Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »
Overview
- A unique programme that focuses on operation, control and maintenance of future Smart Grid with particular emphasis on the challenges associated with Net-Zero and low carbon futures
- Benefit from specialist facilities and equipment available at the Centre for Smart Grid where you will be encouraged to attend lab sessions and to undertake your own project work and research
- Learn from academics who are experts in their fields whose teaching is inspired by the latest research
- Graduates will be ready to take leading roles in achieving Net-Zero targets with cutting-edge technologies and data analytics for Smart Grid
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
Top 5 in the UK for Electronic Engineering
Study the complex systems of energy demand, generation and distribution that will govern the net-zero electrical power networks of the future
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
Top 5 in the UK for Electronic Engineering
Study the complex systems of energy demand, generation and distribution that will govern the net-zero electrical power networks of the future
Entry requirements
All applicants are considered individually on merit although we usually require a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline.
Relevant degrees: Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering; Building and Construction; Infrastructure Engineering; Applied Geology; Traffic Engineering; Physics; Architecture; Geology; Marine Technology.
Exceptional applications may be judged on experience in lieu of academic qualifications e.g. relevant professional experience.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B3. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
As a student taking the ENGM029 Power Systems Analysis module at the University of Exeter, I find the mix of theoretical and practical elements really effective. The theoretical lectures provide a solid understanding of power system operations, and the practical, simulation-based labs help apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. Overall, this module is challenging but extremely beneficial for anyone interested in power systems engineering. The module also includes a field trip to National Grids control room, really interesting!!
Elvin
Exchange student from Lund University
Course content
You will be introduced to the latest trends and technologies that are transforming the energy and electrical power sector as the world pivots towards sustainable and digitalised power systems.
This programme makes use of the specialist facilities at the Centre for Smart Grid where you will be encouraged to attend lab sessions and undertake your own project work and research.
Compulsory modules will cover areas such as power system analysis; digital twinning and data analytics for power networks and design, implementation and resilience of smart grids and sustainable energy systems. The dissertation will allow you to complete a more detailed research project in an area of personal interest.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|
| MTHM501 | Working with Data | 15 |
| ENGM045 | Introduction to Power Systems and Plant | 15 |
| ENGM009 | Electric Machines and Power Electronics | 15 |
| ECMM163 | Sustainable Engineering | 15 |
| ENGM029 | Power Systems Analysis | 15 |
| ENGM030 | Digital Twinning for Power System Plant | 15 |
| ENGM031 | Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy Systems | 15 |
| ENGM032 | Resilience of Electrical Energy Systems | 15 |
| ECMM164 | MSc Dissertation | 60 |
Prof. Zhong Fan
Professor of Net Zero Energy Systems
Prof. Farhad Namdari
Associate Professor in Electrical Energy Systems
Prof. Zhong Fan
Professor of Net Zero Energy Systems
Prof. Zhong Fan joined Exeter University as the professor of net zero energy systems. Previously he was a Professor at Keele University and the Academic Director of SEND (Smart Energy Network Demonstrator). Before that, he was Chief Research Fellow with Toshiba Research Europe, Bristol, U.K., leading research on IoT, smart grid, data analytics, and 5G communications. Earlier in his career, he was a Research Fellow with Cambridge University, a Lecturer with Birmingham University, and a Researcher with Marconi Laboratories, Cambridge. He also received a BT Short-Term Fellowship for his work at BT Laboratories. His research interests are smart energy, IoT, and machine learning applications.
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Prof. Farhad Namdari
Associate Professor in Electrical Energy Systems
Farhad is an Associate Professor in Electrical Energy Systems at the University of Exeter. He received his PhD in Electrical Power Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in 2006. During his PhD and as a part of it, in 2003-2004 he worked at Queen’s University, Belfast as an Honorary Research Associate. In 2009 he joined Lorestan University (LU), Iran as an Assistant Professor, and spent the next more than 14 years there progressing to Associate Professor in 2015, Professor in 2021, and some administrative responsibilities like as the Deputy of the University for Research and Technology, and Dean of the Lorestan Science and Technology Park until he started the new role within the University of Exeter in January 2024.
He has been involved in several Industrial projects as a key designer and senior consultant since 1999 before he started working with the University and continued these relations after joining LU. These relations led him to earn several grant projects with Iranian Industries during his work with LU.
He has published more than 140 technical Journal and Conference Papers. He is an Editorial Board Member of the “Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems” Journal and a Senior Member of the IEEE.
His research activities and interests lie in Smart Grids and Low Carbon Electrical Energy Networks, Power System Protection, “Wide Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control”, Power System Transients, and also Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications in Power Systems.
Profile page
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£14,300 full-time
International fees per year:
£30,300 full-time
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials, simulation and experimental laboratory exercises, project work and a dissertation.
Students will develop transferable skills such as communication skills, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology.
Personal tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
A research- and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field.
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Careers
With electricity becoming the key energy vector in achieving society’s Net-Zero targets, new opportunities are on the rise in this field. Due to the integration of low carbon technologies and associated variabilities in energy supply and demand, recruiters are looking for workforce with additional knowledge and expertise in smart grid technologies, data analytics and renewables.
The MSc Electrical Power and Smart Grids prepares engineers for this demand from future power systems who will not only have knowledge on traditional power network but also latest trends and technologies to operate and maintain the future smart grid, application of data analytics techniques and addressing sustainability within the electrical power network.
Graduates will be able to progress to either a PhD degree or to various other roles across private and public sectors.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
Graduate destinations
The professional destinations of our graduates reflect the quality of this programme. Our graduates have gone on to enjoy prosperous and successful careers in several areas after graduation, such as engineers and teachers, and work at companies such as Devon County Council, Balfour Beatty, Pell Frischman and AECOM. This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey (2011-2016).
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