Master'sEnergy and Networks Applications open

Master’s in FACTS and Power Flow Control

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in FACTS and power flow control, with 12 modules covering shunt and series compensation (SVC, STATCOM, TCSC, SSSC), combined controllers such as the UPFC, power electronics, modelling and control of FACTS, system studies, distribution solutions and grid enhancing technologies (IEEE 1031, IEEE 1052, IEC 60700-1), with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1,900 hours · 12–14 months

ModeOnline

LanguageEnglish

Start datesSet by the faculty

AwardSEIUM Institute diploma

Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor

Master’s in FACTS and Power Flow Control — studying from Australia

Australia's energy sector is undergoing major transition, with significant growth in renewable generation, grid-scale storage and transmission upgrades. The National Electricity Market and the Wholesale Electricity Market in Western Australia are key frameworks shaping investment and operations. Engineers work on network planning, power system analysis, asset management and integration of distributed energy resources. Employers include network operators, generators, retailers, the Australian Energy Market Operator and engineering consultancies.

Fees for Australia: A$9,410 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.

Relevant bodies in Australia

Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Clean Energy Regulator
Energy Networks Australia

Typical roles

Power Systems Engineer
Network Planning Engineer
Grid Integration Engineer
Energy Asset Engineer

Questions from Australia

Which Australian bodies and regulators cover energy and networks engineering?

Engineers Australia is the main professional body, and the Australian Energy Regulator and the Australian Energy Market Operator oversee the national electricity market. State network regulators also apply. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so recognition is decided by employers or the regulator.

What energy and network careers in Australia could this training support?

Australia has electricity network operators, renewable energy developers, grid planners and utilities that employ engineers in these fields. Employers usually prioritise accredited qualifications, licensing and project experience. A SEIUM qualification may add to your profile, but its value depends on each employer.

Is the course workable with a job, and does employer funding exist?

Yes, the programmes are online and taught in English, so you can study from Australia without a student visa. Specialist courses are 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's 1,900, with an assigned technical tutor and final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible, though it is arranged case by case.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

Analyse power flow control problems.

Understand shunt and series compensation devices.

Analyse combined controllers such as the UPFC.

Model FACTS devices in different simulation environments.

Design control strategies for FACTS devices.

Carry out system studies with FACTS.

Assess grid enhancing technologies.

Profile

Who it's for

FACTS systems engineers
Network studies engineers
Power electronics engineers
Power system control engineers
Transmission network planners
Commissioning engineers
Engineering or science graduates looking to join transmission system operators

Standards & tools

What you'll work with

IEEE 1031 (guide for the functional specification of SVCs)
IEEE 1052 (guide for the functional specification of STATCOMs)
IEC 60700-1 (thyristor valves for HVDC power transmission)
IEEE 2745.1 (unified power flow controller specification)
IEC 62927 (voltage sourced converter valves for STATCOM)
CIGRE TB 663 (guidelines for the procurement and testing of STATCOMs)
IEEE 824 (series capacitor banks in power systems)
Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (transmission system operation guideline)
DIgSILENT PowerFactory
PSCAD/EMTDC
PSS/E
MATLAB/Simulink
RTDS

Syllabus

12 modules

1.1Power flow in meshed networks
1.2Transmission capacity limits
1.3Congestion and parallel flows
1.4The need for power flow control
1.5Conventional control methods
1.6The FACTS concept
1.7Classification of FACTS devices
1.8Technical and economic benefits
1.9International experience with FACTS
1.10Case study: congestion on an interconnector

2.1Shunt reactive power compensation
2.2Switchable reactors and capacitors
2.3Static var compensator (SVC)
2.4TCR and TSC configurations
2.5Static compensator (STATCOM)
2.6STATCOM with multilevel converters
2.7SVC and STATCOM comparison
2.8Voltage control
2.9Applications in networks with renewables
2.10Lab: simulation of a STATCOM

3.1Fixed series compensation
3.2Thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC)
3.3Static synchronous series compensator (SSSC)
3.4Risk of subsynchronous resonance
3.5Resonance mitigation
3.6Protection of series capacitors
3.7Increasing transmission capacity
3.8Applications on long lines
3.9Coordination with protection systems
3.10Practical exercise: subsynchronous resonance study

4.1Unified power flow controller (UPFC)
4.2Interline power flow controller (IPFC)
4.3Mechanical phase-shifting transformers
4.4Thyristor-controlled phase shifters
4.5Modular power flow controllers
4.6Distributed control devices
4.7Device comparison
4.8Technology selection
4.9Reference projects
4.10Lab: power flow control with a UPFC

5.1Thyristors and their applications
5.2High-voltage IGBTs and IGCTs
5.3Voltage source converters
5.4Modular multilevel converters
5.5Valves and cooling
5.6Converter losses
5.7Harmonics and filtering
5.8Reliability and redundancy
5.9Technology trends in semiconductors
5.10Practical exercise: sizing a STATCOM converter

6.1Steady-state models
6.2Load flow models
6.3RMS dynamic models
6.4Detailed EMT models
6.5Generic industry models
6.6Model validation
6.7Simulation tools
6.8Interface with network models
6.9Model limitations
6.10Lab: SVC model in PowerFactory

7.1Voltage control
7.2Power control
7.3Oscillation damping
7.4Transient stability control
7.5Coordinated control of multiple FACTS
7.6Wide-area control
7.7Use of phasor measurements
7.8Controller tuning
7.9Control testing
7.10Practical exercise: damping inter-area oscillations

8.1Optimal power flow with FACTS
8.2Optimal device placement
8.3Stability studies
8.4Contingency studies
8.5Harmonic studies with FACTS
8.6Interaction between controllers
8.7Interaction with HVDC
8.8Connection studies
8.9Writing technical reports
8.10Lab: optimal placement of a STATCOM

9.1D-STATCOM in distribution
9.2Dynamic voltage restorers
9.3Soft open points
9.4Power flow control at medium voltage
9.5Power quality improvement
9.6Integration of distributed generation
9.7Microgrids with power electronics
9.8Distribution company case studies
9.9Benefit assessment
9.10Case study: soft open point at medium voltage

10.1Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs)
10.2Dynamic line rating
10.3Dynamic topology optimisation
10.4Modular power flow controllers
10.5Comparison with grid reinforcement
10.6Regulation of GETs
10.7European experience with GETs
10.8Cost-benefit analysis of GETs
10.9Rapid deployment of solutions
10.10Practical exercise: dynamic rating of a line

11.1Technical specification of FACTS
11.2Installation design
11.3Civil works and buildings
11.4Protection systems
11.5Factory acceptance testing
11.6Site testing
11.7Commissioning
11.8Operation and maintenance
11.9Availability and reliability
11.10Workshop: technical specification of a STATCOM

12.1Definition of the network problem
12.2System modelling
12.3Device selection
12.4Control design
12.5System studies
12.6Benefit assessment
12.7Economic analysis of the solution
12.8Conclusions and recommendations
12.9Master's Thesis report
12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel

Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, MATLAB/Simulink and RTDS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for EMT simulation of FACTS devices, real-time control testing and optimal placement studies. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: IEEE 1031, IEEE 1052, IEC 60700-1, IEEE 2745.1, IEC 62927, CIGRE TB 663, IEEE 824, Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 on system operation.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.

Standards-based learning:guided reading of IEEE 1031, IEEE 1052 and IEC 60700-1 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.

Industry software:DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, MATLAB/Simulink and RTDS, in free, academic or evaluation versions.

Master's Thesis with defence:A FACTS solution for a real network problem, from system modelling and device selection to control design and economic analysis, defended before a panel.

Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.

Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

STATCOM simulation

Simulate a STATCOM and size its converter.

Resonance study

Carry out a subsynchronous resonance study for series compensation.

Oscillation damping

Design FACTS control to damp inter-area oscillations.

Optimal placement

Determine the optimal placement of a STATCOM through system studies.

Master's Thesis

Develop a FACTS solution for a real network problem, defended before a panel.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

FACTS systems engineerNetwork studies engineerPower electronics engineerPower system control engineerTransmission network plannerCommissioning engineer

Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
An internet connection and a computer capable of running 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.

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FAQ

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 DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, MATLAB/Simulink and RTDS, 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 degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software 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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