Overview
Newcastle University is home to the UK’s largest academic research group in Electrical Power. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and gain an enhanced learning experience.
Taught by leaders in their field, you will gain from research-led teaching. You’ll learn from researchers solving problems of global importance by engaging with industry and working across disciplines.
Our MSc programme is designed for graduates in:
- electrical and electronic engineering
- related disciplines
Our industry-focused approach equips you with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. This will highlight your in-depth commercial awareness and technical knowledge.
Throughout your course you’ll be able to take part in:
- industry guest lectures
- technical projects
- employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
Developed alongside industry experts, this course provides a thorough understanding of key areas of electrical power and applications including:
- advanced power electronics
- power systems operation
- electrical machines
- control of electric drives
- design and analysis of electrical machines
- renewable energy and smart grids
READ LESS
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
This course is ideal if you want to work within the electrical power and renewable energy sectors. You’ll gain the skills needed to make sound decisions in this dynamic global industry.
You will:
- develop insight into modelling and control of power converters, advanced dc/dc converters and multilevel and modular power electronic converters
- gain an advanced understanding and critically analyse power networks/systems
- identify problems and solutions to network operational problems
- understand the modes of operation of electrical machines at an advanced level and have the ability to model in steady state and transient modes
- develop advanced knowledge of electric drive systems through theory and practice including simulation studies
- gain an understanding of electrical machines and drives and experience the physical design process
- understand the challenges and future developments of renewable energy sources including conversion and distribution
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and you will engage with students across all key electrical and electronic engineering disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
Our teaching typically consists of:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical lab sessions
- group work
- personal supervision
Modules are taught by block delivery, allowing you to immerse yourself and understand the subject in more depth.
Our strong industrial engagement means our courses are shaped by industry. During your studies you will typically benefit from:
- projects
- employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
You will undertake an individual project during your semester. In this project you’ll apply your engineering and computing expertise to investigate a complex problem.
Your project will encompass the analysis, design and development of an original system or device and develop your multi-disciplinary skills. You’ll be able to formulate planning and organisational strategies enhancing a number of transferable skills gained throughout your studies, including:
- research
- analysis
- problem solving
- computer literacy
- communication skills
- risk assessment and ethical awareness
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Dr Mohamed Dahidah
Reader in Power Electronics Systems
Degree Programme Director
Areas of expertise:
- Advanced Power Electronics Conversion Systems
- Solid State Transformers (SST)
- Multilevel converters
- Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE)
- HVDC and FACTS based Converters
- DC Fast chargers
- EV Battery chargers
Professor Haris Patsios
Professor in Power Systems
Areas of expertise:
- Network operation and control methodologies
- Future power systems
- Integration of electrical storage for enabling low carbon transition
- Renewable energy systems
- Power electronic converters, control and operation
- Electric vehicles
Professor Barrie Mecrow
Professor of Electrical Power
Areas of expertise:
- Novel electrical machines
- Power electronic controllers
- Electromagnetics
- Switched Reluctance Machine (SRMs)
- Fault tolerant electrical machines
- Drives for safety critical systems
Dr Matthew Armstrong
Senior Lecturer in Control of Electrical Power
Areas of expertise:
- Power electronics
- Advanced digital control of electrical power systems
- Design of novel power converter topologies
- Real-time digital control of power electronic converters
- Control of electric drives
- System modelling: system identification/parameter estimation
- Hardware in the Loop (HiL) emulation
Professor Nick Baker
Professor in Emerging Electrical Machines
Areas of expertise:
- Electrical machine design for unusual and emerging technologies
- Modelling, fabrication and testing
- Renewable energy
- Permanent magnet machines
- Linear machines
Dr Glynn Atkinson
Reader in Electrical Machines
Areas of expertise:
- Electrical machine design and manufacture
- Soft magnetic composites in electrical machines
- Fault tolerant electrical machines for aerospace applications
- Design analysis and optimisation of electrical machines
Dr Andrew Smith
Lecturer in Electrical Power
Areas of expertise:
- Control of electric drives
- Sensorless control of AC machines
- Wind power generation
- Photovoltaics
Dr Salaheddine Ethni
Lecturer in Electrical Power
Areas of expertise:
- Nature-inspired optimization algorithms
- Battery of electric vehicles modelling/management and control
- Control of electric drives
- System identification (parameter estimation) of power electronic systems
- Electric power generation
- Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of electrical machines
- Power electronic converters
- Adaptive control of power electronic systems
- Stand-alone and grid-connected PV systems
Dr Shahab Dehghan
Lecturer in Power Systems
Areas of expertise:
- Investment and operational planning in decarbonised power and energy systems
- Reliability and resiliency analysis in low-inertia power and energy systems
- Decision-making under uncertainty in net-zero power and energy systems
- Electricity markets and energy economics
Dr David Greenwood
NU Academic Track Fellow (NUAcT)
Areas of expertise:
- power networks
- smart grids
- energy storage
- probabilistic methods
- the effect of weather on electrical systems
Your development
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You’ll engage with students across key engineering disciplines and be taught by senior industry experts. These include:
- network operators
- solution developers
- infrastructure manufacturers
- consultants
This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
Throughout your course you’ll have the opportunity to carry out research and development projects in multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll typically have the chance to work alongside active collaborations between the University and industry.
Your future
Graduate destinations
As a graduate you’ll have enhanced skills and knowledge preparing you for wide range of careers across electrical and electronic engineering and other engineering sectors.
Graduate destinations have included:
- Siemens
- Northern Powergrid
- National Grid
This course also provides a route into PhD level study.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Engineering – Electrical and Electronic – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Engineering Council
This course is professionally accredited by the Engineering Council. The accreditation ensures you receive a good foundation for professional registration. The Engineering Council is the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession. It sets and maintains the internationally recognised standards of professional competence and ethics that govern and award and retention of these titles.
The accreditation gives you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, most of which require Chartered Engineer status.
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
This course is professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The accreditation ensures you receive a good foundation for professional registration. IET is one of the world’s largest engineering and technology institutions. It is a global diverse home for over 168,000 engineering and technology professionals in 150 countries. It provides support at every stage of your career.
The accreditation gives you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, most of which require Chartered Engineer status.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You have access to a range of dedicated specialist facilities in the School of Engineering and across campus to support your studies and enhance your learning experience.
Teaching facilities include:
- Computing Lab
- Electrical Power Teaching Lab
- Electronics Lab
Research facilities include:
- CAD Lab
- Cockle Park Farm
- Electrical Power Research Lab
- Newcastle Helix
- InTEGReL
- Modelling and Device Design
- Smart Grid Lab and Energy Storage Test Bed
- Urban Sciences Building Facilities
Our Electrical and Electronic Engineering research group also has dedicated equipment and laboratories:
- Intelligent Sensing and Communications
- Emerging Technology and Materials (ETM)
- µSystems
- Electrical Power
Stephenson Building
The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in:
- electrical and electronic engineering
- computer engineering
Other subjects that may be considered include:
- mechanical engineering
- physics
- communications, information and control engineering
- building electricity and intelligence
- computer science and technology
We will consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and significant, relevant professional experience.
