Master’s in ADMS/DMS for Distribution Networks: LV/MV State Estimation
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in ADMS/DMS for distribution networks, covering LV/MV state estimation and optimisation. 12 modules covering ADMS architecture, three-phase network modelling, load flow, MV and LV state estimation, FLISR, Volt/VAR control, reconfiguration, DER management and ADMS implementation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in ADMS/DMS for Distribution Networks: LV/MV State Estimation — studying from Canada
Canada's energy sector spans oil and gas in Alberta, hydroelectricity in Québec and Manitoba, nuclear generation in Ontario, and growing wind and solar capacity across several provinces. Transmission and distribution networks are operated by provincial utilities such as Hydro-Québec and Ontario Power Generation, alongside private operators. Grid modernisation, interconnection and energy efficiency are priority areas for engineers. Regulation is handled by provincial energy boards and the federal Canada Energy Regulator.
Fees for Canada: C$9,230 (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Who licenses energy and power network engineers in Canada?
Power and energy engineers in Canada usually obtain Professional Engineer licences from provincial associations, which regulate the use of the title and require accredited education and experience. SEIUM's qualifications are private, not official state degrees and not accredited by a national body, so they do not themselves grant licensing. Employers or relevant bodies decide recognition, so verify this first.
Do Canadian utilities and energy employers value this type of training?
Canadian utilities and energy firms, including those in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, typically prioritise licensed engineers and verifiable operational experience. A SEIUM qualification may complement your profile, and a strong final project can help demonstrate skills, but its acceptance is for each employer to decide. Ask employers what they expect before enrolling.
Can I study alongside a job, and what about funding and language?
Yes, the programmes are fully online, so you can study from home without a student visa and plan sessions around work. Specialist courses are 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 and master's 1,900. Instruction is in English, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible.
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
Understand the functional architecture of ADMS systems.
Model unbalanced three-phase distribution networks.
Calculate load flows in medium- and low-voltage networks.
Design state estimators for medium and low voltage.
Implement FLISR and Volt/VAR control functions.
Integrate distributed resources into network management.
Plan the implementation and operation of an ADMS.
Who it's for
- ADMS systems engineers.
- Distribution operation engineers working in control centres.
- Distribution network analysts.
- Network automation engineers.
- Smart grid consultants.
- Network modelling engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter electricity distribution.
What you'll work with
- IEC 61968-1 (interface architecture for distribution management)
- IEC 61970-301 (CIM) (common information model)
- IEC 61850-7-420 (communication for distributed energy resources)
- IEEE 2030.5 (smart energy profile for DER communication)
- UNE-EN 50160 (voltage characteristics of public distribution networks)
- IEEE 1366 (distribution reliability indices)
- IEC 62351 (security for power system communications)
- Royal Decree 1955/2000 (Spanish regulation of electricity transmission, distribution and supply)
- OpenDSS
- pandapower
- DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- GridLAB-D
- MATLAB
12 modules
1.1Structure of medium- and low-voltage networks1.2Radial, ring and meshed topologies1.3Secondary substations and their equipment1.4Traditional distribution operation1.5Impact of distributed resources1.6From SCADA to ADMS1.7Functions of an operations centre1.8Quality of service indicators1.9Distribution regulation in Spain1.10Case study: diagnosis of an urban MV network
2.1SCADA, DMS and OMS components2.2Integration with GIS, CIS and AMI2.3Network model and dynamic topology2.4CIM-based interfaces2.5Communications architecture2.6ADMS cybersecurity2.7Performance and scalability2.8Vendor selection2.9Implementation phases2.10Lab: CIM network model for an ADMS
3.1Unbalanced three-phase modelling3.2Lines and cables with impedance matrices3.3Transformers and their connections3.4ZIP load models3.5Distributed generation in the model3.6Regulators and capacitors3.7Low-voltage modelling3.8Model errors and their detection3.9Model maintenance3.10Practical exercise: three-phase model in OpenDSS
4.1Backward/forward sweep method4.2Three-phase Newton-Raphson method4.3Current injection method4.4Weakly meshed networks4.5Convergence with high DG penetration4.6Quasi-static load flow4.7Time-series analysis4.8Calculation tools4.9Validation against measurements4.10Lab: time-series load flow with OpenDSS
5.1Formulation of the state estimation problem5.2Weighted least squares5.3Observability and redundancy5.4Pseudo-measurements from profiles5.5Virtual and zero-injection measurements5.6Bad data detection and identification5.7Estimation with feeder-head measurements5.8Integration of secondary substation measurements5.9Accuracy and validation5.10Practical exercise: WLS estimator for an MV network
6.1Scarcity of measurements in low voltage6.2Use of smart meter data6.3Topology and phase identification6.4Estimation with time-lagged data6.5Bayesian estimation methods6.6Machine learning for estimation6.7Voltage estimation at the end of feeders6.8Detection of low-voltage overloads6.9Limitations and accuracy6.10Lab: LV estimation with AMI data
7.1Impedance-based fault location7.2Fault passage indicators7.3Automatic isolation of the faulted section7.4Service restoration7.5Reconfiguration algorithms7.6Coordination with protection7.7Centralised and distributed FLISR7.8TIEPI improvement indicators7.9Outage management (OMS)7.10Practical exercise: FLISR on an MV network
8.1Integrated Volt/VAR control8.2Voltage regulators and on-load tap changers8.3Capacitor banks8.4Control of photovoltaic inverters8.5Conservation Voltage Reduction8.6Real-time optimisation8.7MV and LV coordination8.8On-load tap-changing transformers8.9Benefit assessment8.10Case study: Volt/VAR control with high solar penetration
9.1Loss minimisation9.2Optimal network reconfiguration9.3Optimal power flow in distribution9.4Congestion management9.5Hosting capacity constraints9.6Mixed-integer programming9.7Heuristics and metaheuristics9.8Optimisation under uncertainty9.9Evaluation of solutions9.10Lab: reconfiguration for minimum losses
10.1DERMS and its relationship with ADMS10.2Integration of storage10.3Electric vehicle management10.4Local flexibility and markets10.5Coordination with the system operator10.6Forecasting of distributed resources10.7Dynamic operating envelopes10.8Communication with IEEE 2030.510.9Microgrids in distribution10.10Workshop: congestion management with flexibility
11.1Network model quality11.2FAT and SAT acceptance testing11.3Operator training11.4Training simulators11.5Performance indicators11.6Maintenance and upgrades11.7Change management11.8Lessons from real implementations11.9Evolution towards the network digital twin11.10Case study: ADMS implementation plan
12.1Selection of the study network12.2Construction of the three-phase model12.3Definition of the measurement set12.4Design of the state estimator12.5Validation of the estimation12.6Advanced application built on the estimator12.7Analysis of results12.8Implementation proposal12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online 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 can be combined with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is OpenDSS, pandapower, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, GridLAB-D and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for validating estimators with real measurements, simulating FLISR sequences and time-series analysis of networks with distributed generation. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: IEC 61968-1, IEC 61970-301 (CIM), IEC 61850-7-420, IEEE 2030.5, UNE-EN 50160, IEEE 1366, IEC 62351, Royal Decree 1955/2000.
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
- 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.
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, pandapower, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, GridLAB-D and MATLAB, 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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