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MEngSc in Electrical Power Networks

MEngSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The modern power system is in the midst of a radical change as it transitions to the use of increased variable renewable generation, deals growing demands for electrification of transport and heating and the integration of new smart grid control approaches. This 1 year MEngSc in Electrical Power Networks is specifically designed to give you a fundamental understanding of the design and operation of electrical power networks in the context of the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

The programme is taught by world renowned academics with a strong track record in power systems and energy research. Teaching is underpinned and supported by the research agenda of the UCD Energy Institute which is working towards a net zero carbon future. The programme will provide you with advanced training in various aspects of electrical engineering and equip you with the skills required to pursue a career in the rapidly evolving power system and smart grid sectors. If you are a mathematically strong engineering student who is interested in being part of the transition to a more sustainable future and you are seeking a professional career in the power system and smart grid sectors, then this programme is ideal for you.

Delivered by a highly research-active School composed of many internationally high-profile academics, including five IEEE Fellows. This programme is also taught by academics from the world-leading Energy Institute for the integration of renewables into power systems and energy systems.

Module Information:

Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.

About This Course

  • Advanced knowledge & understanding of the mathematical and analytical techniques and technologies underpinning the electrical energy engineering field, including state oft the art research techniques, with a focus on sustainable power systems, smart grid applications and power electronics technology
  • The ability to identify, formulate, model, critically analyse, optimise and solve complex electrical engineering problems, placed in the wide context of smart grid applications, power electronic systems and electricity market economics
  • The ability to perform the detailed design of electrical networks, power system components and power electronic systems using advanced and research level analytical techniques, and a critical interpretation of relevant data
  • The ability to design, conduct and critically evaluate experiments, and apply and assess a range of standard and specialised research tools, advanced analytical techniques and methods of enquiry using industry standard software tools, specialist research tools and laboratory facilities
  • A strong understanding of the need for high ethical standards in the practice of electrical energy engineering, including the responsibilities of the engineering profession towards people and the environment
  • The ability to work highly effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings, together with the capacity to undertake lifelong learning, and so offering a strong foundation for entry into advanced research programmes
  • The ability to communicate effectively on complex engineering activities, fully recognising multidisciplinary aspects, with the engineering community, individual research disciplines and with society at large 

By completing the MEngSc Electrical Power Networks programme, you will become a graduate with power systems expertise, whose rare skills will be attractive to a wide variety of technical and managerial roles in the electrical utility and smart grid sectors on an international scale, e.g. ABB, Alstom, EDF, EirGrid, EPRI, ESB, GE, NREL, Siemens. 

The MEngSc programme also provides an excellent starting point for those aiming for a PhD programme and a research career within a university or specialised research institution.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40010 Control Theory Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40080 Power System Operation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40550 Power System Dynamics and Control Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40580 Optimisation Techniques for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40090 Power System Design Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40120 Applications of Power Electronics Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
EEEN40700 MEngSc Electrical Project Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
ACM40290 Numerical Algorithms Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
EEEN40100 Power Electronics and Drives Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
EEEN40110 Renewable Energy Systems Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
EEEN40310 Power Electronics Technology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
EEEN40720 Machine Learning for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
COMP47670 Data Science in Python (MD) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
ECON42360 Energy Economics and Policy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
EEEN30150 Modelling and Simulation Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)6 of:
OPTION MODULES: All students take 30 credits of Option Modules (6 x 5cr). Students should choose 10 credits of Option Modules in Autumn (2 modules from 4 available) and 20 credits in Spring (4 modules from 5 available). Students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester. Students must consult with the Programme Director and Module Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that they satisfy prior learning requirements for their chosen module(s) and may not have taken module(s) with similar content previously.
MEEN40670 Technical Communication Spring  5

Assoc Professor Terence O'Donnell, Programme Director

"Achieving a decarbonized and sustainable energy system to help mitigate climate change is one of the major challenges facing humanity today. The electrical power system has a central role to play in this as emphasis is placed on increasing renewable generation and electrification of the transport and heating sectors. These developments are rapidly changing the way the power system is planned, designed and operated.   Ireland is at the forefront of these changes with ambitious targets to reach 80% renewable generation by 2030, reduce green house gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.  Consequently demand for employment in the sectors related to renewable energy and smart grid management has never been higher.  The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UCD and the UCD Energy Institute have built a strong track record of research in power systems. The academics involved in this  MEngSc programme in Electrical Power Networks bring this wealth of research experience to their teaching.  Should you be interested in pursuing a career in research then opportunities for continuing studies though PhD programmes are also available."

MEngSc in Electrical Power Networks (T378) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9300
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/

The College of Engineering & Architecture also offer scholarships for non-EU students, for more information see: www.ucd.ie/eacollege/study/noneuscholarships.

  • A 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum upper second class honours (NFQ level 8) or international equivalent in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, power systems, power electronics, and energy-related subjects.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students who do not meet the IELTS requirement may wish to consider taking the Pre-Sessional or Pre-Masters Pathway. Full details https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MEngSc in Electrical Power Networks:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T378
MEngSc in Electrical Power Networks
Master of Engineering Science
Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page