Triangle

Course overview

Who is this course for?

Are you fascinated by the power of electricity and how it is harnessed to drive modern technology? Do you want to be part of the team responsible for designing and building the systems that power the world?

Electrical engineering is about creating and improving the systems that generate, transmit and use electrical power. By studying electrical engineering, you’ll learn how to expand upon the fundamental principles of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism and apply this knowledge to design and develop complex systems and devices.

Potentially leading to a fulfilling career with endless possibilities in power generation, telecommunications and sustainable energy and electronics, play a crucial role in the way we live and work.

Key facts

  • Students will gain experience of the type of problems encountered by academic and industrial researchers.
  • This course is suitable for graduates of related disciplines who wish to convert to electrical engineering.
  • This degree 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.

Why choose this course?

9th in the UK

for electrical and electronic engineering

The Guardian University Guide 2023

One of the largest

research groups in Power Electronics, Machines and Control in the world

Power Electronics Research Group

Modules

Core modules

Holistic Engineering Design 10 credits

The Holistic Engineering Design module is vital for future engineers as it equips them with the skills and mindset needed to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of the modern engineering landscape. It encourages students to consider ethical, environmental, and societal aspects of engineering design, making them well-prepared to create sustainable and innovative solutions in their future careers. This course fosters creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication, which are essential skills for successful engineers.

 

Assessment

Weight

Type

Requirements

Coursework 1

20.00

Laboratory

Lab based exercise

Coursework 2

15.00

Presentation

Poster presentation

Coursework 3

5.00

Assignment

Poster peer assessment and completion

Coursework 4

60.00

Presentation

Group proposal presentation
Project Design and Development 10 credits

The Project Design and Development module equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to design, plan, and implement research projects – the module is essential for MSc students in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering that will commence their individual project in the summer. Students will learn about the importance of developing proposals, time plans and project management, as well as the necessity to adequately explain the context and backgrounds of projects through critiquing literature. Students will engage with their assigned project supervisors to aid in this module.

Assessment

Weight

Type

Requirements

Coursework 1

80.00

Coursework

Thesis background review (Chapters 1 and 2)

Coursework 2

20.00

Presentation

Proposal Defence
MSc Project (Summer) 60 credits

In this module a student will be assigned to an individual supervisor who will be a staff member in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. The student will carry out a practical or theoretical project chosen from the current interests of the staff member concerned.

The principal aims of the module are to develop the student's ability to work as part of a group to develop and analyse a proposed process design and to identify research need. Then to develop the student’s ability to evaluate and select information and apply this knowledge to propose and execute a research programme to address the identified need.

The module is composed of four major deliverables, a mixture of group and individual project work.

Assessment: 100% coursework

Task 1 (30%) Group design project

Task 2 (Formative) Individual research proposal

Task 3 (50%) Individual research paper

Task 4 (20%) Individual design re-evaluation

Optional modules

Advanced Control System Design (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces the state-space representation of physical systems and the control design of multi-input multi-output systems using multivariable control techniques for both continuous and discrete implementation.

The module then covers both the full and reduced observer design for those cases when state variables are not measurable. The module finishes with an overview of optimal control design.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Exam 100.00 2 hour exam.
Advanced Power Electronics (autumn) 20 credits

This module covers the design of power electronic converters for real applications. Both component-level design and the impact of non-idealities on modelling and operation are considered.

Assessment

Exam, 40.0%

Coursework 1, 30.0%

Coursework 2, 30.0%

 

Coursework:

Power electronic systems design exercise that puts module content into practice using modelling and simulation tools.

 

Key Module Topics

Advanced modelling and control of power converters

Enabling technologies of power conversion (semiconductor devices, packaging, cooling)

Electric Machines, Drives and their Applications (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces students to the concepts and operating principles of fixed and variable speed electric machine and drive systems. The module will use a number of system examples to demonstrate how machines and drive systems are specified, designed, controlled and operated.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 25.00 25 hours of student time
Exam 75.00 2 hour exam
Power Electronic Applications and Control

Providing an understanding of the operational principles of power electronic converters and their associated systems, this module covers: 3-phase naturally commutated ac-dc/dc-ac converters, capacitive and inductive smoothing - device ratings, dc-ac PWM inverters and modulation strategies, resonant converters, high power factor utility interface circuits and power converter topologies for high power (multilevel). You’ll have two one-hour lectures per week.

Advanced AC Drives (spring) 20 credits

This module covers the control of AC drives, covering drives for a variety of machine types and control strategies, for example, vector control.

This module:

  • provides a good understanding of the concepts of field orientation and vector control for induction and non-salient and salient PM AC machines.
  • provides information and guidance on the design of control structures and their implementations including parameter dependencies and field weakening
  • imparts design skills through the design of a vector controlled drive using manufacturer’s machine and converter data and defined design specifications
  • develops critical assessment skills through design evaluation

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 50% 2-hour written examination
Exam 50%

Part 1: weight 20%, 20 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 30 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Advanced Electrical Machines (spring) 20 credits

This module introduces advanced electrical machine concepts and applications in the area of more electric transport, renewable generation and industrial automation.

The module will help you to:

  • develop a fundamental understanding of the interaction of the electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal engineering disciplines related to electrical machine design.
  • develop analytical skills in modelling and design of electrical machines.
  • have a clear understanding of the different types and topologies of modern electrical machines.
  • develop skills in designing electrical machines
  • develop the ability to analyse and characterise an electric motor through its parameters and performance using FEA approach

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Practicum  10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 25%

Part 1: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 25%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's leaning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 75%  
Power Networks (spring) 10 credits

This module provides students with an understanding of power system apparatus and their behaviour under normal and fault conditions. This module covers:

  • concept and analysis of load flow
  • voltage/current symmetrical components
  • computation of fault currents
  • economic optimisation
  • power-system control and stability
  • power system protection

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 1 hour

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 25% 25 hours of student time
Exam 75% 2 hour exam
Power Systems for Aerospace, Marine and Automotive (spring) 20 credits

This module aims to develop an understanding of the design and operation of power systems in aerospace, marine and automotive applications.

With the introduction of more electrical technologies in these application areas, the understanding and expected performance of the power system has become a critical platform design issue.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 week 2 hours
Practicum  10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 25.00

Part 1: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module’s learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module’s learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 75.00

 
Renewable Generation Technologies (spring) 10 credits

This module covers the analysis and design of renewable and sustainable energy systems. It covers the various types of renewable energy and the resources available.

It uses an understanding of the physical principles of various types of energy resources in order to develop analytical models which can be applied to the design of renewable energy systems, including energy conversion and storage, especially for electrical power generation.

It includes;

  • Wind power: wind probability distributions, wind turbine performance and control, comparison of generator types
  • Hydro and tidal power: resource assessment, turbine types and principles
  • Solar power, including PV cell equivalent circuit, analysis of losses, matching to DC and AC power systems
  • Wave power systems, including wave energy characteristics, types of energy converter
  • Characteristics of synchronous and induction generators
  • Embedded generation; types of generator and operation of RE within the power system
  • Economic and environmental assessment of energy conversion technologies.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 25% Sustainable energy case study: A written report.
Exam 75% Two Hour Paper. The examination will be based on the whole of the course.
Sensing Systems and Signal Processing (spring) 10 credits

This module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed.

Applications include:

  • optical
  • acoustic
  • non-destructive evaluation
  • medical
  • biophotonics

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours


Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25% Matlab exercises
Coursework 2 25%  Research and design proposal
Exam 50% End of module exam
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 30 May 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Independent study
  • Lectures
  • Group study
  • Practical classes
  • Workshops
  • Lab sessions
  • Supervision
  • Tutorials

You will be taught using up to date practice, including the use of appropriate electronic resources.

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Lab skills
  • In-class test
  • Online exams
  • Dissertation
  • Reports
  • Research project
  • Presentations

The assessment strategy differs between the taught (120 credits) and individual project (60 credits) modules. A typical module contains both written assignment(s) and an end of semester exam which is mostly weighted as 40%. The individual project module is continuously assessed in the summer period and concludes with submission of a final project report, as well as an oral assessment based upon the practical demonstration of the proposed engineering design/solution. The pass mark for all the modules is 50%. Your final degree classification will be based upon your aggregated achievement from both the taught and the project stages of 180 credits.

Contact time and study hours

You will study a total of 180 credits which consists of 120 taught credits over autumn and spring semesters, with the final 60 credits from a large individual project carried out in the summer semester. Typical class contact time is 4 hours per week for a 20 credit module. There is typically 11 weeks of class teaching in each taught semester. In addition direct contact with academics, students are expected to put in additional self-study time preparing for lectures, tutorials, labs and assignments. As a guide, one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of total combined effort.

Typical class size is approximately 50 students. Teaching for this course usually takes place on Monday to Friday with the exception of Wednesday afternoon when students are involved in extracurricular activities.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

MSc

Undergraduate degree2:1 or equivalent grade in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. Applicants are expected to have covered modules such as Maths, Electric Circuits, Power Electronics, Power Network/Systems, Control Engineering, Electrical Machines or related key technical modules.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £11,850
International £28,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. Project equipment and components are normally covered by the department, though some students opt to buy some of their own components up to £100.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £300. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Career destinations for our graduates in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering include:

  • IT business analysts
  • Systems designers
  • Programmers
  • Software development professionals
  • Production technicians
  • Electrical engineers and engineering professionals

Career progression

100% of postgraduates from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £25,450.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This course is accredited by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) to meet the further learning requirements of a Chartered Engineer.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" Because data and technology are constantly evolving, I appreciate most how module convenors incorporate modern advances and examples to give lecture material real-world meaning. In coursework especially, the subject matter is always relevant and practically applicable to professional work in renewable energy engineering. The breadth of knowledge I have gained in this MSc has certainly prepared me to take on renewable energy research in the next stage of my career. "
Elizabeth Michalenko, Electrical Engineering MSc

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This content was last updated on Thursday 30 May 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.