MSc Power Systems Engineering
Background
Electrical power systems which play a pivotal role in modern economies are presently experiencing revolutionary changes. Environmental pressures as well as the sharp rise in demand have necessitated a revision of the portfolio of energy resources. Conventional energy sources are gradually moving away from load centers. This has resulted in a rise in transmission level voltages. Dispersed generations are also being introduced at load centers to reduce demand on main grids and also address environmental concerns associated with conventional energy sources. It is expected that an increased amount of dispersed renewable generation units, such as photovoltaic systems, biomass systems and small wind turbines will be connected to the grid at the distribution level. Also, the connection of large solar and wind farms at the transmission level is in focus. Although these may offer economic, environmental and technical benefits, there are technical challenges and uncertainties. Also, the growing need to interconnect various national grids in order to improve the cost, reliability and security of power delivery has brought about high voltage direct current transmission. Furthermore, utilities are anticipating the development of a so-called “smart grid” that promises new opportunities for efficient and reliable use of electric power. Therefore, the skills that electric power engineers require need to be updated accordingly.
Globally, there is the need for skilled power system engineers for planning, designing, constructing, operating, controlling and carrying out economic analysis of power system networks. Additionally, there is the need to develop the capabilities of power system engineers to carry out research aimed at improving power system operations. The MPhil Electrical Power Systems Engineering programme seeks to address inadequacies in key skills required for reliable and efficient operation of modern power systems.
Aims and Objectives:
The programme aims to give students the skills and specialist knowledge required to significantly enhance their career prospects in the field of electrical engineering.
In pursuit of the above aim, the following objectives will be pursued. To
- provide students with knowledge and skills to plan, design and operate modern electric power systems;
- provide graduates with the skill to carry out research in electric power systems; and
- develop new techniques and tools for improved power system operation.
The programme will develop the power engineering skills through expert teaching and extensive research work undertaken in collaboration with power industry partners.
Students’ admission, progression and graduation
General Qualifications
Applicants with a BSc/BEng degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering discipline from a recognised University with a minimum average grade of 2nd class lower division. Applicants with degrees from closely related disciplines such as BSc/BEng in Electronics or Physics could also be considered.
Programme Requirements
In addition to the general qualification, candidates must pass an interview.
Qualifications for retention
A student must register the required courses during each semester and attend lectures in order to continue in the programme.
Requirements For Graduation
For the award of the MPhil degree, the student must have
- passed all courses.
- achieved a minimum of 57 credits hours.
- obtained a minimum pass mark of 50% in any examination.
- obtained a minimum cumulative weighted average (CWA) of 55.00 (for taught courses and seminars)
- submitted and successfully defended a project.
Employment:
Employment opportunities exist for graduates of this programme in the following areas:
- Power industry
- Oil and gas industry
- Mining industry
- Manufacturing industry
- Teaching and research institutions
- Self employment
MODE OF APPLICATION
- Applicants (International) must apply online. International applicants who are admitted will be required to pay an application fee of USD 200.00 before registration.
- Candidates should proceed to online admissions website: KNUST Application Portal and begin the application process.
- Once the process has been completed, candidates MUST PRINT OUT 2 COPIES of the completed application form from the portal and submit them (by post) to the School of Graduate Studies together with all relevant documents (Photocopies of Certificates, Recommendation Letters, and Transcript for those attending KNUST for the first time) to the following address:
The Secretary
School of Graduate Studies
KNUST
Kumasi-Ghana