MSc Electric Power Management
A highly adaptable, interdisciplinary programme based on practical experience and fieldwork, this master's programme combines economics, technology, engineering, and science into one comprehensive degree. This degree is designed for a diverse student group with quantitative backgrounds interested in an the study of data science and the power sector from a non-engineering perspective.
The M.Sc. in Electric Power Management requires 24 months of continuous study and the completion of 120 ECTS. A personalized study plan is developed for each student with the assistance of an academic supervisor.
Overview
Language of Instruction: English
Start Date: late July / early August
Despite the recent increase in computing power and access to data over the last couple of decades, our ability to use the data within the decision making process is either too often lost or not maximized at all. We at times don't have a solid understanding of the questions being asked nor how to apply the data correctly to the problem at hand. This program is designed to present the methodology that can be used with data science, to ensure that the data used in problem solving is relevant and properly manipulated to address the questions at hand.
Electric Power Management is concerned with the major steps involved with both tackling a data science problem and in practicing data science, from forming a concrete business or research problem, to collecting and analysing data, to building a model and understanding the feedback after model deployment. Additionally, the program is concerned with design requirements for electric power systems and subsystems, and their interactions. We focus on creating graduates with the skill-sets necessary to join this high-demand industry.
The Iceland School of Energy offers a variety of courses, designed for specialization in data science and electric power systems, including Power System Operation, High Voltage Engineering, Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy Systems, Power System Stability and Control, Power System Protection and Power Electronics. A highly adaptable programme based on practical and fieldwork experience, this master's programme combines economics, technology, engineering and science into one comprehensive degree.
Personalized Study Plan
Students develop a personal study plan, with the aid of an academic adviser, to reflect their interests which can be further developed in the final research project.
Student Body and Faculty
Iceland School of Energy trains students to become entrepreneurs, engineers, managers, policy makers and researchers. Therefore, we draw our students from a wide range of experience and backgrounds. This interdisciplinary approach is what the ISE experience is centered around, with the student body being made up of geographically and academically diverse individuals who all collaborate and work together. The different approaches to solving problems, and the different experiences being brought to the table, are a hallmark of the students in the Iceland School of Energy.
Collaboration - Inside Access
The Electric Power Engineering and Management M.Sc. programs are operated in collaboration with Landsnet, the Icelandic Transmission System Operator (TSO). This collaboration gives our students exceptional access to:
- Renewable energy systems and associated data in Iceland
- Professionals at the forefront of developing and operating renewable energy resources
Structure
The M.Sc. in Electric Power Management requires 24 months of continuous study and the completion of 120 ECTS. A personalized study plan is developed for each student with the assistance of an academic supervisor. The Electric Power Management degree allows students to select from a wide range of courses in power systems, energy engineering and management.
Teaching and learning
Our courses are based at the Reykjavik University campus. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and visits. Our faculty is made up of professors and leading experts from the industry.
Programme Schedule
Summer Year 1
End of July - Beginning of August (3 weeks)
Required ECTS: 6
- Energy Field School (6 ECTS) - SE-801-ES1
Fall Year 1
August - December
Recommended ECTS: 24
- Energy Economics (6 ECTS) - SE-805-EC1
- Power Systems Operation (8 ECTS)** - T-867-POSY
- Electives in Renewable Energy from ISE
- Electives from Reykjavik University graduate course catalog (subject to ISE approval)
Spring Year 1
January - June
Recommended ECTS: 30
- Smart-Grids in Sustainable Energy Systems (8 ECTS)
- Stability and Control in Electric Power Systems (8 ECTS)
- Research Methods (4 ECTS)** - T-801-RESM
- ISE Independent Project (6 ECTS)
- Electives in Renewable Energy from ISE
- Electives from Reykjavik University graduate course catalog (subject to ISE approval)
Fall/Spring Year 2
August- June
Minimum Required ECTS: 60
- M.Sc. Thesis Project (60 ECTS)** - T-900-MEIS
Core Courses and Electives
Energy Field School (6 ECTS)
A three week, intensive course that provides students with an overview of power systems engineering, the main issues that require change in the transmission and distribution of electricity and the factors that may impede or promote meeting that demand. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures and site visits, and students have opportunity to see working systems that utilize sustainable energy. The course is taught as a summer school, also open to other participants and offers a unique introduction to the master's program.
Power Systems Operation (8 ECTS)
12-week course designed to provide students with a working knowledge of power system problems in both balanced and unbalanced operation situation including faults, protection principles, energy management methods and computer techniques used to solve some of these problems. The transmission line transient operation and insulation coordination is also part of the course.
Topics include: Symmetrical components, Modelling of transformers, lines and cables in the positive, negative and zero sequences based on physical models, The impact of different earthing principles, Methods for power system analysis in steady state operation and during grid faults, Faulty system operation, balanced and unbalanced faults, Symmetrical components and unbalanced fault analysis, Basic protective methods and principles, Load flow calculations in steady-state power system analysis,Model complex power system operation issues for economic and secure operation, Load flow calculations in steady-state power system analysis, Model complex power system operation issues for economic and secure operation, Principles for regular power flow and optimal power flow methods, Power system operation principles and basic functions in energy management system. Optimization techniques to solve fundamental operation problems, N -1 steady state contingency analysis, Transmission lines Transient operation, Insulation coordination, Power system state estimation and the incorporation with phasor measurement units; (Smart Grids). Practical assignments solved in the numerical simulation program Power World.
Smart Grids and Sustainable Power Systems (8 ECTS)
12-week introduction to electric power systems and smart grids.
Key topics covered: energy resources and power plants, smart grids control and automation, information and communications technologies (ICT) applications for smart grids, renewable energy and emerging technologies, stability analysis for smart grids, power electronics and high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission in smart grids, and case-studies, experiences, test cases, or a project in smart grids.
Stability and Control in Electric Power Systems (8 ECTS)
12-week course designed to help obtain knowledge about conditions in electric power systems that can lead to stability problems, to understand which physical mechanisms are the cause of power system instability, and to give the student insight in the theoretical background for analysis methods used for assessment of system stability.
Hands-on experience will be obtained by carrying out numerical simulations and analysis in MatLab/Python, where students analyse different stability problems implementing and applying appropriate models and methods for analysis.
Main learning objectives: explain the principal causes of power system stability problems (frequency, transient rotor angle, small-signal rotor angle and voltage stability problems), reflect on how power system stability problems are affected by grid-related limitation for the transfer of active power and the machine-related limitation for the injection of active and reactive power.
Elective Modules
Students have access to a wide variety of elective module to tailor their curriculum to suit their focus. Elective courses include for example:
- Partial Differential Equations
- Datamining and Machine Learning
- Project Management and Strategic Planning
- Simulation
- Advanced Circuit Design
- Theory of Computation
- Measurements and Stochastic Variables
- Linear Dynamical Systems
- Energy Economics
- International and European Energy Law
- Probability and Stochastic Processes
- Engineering Optimization
- Economics of Energy Markets
>> More information on all available courses can be obtained from the course overview page.
Exchange
The Iceland School of Energy is proud to partner with many universities in Europe and around the world to offer our students exchange programs for 1 to 2 semesters. This provides a unique opportunity for students, many of whom are already international students, to further broaden their knowledge and experiences by studying abroad at one of our esteemed partner institutions.
- Through our partnerships, students have the opportunity to study in countries such as Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Colombia, Mexico, and Indonesia.
- These exchange programs allow students to gain an even more global perspective on the energy industry and learn from different cultures and teaching methods.
- Students can also collaborate on thesis topics with faculty at our partner institutions, providing a unique and valuable experience.
- By participating in an exchange program, students can specialize in their chosen field and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
- For a complete list of our partner institutions and the programs offered, please visit https://en.ru.is/international/partnerinstitutions/#tab7.
Overall, the exchange programs offered at the Iceland School of Energy provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain even more international experience and enhance their education.
Admission
Admission requirements
The degree is open for students with a bachelor's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics and other related fields. A background in power systems and circuit analysis is recommended.
A grade point average of 8 out of 10 or equivalent is recommended.
Language Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English.
- A minimum TOEFL test score of 577 (paper-based test) is required (230 in the computer-based test, 91 in the internet-based test)
- IELTS score of at least 6.5 (academic only)
- DAAD Language Certificate with at least B2
- Cambridge Certificate with at least B2
English Language Requirements are Waived if:
- The applicant's first language is English.
- The applicant has completed a higher education degree where the language of instruction was English (minimum requirement 3 years full-time). A certificate from the university will be required for confirmation.
- Countries exempted from English skills requirements: Due to equal national admission requirements for universities in countries like Iceland: Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark.
Tuition
Find out more about the tuition and other fees here:
Apply
Interested in applying to ISE?
- CV / Resume
- Official University Transcripts (hard copy and digital accepted)
- 2 Letters of Reference (sent to admissions@ru.is directly from referee's institutional email)
- Photocopy of Passport
- Personal Statement (500 word max)
- English Language Test Score Certificate (if applicable)
More info:
Contact us
Have a question about the degree?
You can reach out to us any day by simply sending us an email at ise@ru.is.
| Photo | Name | Title | Contact | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jacob Kaminski | Program Administrator | ise@ru.is | Prospective students may reach out for questions regarding any of our graduate programmes. |
 | Ragnar Kristjánsson | Assistant Professor | ragnark@ru.is | Contact for questions regarding the content, structure of the graduate programme, and other inquires about it. |
 | Verity L. Sharp | International Admissions Officer | admissions@ru.is | Contact for general questions regarding the application process, visa-related issues and inquires. |