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Electrical Engineering at Durham University - UCAS

Course summary

The MSc in Electrical Engineering provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience in this vital aspect of engineering that you can apply to the global challenges of creating sustainable and resilient energy management systems. Through a combination of theoretical and practical education and using cutting-edge tools and technologies, you will develop valuable engineering insight and apply a range of innovative solutions to help meet challenges in areas such as electricity generation from renewable and conventional sources, energy transmission and distribution and future vehicle technologies. As well as undertaking taught modules through lectures and seminars, you will develop valuable collaborative working skills by joining with other students to carry out advanced design work, to the appropriate design standards and using complex engineering analysis tools. You will also have the opportunity to showcase your own capacities for innovation and application by undertaking a major research and development project which will ultimately demonstrate how to address some of the key challenges in electrical engineering. Our MSc in Electrical Engineering gives you a focused engineering perspective on the wide range of issues that exist in the industry and equips you with the ability to help meet these challenges, either by working in industry or by using knowledge and experience in a research function.

Modules

Core modules: Research and Development Project offers you a stimulating challenge as part of the development of your electrical engineering knowledge. With the support of a supervisor, you will identify and apply the specific methods needed to investigate your chosen subject. You will then generate data and carry out analysis in order to make recommendations and findings that you will present in a report. Group Design Project sees your participation in a complex engineering system design task which will develop your knowledge of system design, introduce the concept of interdisciplinary design teams and will enable you to apply knowledge gained in lectures to a complex engineering problem.  Future Vehicles 4 looks at future transport devices, explaining their characteristics and their technical and economic constraints and possibilities for the future. It will introduce you to analytical methods and simulation tools for system design and analysis.  Power Electronics 4 gives you the full rundown on power electronic systems and their application to a range of renewable energy systems. You will also learn analytical and practical methods for characterising power electronic circuits and the use of simulation tools to support their conclusions. Renewable Energy Technologies 4 provides you with an overview and description of the major renewable energy technologies and an explanation of the working principles of systems for the renewable energy technologies. It will also explain the technical, as well as economic, constraints and solutions of renewable energy technology. Smart Energy Networks 4 describes the characteristics of energy networks, explains their working principles of systems for integrating renewable energy sources and sets out explanations for the technical constraints and potential solutions related to smart energy networks. Electrical Energy Conversion 4 looks at the characteristics of renewable electrical energy conversion and offers explanations for the working principles of systems for renewable electrical energy conversion, and the technical and economic constraints and potential solutions associated with renewable electrical energy conversion. Examples of optional modules: Internet of Everything 4; Optimisation 4; Environmental Engineering 4.

Assessment method

This course with its mix of taught modules, a group design project and an individual research and development project provides you with an exciting and challenging learning experience covering electrical engineering in depth. Core modules involve 38 hours of lectures on the topics that are at the heart of electrical engineering. A key module is the group design project, which offers the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills and develop technical expertise in the application of system design ideas, with content including energy systems and sustainability. The make-up of this module will also enhance your presentation skills, your ability to project manage and to work in a team with colleagues. It will also help boost your research skills. You will complete an individual research and development project with the support of a supervisor who will hold regular meetings to check on your progress and to discuss any planning issues. This will include 12 hours of quality contact time with your supervisor and more than 500 hours of research work and preparation, during which you will be supported by the school’s technicians and other research workers. As well as the core modules, you will also select one of three optional modules that fits with your interests. Course assessment is thorough and includes a combination of project work, written exams, a competency portfolio and presentations. A mid-term assessment is carried out to ensure your research and development project is on track and following the completion of the project, you will be required to submit a report on your work, in the style and format of a research paper. You will also have an oral examination centering on the technical aspects of your project. Finally, you will be required to create and deliver a presentation of your project in poster form to staff and colleagues.


How to apply

International applicants

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Entry requirements

A good second class honours degree (typically equivalent to UK 2:1 Honours) or better in a subject which includes a significant electronic or electrical engineering content.


English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £13500 Year 1
Northern Ireland £13500 Year 1
Scotland £13500 Year 1
Wales £13500 Year 1
Channel Islands £13500 Year 1
EU £30250 Year 1
International £30250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £30250 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Sponsorship information

For further information see the course listing.

Electrical Engineering at Durham University - UCAS