Postgraduate Diploma in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion. 8 modules covering IEC 62477-1 (safety of power electronic converters), IEC 60947-2 (circuit breakers) and PLECS. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion — 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: €895 (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 DC distribution systems.
Select DC-DC converter topologies.
Design bidirectional AC-DC converters.
Implement control strategies in DC networks.
Specify protection against DC faults.
Integrate storage systems on DC buses.
Validate designs through simulation and testing.
Who it's for
- Power electronics engineer who wants to specialise in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion.
- DC systems engineer who wants to specialise in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion.
- Converter designer who wants to specialise in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion.
- Storage integration engineer who wants to specialise in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion.
- DC protection engineer who wants to specialise in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion.
- Hardware validation engineer who wants to specialise in DC Architectures and Bidirectional Conversion.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter electric mobility.
What you'll work with
- IEC 62477-1 (safety of power electronic converters)
- IEC 60947-2 (circuit breakers)
- IEC 61851-23 (DC charging stations)
- IEC 62109-1 (safety of photovoltaic converters)
- IEC 61000-6-2 (industrial electromagnetic immunity)
- IEC 60364-7-712 (photovoltaic installations)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Advantages of DC distribution1.2LVDC and MVDC voltage levels1.3Applications: data centres, buildings and ships1.4DC microgrids and nanogrids1.5IEC 60364 and DC1.6Current/OS and ODCA initiatives1.7Efficiency comparison with AC1.8Protection and standardisation challenges1.9Reference DC projects1.10Case study: AC versus DC comparison in a building
2.1Buck, boost and buck-boost converters2.2Isolated full-bridge converter2.3Dual Active Bridge DAB2.4Resonant LLC and CLLC converters2.5Multiport converters2.6Interleaved converters2.7High-frequency transformers2.8SiC and GaN semiconductors2.9Losses and efficiency2.10Laboratory: DAB simulation
3.1Bidirectional active rectifiers3.2Vienna and totem-pole PFC converters3.3Two- and three-level three-phase converters3.4Current and DC bus control3.5Power factor correction3.6Input filters and EMC3.7Bidirectional V2G chargers3.8Solid-state transformers3.9IEC 61000 emission standards3.10Practice: control of an active rectifier
4.1DC bus control and voltage droop4.2Power sharing between converters4.3Constant power load control4.4Stability and the Middlebrook criterion4.5Active damping4.6Hierarchical control in DC microgrids4.7Control of batteries connected to a DC bus4.8Energy management in DC systems4.9Bus voltage signalling4.10Workshop: stability analysis with constant power loads
5.1Absence of zero crossing in DC5.2Mechanical and hybrid DC switches5.3Solid-state switches5.4DC fuses5.5Earthing schemes in DC5.6Arc fault detection5.7Selective protection in DC networks5.8Current limitation by converters5.9Personnel safety in DC5.10Case study: protection scheme for an LVDC microgrid
6.1Integration of PV in DC6.2Batteries on a common DC bus6.3Supercapacitors6.4DC vehicle charging6.5Lighting and native DC loads6.6380 V DC data centres6.7DC marine electrification6.8Railway traction and metros6.9Electrolysis and industrial DC loads6.10Practice: sizing a DC bus with PV and batteries
7.1Specification of bidirectional converters7.2Thermal design and cooling7.3Magnetic design7.4Electromagnetic compatibility7.5HIL control testing7.6Prototyping and laboratory testing7.7Reliability and service life7.8Converter safety standards7.9Cost and manufacturing7.10Laboratory: HIL testing of a V2G charger
8.1Definition of the application8.2Proposed DC architecture8.3Selection of conversion topologies8.4Control design8.5Protection scheme8.6System simulation8.7Efficiency and cost analysis8.8Validation plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment window, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, LTspice, PSCAD, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for DC-DC converter simulation, DC fault protection tests and validation on a bidirectional converter bench. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the advantages of DC distribution systems.
Select DC-DC converter topologies.
Design bidirectional AC-DC converters.
Implement control strategies in DC networks.
Specify protection against DC faults.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 comprises 800 total hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, LTspice and PSCAD. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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