Master’s in DC Networks and Nano/Microgrids: DC Architectures
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in DC networks and nano/microgrids, with 12 modules covering DC topologies, earthing systems, converters, bus voltage control, DC protection, DC architectures in buildings, industry and transport, modelling and simulation, standards and techno-economic assessment (IEC 60364-8-2, IEC 60364-4-41, IEC 61851-23), with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in DC Networks and Nano/Microgrids: DC Architectures — studying from Malta
Malta's energy sector is undergoing significant change as the country seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuels and meet European Union climate commitments. The national utility Enemalta plc, together with regulators and private developers, is driving investment in gas supply, renewable generation and grid modernisation. Opportunities exist in power distribution, interconnection, energy efficiency and water services, given the island's distinctive resource constraints. Engineers typically find roles with utilities, consultancies and public agencies overseeing energy planning.
Fees for Malta: €7,920 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies regulate energy and network engineering in Malta?
The Regulator for Energy and Water Services regulates energy and water markets and network operation in Malta, and the Malta Resources Authority handles energy policy and resources. The Chamber of Engineers (KSU) regulates the title 'engineer'. SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by a national body, so employers or the relevant regulator decide how they are recognised.
What employers in Malta hire for energy and network engineering?
Key employers include the national energy and water utility, network operators, renewable energy developers, and consultancies serving the energy sector. Many roles involve grid, interconnection and renewables projects linked to EU targets. Employers generally expect relevant experience and sometimes chartered status, so a private qualification should complement practical background.
How can I study this while working, and what should I check about time and funding?
Programmes are fully online and taught in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You do not need a student visa to study from Malta. Time commitments range from 300 hours for specialist courses to 1,900 for master's programmes, so plan around your job. Ask about instalment fee options and whether your employer will sponsor you.
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 the advantages of direct current architectures.
Design DC network topologies.
Select DC earthing systems.
Select converters for DC networks.
Design bus voltage control.
Design protection against DC faults.
Assess the techno-economic viability of DC architectures.
Who it's for
- DC architecture engineers
- Power electronics engineers
- Protection engineers
- Electrical installation designers
- Network R&D engineers
- Electrical efficiency consultants
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into the building sector
What you'll work with
- IEC 60364-8-2 (low-voltage electrical installations – prosumer installations)
- IEC 60364-4-41 (protection against electric shock)
- IEC 61851-23 (DC electric vehicle charging stations)
- IEC 60947-2 (low-voltage circuit breakers)
- IEC 62040-5-3 (DC uninterruptible power systems)
- IEC TS 63236 (guidance on DC power distribution in buildings)
- Current/OS Specification (open DC microgrid standard)
- IEEE 2030.10 (DC microgrids for rural and remote electricity access)
- PLECS
- MATLAB/Simulink
- LTspice
- Typhoon HIL
- PSCAD/EMTDC
12 modules
1.1The resurgence of direct current1.2Native DC loads1.3Photovoltaic generation and batteries in DC1.4Efficiency advantages over AC1.5Standardised DC voltage levels1.6Technical and regulatory barriers1.7Industry initiatives: Current/OS and ODCA1.8Use cases in buildings and industry1.9Comparison of conversion losses1.10Case study: conversion balance in a commercial building
2.1Single-bus radial networks2.2Ring and meshed networks2.3Unipolar and bipolar architectures2.4Networks with two voltage levels2.5380 V bus architectures2.648 V extra-low-voltage networks2.7Hybrid AC/DC integration2.8Topology selection by application2.9Architecture scalability2.10Lab: comparison of topologies in simulation
3.1IT, TN and TT systems in DC3.2Midpoint earthing3.3Leakage currents and corrosion3.4Insulation fault detection3.5Safety of persons in DC3.6Physiological effects of direct current3.7IEC 60364 requirements for DC3.8Compatibility with existing equipment3.9Selection of the earthing system3.10Practical exercise: earthing system for a 380 V network
4.1AC/DC interface converters4.2Bidirectional DC/DC converters4.3Solid-state transformer converters4.4End-device converters4.5Isolated and non-isolated converters4.6Efficiency and power density4.7Wide-bandgap semiconductors4.8Converter modelling4.9Reliability of power electronics4.10Lab: bidirectional DC/DC converter
5.1Bus voltage control5.2Droop control in DC5.3DC bus signalling5.4Hierarchical control in DC networks5.5Power sharing between sources5.6Stability with constant power loads5.7Active damping techniques5.8Distributed and consensus control5.9Operating mode management5.10Practical exercise: voltage droop in a three-source network
6.1Challenges of arc extinction in DC6.2Fault currents in DC networks6.3DC fuses6.4Mechanical DC circuit breakers6.5Solid-state circuit breakers6.6Hybrid DC circuit breakers6.7Series arc detection6.8Protection selectivity6.9Protection coordination6.10Lab: fault simulation on a DC bus
7.1DC distribution in offices7.2DC-powered LED lighting7.3Power over Ethernet as distribution7.4DC-powered HVAC7.5DC electric vehicle charging7.6Integration of photovoltaics and batteries7.7Regulations for DC installations7.8DC building projects7.9Savings assessment7.10Case study: office floor at 380 V
8.1DC networks in factories8.2Common DC bus for drives8.3Braking energy recovery8.4380 V data centres8.5Railway traction networks8.6Ships with DC distribution8.7More-electric aircraft8.8DC photovoltaic plants8.9Comparison of experiences8.10Practical exercise: shared DC bus on a robotic line
9.1Averaged converter models9.2Detailed switching models9.3Small-signal stability analysis9.4Middlebrook's impedance criterion9.5Simulation in PLECS9.6Simulation in MATLAB/Simulink9.7Real-time HIL simulation9.8Experimental model validation9.9Sensitivity analysis9.10Lab: impedance analysis of a DC network
10.1IEC 60364-8-2 standard10.2Work of the IEC SyC LVDC10.3IEC 61851-23 charging standard10.4IEC 60947-2 circuit breaker standard10.5IEC 62040 power supply standard10.6Current/OS alliance specification10.7Electromagnetic compatibility requirements10.8CE marking of DC equipment10.9Existing regulatory gaps10.10Workshop: regulatory matrix for a DC installation
11.1DC equipment costs11.2Savings from fewer conversions11.3Energy loss calculation11.4Copper reduction11.5Life cycle assessment11.6Reliability compared with AC11.7Market barriers11.8Business cases11.9Adoption roadmap11.10Practical exercise: AC versus DC economic comparison
12.1Selection of the application12.2Definition of requirements12.3DC architecture design12.4Converter selection12.5Control design12.6Protection design12.7Simulation and validation12.8Techno-economic assessment of the proposal12.9Master'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. 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 PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, LTspice, Typhoon HIL and PSCAD/EMTDC, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for DC fault simulation, impedance-based stability analysis and HIL validation of control. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: IEC 60364-8-2, IEC 60364-4-41, IEC 61851-23, IEC 60947-2, IEC 62040-5-3, IEC TS 63236, Current/OS Specification, IEEE 2030.10.
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 PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, LTspice, Typhoon HIL and PSCAD/EMTDC, 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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