energy storage
• smart grids.

During the summer semester you’ll undertake an individual dissertation project, allowing you to apply your acquired skills to real-world problems.

Why study with us

• Industry-driven curriculum: our teaching is shaped by the latest demands and innovations in electrical power engineering, ensuring you gain relevant and up-to-date knowledge.
• Expert faculty: learn from world-renowned academics who bring their extensive industrial experience and strong industry connections into the classroom.
• Hands-on learning: our programme places labs and practical skills at its core, providing you with essential hands-on experience to excel in your career.

How will I learn?

You will learn through a combination of:

• Taught courses: you will engage with comprehensive lectures and seminars designed to provide you with a solid theoretical foundation in electrical power engineering.
• Guest lectures: industry experts will share with you their field experiences and the latest trends in power systems, renewable energy, and smart grids.
• Workshops: our interactive sessions will deepen your understanding of power electronics, electrical machines, and renewable energy technologies.
• Practical laboratories: you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and techniques linked to electrical machines and power electronics, preparing you for real-world applications in power engineering.
• Group design projects: collaborate with your peers on innovative projects on power system and wind turbine design, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills essential in research or industrial jobs.
• Research dissertation: you will conduct independent research on a topic of your choice, applying your knowledge to solve real-world challenges in electrical power engineering.

Accreditation

The MSc in Electrical Power Engineering is accredited by the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), one the largest professional engineering bodies in the world. Accredited programmes undergo continuous and robust quality review by the IET and are internationally recognised for the quality of the education they provide.

Your MSc can therefore count towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in the UK. Chartered Engineers not only have a firm grasp of the underpinning knowledge of their field, but also possess the required professional skills to excel in the modern engineering environment.

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.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

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

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)