MSc Electric Power Engineering
The MSc Electric Power Engineering program provides an all-encompassing understanding of power systems engineering, seamlessly merging technology with business processes desired in the field. It hones in on fundamental principles while equipping students with pragmatic analytical skills and advanced techniques, fostering a well-rounded mastery of the field. This holistic approach empowers students to tackle the intricate challenges posed by the energy sector, ensuring effective solutions across its diverse landscape.
Overview
Language: English
Duration: 24 months of continuous study.
Format: Full-time, on-campus.
Start: Late July
Positioned at the forefront of the global energy shift, the MSc Electric Power Engineering program addresses the pressing need to establish robust and environmentally-conscious energy systems. In a landscape of constant evolution, the field faces daily challenges that call for innovative solutions. It profoundly shapes our energy outlook, whether by tapping geothermal potential beneath Iceland's crust or harnessing wind energy. Beyond its sustainability commitment, this discipline pioneers adaptive solutions to the ever-changing energy landscape. Through this program, our goal is to equip future engineers with the technical knowledge to effectively address these challenges, driving us towards a cleaner future with energy security and economic prosperity.
Collaboration – Inside Access
In collaboration with our partners, including global leaders in renewable energy like Reykjavik Energy and Iceland Geosurvey, students are offered unparalleled insights into the entire sustainable energy spectrum. From witnessing the power of geothermal power plants to understanding the intricacies of sustainable energy laws, the journey is comprehensive and enlightening.
Student Body and Faculty
The Sustainable Energy Science program attracts a diverse cohort of students, with backgrounds spanning from business and engineering to social sciences and natural sciences. While students from disciplines such as Business, Engineering, Economics, Geology, and Geography often find the curriculum especially enriching, our doors are open to passionate learners from all academic realms. This rich tapestry of backgrounds fosters a unique interdisciplinary environment, enriched further by our faculty— a blend of seasoned academics and industry professionals. Together, they ensure a holistic and practical understanding of sustainable energy challenges.
The program aims to equip students with the ability to apply sustainable energy concepts and quantitative methods to real-world challenges. Students will gain insights into the significance of a holistic approach, understanding the interplay between technology, economics, and policy-making. Moreover, with the looming challenge of climate change, the principles and tools of sustainable energy are indispensable in crafting global solutions.
Join us in this journey as we explore the vast discipline of sustainable energy, delve into its complexities, and emerge with knowledge and skills that not only promise a sustainable future but also pave the way for innovative solutions in the field of energy.
Program Structure
Duration and Format
- Duration: 24 months of continuous study.
- Format: Full-time, on-campus.
- Credits: 120 ECTS
Pathways to Specialization:
- Engineering: This track emphasizes the technical aspects of electric power systems, equipping students with the skills to design, develop, and manage modern power systems. The curriculum covers high voltage engineering, smart grids, power system simulation, and more. Graduates can pursue roles such as power systems engineer, analyst, or high voltage engineer.
- Management: This track combines technical and social aspects of electric power and energy systems. Students develop expertise in engineering principles, economics, and power systems engineering. This prepares them for diverse roles including project managers, energy analysts, and utility managers, where they can contribute to the efficient management of power systems and operations.
While these pathways provide a structured approach, they are by no means restrictive. We encourage our students to traverse between them, ensuring a holistic understanding and fostering interdisciplinary exploration.
Core Courses:
- Data Mining and Machine Learning (8 ECTS): Explore pattern recognition, classifier design, and statistical techniques in this comprehensive course. Covering Bayesian decision theory, neural networks, and advanced methods, you'll apply concepts using tools like Python. The skills gained find practical applications in energy, from data analysis to optimization, enabling informed decision-making in the dynamic energy landscape.
- High Voltage Engineering (8 ECTS): Uncover the essentials of high voltage engineering in this 12-week course. Learn characteristics of electrical fields, analyze distributions using Finite-Difference codes, and explore breakdown phenomena. Gain practical insights into generating and measuring DC, AC, and impulse high-voltages, along with the design and application of insulating materials in electrical components.
- Power Systems Simulation (6 ECTS): Explore the essentials of power system simulation in this 12-week course. Delve into power system modeling, steady-state behavior, power flow solutions, and more. Gain proficiency in calculating electrical parameters, analyzing single-phase and three-phase systems, and interpreting manufacturer data. This specialized course provides practical skills for tackling real-world power system challenges. Join us to dive into the realm of power system simulation.
- Power Systems Operation (8 ECTS): Explore power system operation in this 12-week course. Learn about fault analysis, protection principles, and energy management methods. Understand computational techniques for solving complex power system problems, along with transmission line transient operation and insulation coordination.
- Stability & Control in Power Systems (8 ECTS): Gain insights into power system stability and control in this 12-week course. Explore stability problems, limitations affecting stability, and practical assessment methods. Through hands-on numerical simulations using tools like MatLab and Python, develop skills to address power system stability challenges.
Personal Study Plan
Addressing energy challenges requires a collective effort, drawing insights and expertise from every corner of academia and industry. At the Iceland School of Energy, we believe in the power of diverse backgrounds coming together to forge innovative solutions. We collaborate across the university and various disciplines, tailoring study plans to ensure every student remains engaged, inspired, and constantly challenged.
Sample Schedule - Electric Power
| Summer | Autumn | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | 6 ECTS
| 31 ECTS 12 Weeks
| 32 ECTS 12 Weeks
3 Weeks
|
Year 2 |
| 30 ECTS
| 30 ECTS
|
Sample Schedule - Electric Power Management
| Summer | Autumn | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | 6 ECTS
| 34 ECTS 12 Weeks
3 Weeks
| 32 ECTS 12 Weeks
3 Weeks
|
Year 2 |
| 30 ECTS
| 30 ECTS
|
Core Courses and Electives
Data Mining and Machine Learning
Apply the data mining methods and implement the machine learning algorithms presented in the course using standard programming languages such as Python or Matlab and software packages, design a suitable machine learning algorithm for a real world problem, evaluate its performance, compare different designs and implementations and interpret the results, and present findings and new results in the subject.
Energy Economics
This foundational course, integral to our energy policy and economics pathway, delves into the nuances of energy demand and supply, pricing mechanisms, environmental implications, and the ever-changing world of public policies. Through hands-on exercises, in-depth analyses, and expert-led discussions, gain insights into global oil and gas markets, power sector monopolies, and sustainable energy solutions. Energy Economics is designed to empower students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the energy sector.
Energy Field School
This three-week course provides a comprehensive introduction to sustainable technology. Through a combination of lectures and site visits, students gain insights into the factors driving the demand for sustainable energy and the practicalities of implementing these technologies. With guidance from our experienced faculty, you'll have the opportunity to see sustainable energy systems in action and understand their real-world applications.
High Voltage Engineering
Uncover the essentials of high voltage engineering in this 12-week course. Learn characteristics of electrical fields, analyze distributions using Finite-Difference codes, and explore breakdown phenomena. Gain practical insights into generating and measuring DC, AC, and impulse high-voltages, along with the design and application of insulating materials in electrical components.
Power Electronics (6 ECTS)
In this 12-week course, you'll explore the realm of power electronics and electronic switches. Discover the underlying principles behind AC and DC power conversion. Delve into DC-DC converters, AC-DC rectifiers, and AC-DC inverters. Understand pulse-width modulation, resonant converters, and drive circuits. Practical applications of power electronics, such as snubber circuits and heat sinks, will also be covered.
Power Systems Operation
Explore power system operation in this 12-week course. Learn about fault analysis, protection principles, and energy management methods. Understand computational techniques for solving complex power system problems, along with transmission line transient operation and insulation coordination.
Power System Simulation
Explore the essentials of power system simulation in this 12-week course. Delve into power system modeling, steady-state behavior, power flow solutions, and more. Gain proficiency in calculating electrical parameters, analyzing single-phase and three-phase systems, and interpreting manufacturer data. This specialized course provides practical skills for tackling real-world power system challenges. Join us to dive into the realm of power system simulation.
Research Methods
This course emphasizes the importance of robust research skills. Students will be guided through literature surveys, scientific writing techniques, and research project management, ensuring they're well-prepared for academic endeavors in subsequent courses.
Smart Grid and Sustainable Power Systems
In this 12-week journey into electric power systems and the transformative world of smart grids. Explore energy resources, control, and automation, along with the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in smart grid applications. Delve into renewable energy integration, stability analysis, and high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission. This course also offers insights into real-world case studies, experiences, and projects in the realm of smart grids.
Stability and Control in Electric Power Systems
This 12-week course equips you with the knowledge needed to understand power system stability and control. Explore stability problems that can arise, including frequency, transient rotor angle, and voltage stability issues. Learn about grid-related and machine-related limitations affecting power system stability. Through hands-on numerical simulations and analysis using tools like MatLab and Python, you'll gain practical experience in assessing and addressing system stability challenges.
>> More information on all available courses can be obtained from the course overview page.
Study Abroad & Exchange
Students from the Iceland School of Energy during their year exchange as part of the dual degree between Reykjavik University and Aalto University Finland focused on electric power and automation.
At the Iceland School of Energy, we believe in the power of global perspectives. That's why we've established partnerships with renowned universities across Europe and beyond, enabling our students to embark on programs ranging from a few days to a semester or two.
Typically, students opt for these exchange opportunities in their second year or later. This timing allows them to align their overseas studies with their thesis research, delving deeper into specialized topics and benefiting from the expertise available at our partner institutions.
For many of our students, who hail from various corners of the world, these program offers an enriching chance to diversify their academic journey. Our partner institutions are spread across countries including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Romania, Colombia, Mexico, and Indonesia, offering a myriad of learning environments and cultural experiences.
Benefits of our exchange programs include:
- Gaining a broader understanding of the global energy landscape.
- Immersing in diverse teaching methodologies and cultural nuances.
- Collaborative opportunities, such as co-authoring thesis topics with faculty from partner universities.
- Specializing further in specific areas of interest, enhancing employability and industry readiness.
In essence, our exchange programs are more than just academic adventures; they're pathways to global understanding, fostering well-rounded professionals ready to make impactful contributions in the energy sector.
Admission
Admission Requirements
The Electric Power Engineering program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and related fields. While not mandatory, a background in power systems and circuit analysis is recommended to excel in the program.
Beneficial Undergraduate Degrees
Having an undergraduate degree in one of the following disciplines will be beneficial:
- Electrical Engineering
- Power Systems Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
For further details regarding admission requirements and the application process, please visit our Admissions page for the Iceland School of Energy at: Admissions Page
Recommend GPA
The recommended grade point average (GPA) for admission is 8 out of 10 on the Icelandic selected grade point scale, which is equivalent to a GPA of 3.25 out of 4 on the U.S. scale.
Chartered Engineer
To graduate with a master's degree in engineering and become a chartered engineer in Iceland, students must fulfill requirements set forth by the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. See here for more information.
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.
Jacob Kaminski
Program Administrator
