Master’s in ADMS/DMS for Distribution Networks
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in ADMS/DMS for distribution networks. 12 modules covering distribution network analysis, SCADA, CIM and ADMS architecture, advanced applications, FLISR, distributed energy resources, flexibility, analytics and cybersecurity to IEC 61968, IEC 61970-301 and IEC 61850, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in ADMS/DMS for Distribution Networks — studying from Australia
Australia's infrastructure pipeline is substantial, covering roads, rail, ports, water and urban development across major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Rail engineering is especially active, with projects including Sydney Metro and Melbourne Metro. Smart city initiatives draw on sensors, data platforms and digital twins to improve transport, utilities and public services. Employers include state transport authorities, engineering consultancies such as Aurecon and WSP, and major contractors. Engineers work on design, asset management, construction oversight and sustainability.
Fees for Australia: A$9,410 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Does a SEIUM qualification meet Australian civil engineering registration requirements?
No. Civil engineers in Australia typically need an Engineers Australia accredited degree to pursue Chartered status, and state and territory rail and infrastructure regulators set their own requirements. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so employers or regulators decide how much weight they carry.
Which Australian employers hire in civil, rail and smart cities?
Australia has public infrastructure agencies, rail operators, engineering consultancies and councils working on urban and smart city projects. Employers usually prioritise accredited qualifications, licensing and project experience. Ask potential employers whether a private online qualification would be considered alongside your experience.
Is the course workable alongside work, and what does it cost?
The courses are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from anywhere in Australia without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's 1,900, so plan your time accordingly. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship may be possible, and you will have an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse distribution networks and their regulation.
Simulate the behaviour of distribution networks.
Integrate SCADA, GIS and CIM models into an ADMS.
Apply advanced network operation functions.
Implement outage management and FLISR systems.
Integrate distributed resources and flexibility services.
Lead ADMS implementation projects.
Who it's for
- ADMS systems engineers
- Distribution control centre operators
- Network automation engineers
- Power network data analysts
- Renewables integration specialists
- OT cybersecurity managers
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into electricity distribution
What you'll work with
- IEC 61968 (application integration at electric utilities – distribution management)
- IEC 61970-301 (Common Information Model (CIM) base)
- IEC 61850 (communication networks and systems for power utility automation)
- IEC 60870-5-104 (telecontrol protocol over TCP/IP)
- IEC 62351 (security for power system communications)
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed energy resources)
- EN 50160 (voltage characteristics of public distribution networks)
- Directive (EU) 2019/944 (common rules for the internal electricity market)
- OpenDSS
- DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- pandapower
- Siemens Spectrum Power
- Schneider Electric EcoStruxure ADMS
12 modules
1.1Structure of medium- and low-voltage networks1.2Radial and meshed topologies1.3Substations and transformer stations1.4Switchgear and protection1.5Quality of supply1.6TIEPI and NIEPI continuity indices1.7Distribution regulation1.8Energy transition in distribution1.9The network operator as an active manager1.10Case study: analysis of the network of a medium-sized city
2.1Load flow in radial networks2.2Backward/forward sweep methods2.3Unbalanced networks2.4Short circuit in distribution2.5Technical losses2.6Voltage profiles2.7Load models2.8Demand estimation2.9Time-series simulation2.10Lab: load flow with OpenDSS
3.1Architecture of power SCADA3.2Remote terminal units3.3IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3 protocols3.4IEC 61850 substation automation3.5Field communications3.6Remote control of transformer stations3.7Smart meters3.8Real-time data quality3.9Redundancy and availability3.10Practical: configuring a simulated RTU
4.1From DMS to ADMS4.2Functional architecture of an ADMS4.3Common Information Model (CIM)4.4Integration with GIS4.5Integration with OMS and MDM4.6As-operated network model4.7Enterprise interfaces4.8Commercial platforms4.9Network model life cycle4.10Lab: CIM model exchange
5.1State estimator5.2Real-time load flow5.3Volt-var control5.4Topology optimisation5.5Reconfiguration for minimum losses5.6Contingency analysis5.7Protection coordination5.8Short-term demand forecasting5.9Dispatcher training simulator5.10Practical: volt-var control on a test network
6.1Fault location6.2Automatic isolation6.3Service restoration6.4Centralised and distributed FLISR algorithms6.5Fault indicators6.6Outage management (OMS)6.7Crews and work management6.8Customer communication6.9Quality indicators and regulation6.10Lab: FLISR algorithm on a meshed network
7.1Distributed photovoltaic generation7.2Battery storage7.3Electric vehicles and charging7.4Self-consumption and energy communities7.5Connection requirements7.6DERMS systems7.7Hosting capacity7.8Smart inverters7.9Microgrids and island mode7.10Case study: hosting capacity of a feeder
8.1Flexibility services8.2Local flexibility markets8.3TSO–DSO coordination8.4Aggregators8.5Congestion management8.6Demand response8.7Dynamic tariffs8.8European flexibility platforms8.9European regulatory framework8.10Practical: simulated flexibility auction
9.1Smart meter data9.2Detection of non-technical losses9.3Predictive asset maintenance9.4Renewable generation forecasting9.5Reinforcement learning in control9.6Digital twins of the network9.7Network data visualisation9.8Data governance9.9Model quality and validation9.10Lab: demand forecasting with machine learning
10.1Threats to power systems10.2Real incidents in power grids10.3Security in IEC 6235110.4Defence-in-depth architectures10.5OT network segmentation10.6Identity and access management10.7Security monitoring10.8Incident response10.9Regulatory obligations10.10Workshop: risk analysis of a control centre
11.1Business case for an ADMS11.2Requirements specification11.3Vendor selection11.4Data migration11.5Systems integration11.6Acceptance testing11.7Operator training11.8Organisational change management11.9Evolution and maintenance11.10Case study: lessons from implementations in Europe
12.1Problem definition12.2State of the art12.3Data and study network12.4Methodology12.5Development of functions or architecture12.6Simulation and results12.7Economic analysis12.8Conclusions and future work12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenDSS, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, pandapower, Siemens Spectrum Power and Schneider Electric EcoStruxure ADMS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for real-time load flow simulation, FLISR algorithm testing and renewable hosting capacity analysis. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: IEC 61968, IEC 61970-301, IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, IEC 62351, IEEE 1547-2018, EN 50160, Directive (EU) 2019/944.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with OpenDSS, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, pandapower, Siemens Spectrum Power, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure ADMS, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience, plus an internet connection, a suitable computer and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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