Triangle

Course overview

The control and conversion of electric power using solid-state techniques is now commonplace in both domestic and industrial environments. A recent estimate suggested that over 40% of all electric power generated passes through silicon before reaching its final destination.

A knowledge and understanding of the diverse disciplines encompassed by power electronics - devices, converters, control theory and motor drive systems - is therefore essential to all power engineers.

This course aims to provide a specialist education in power electronics and drives techniques, covering key fundamental principles along with modern applications and current practices.

Key facts

  • The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nottingham has long been at the forefront of research and teaching in the area of power electronics and drives.
  • 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

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)

Power Systems for Aerospace, Marine and Automotive Applications (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.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Practicum  10 weeks 1 week 2 hours


Method of Assessment:

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 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%  
Advanced AC Drives with Project (spring) 20 credits

This module addresses the control of AC drives and consists of a lecture component (10 credits) and a design and assessment project (10 credits)

The lecture component covers vector controlled induction motor drives and permanent magnet motor drives. Vector control is covered in depth covering the concept of space vectors, dq representation of 3-phase machines, dynamic equation structure and the concepts of direct and indirect flux orientation. Implementation of Indirect Vector Control, including current flux and speed control is covered in some detail and includes the effect of incorrect parameters.

Both AC and Brushless DC permanent magnet motor drives are introduced. The vector control concepts learned for induction machines are applied to AC PM machines. The concept of salient and non-salient AC PM machines are covered leading to the vector control using maximum torque per amp control strategies. Finally the field weakening control of both non-salient and salient PM machines are considered.

The project component is a design and simulation exercise using MATLAB/Simulink. The student is required to design an indirect vector controlled induction motor drive, implement the design in Simulink, and undertake evaluative tests covering current and speed loop performance, including field weakening for high speed. The exercise covers investigating the effects of parameter variation and designing engineered solutions to reducing the sensitivity.

Delivery

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

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 50.00 50 hours of student work
Exam 50.00  
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

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

Optional modules

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
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 practices, including the use of 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

Our postgraduates generally progress to exciting roles in design and development with major international companies or government agencies, obtain consultancy posts with leading contract consultant companies or move into successful academic careers.

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
" The content and scope of this course's core modules have helped me enhance my technical competency. The University of Nottingham has some of the best libraries, study spaces, student services, and state-of-the-art PEMC research facilities. Studying for my master's degree at this university was unquestionably the right decision, as it provided me with a new career perspective. "
Bharath Chikkanna, MSc Power Electronics and Drives

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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.