Postgraduate Diploma in EMT Modelling and HVDC System Dynamics
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in EMT modelling and HVDC system dynamics, structured in 8 modules covering HVDC technology, EMT modelling of converters, HVDC control, DC faults and protection, system dynamics, multi-terminal systems and grid code studies, with an assigned technical tutor.
Postgraduate Diploma in EMT Modelling and HVDC System Dynamics — 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
Compare LCC and VSC HVDC technologies and their applications.
Build EMT models of modular multilevel converters.
Design power and DC voltage control strategies.
Analyse DC faults and the operation of DC circuit breakers.
Assess the influence of HVDC links on AC system dynamics.
Describe control coordination in multi-terminal systems.
Verify compliance with the HVDC grid code through studies.
Who it's for
- HVDC systems engineers.
- EMT modelling specialists working on MMC converters.
- Transmission network studies engineers.
- DC protection engineers.
- HVDC converter control engineers.
- Consultants on electrical interconnections.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into electricity transmission.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code)
- IEC 62747 (terminology for VSC HVDC systems)
- IEC 60633 (HVDC transmission terminology)
- IEC TR 60919-1 (performance of LCC HVDC systems)
- IEC 62751-1 (power losses in VSC valves for HVDC)
- IEC 60700-1 (thyristor valves for HVDC)
- PSCAD/EMTDC
- RTDS (RSCAD)
- EMTP
- PSS/E
- DIgSILENT PowerFactory
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Advantages of direct current transmission1.2Break-even distance compared with HVAC1.3LCC HVDC with thyristors1.4VSC HVDC with modular multilevel converters1.5Monopolar, bipolar and back-to-back configurations1.6XLPE and mass-impregnated HVDC cables1.7Converter stations: components1.8Reference projects: INELFE and subsea links1.9Trends: multi-terminal grids1.10Workshop: technology comparison for a 2 GW link
2.1MMC model levels according to CIGRE2.2Detailed submodule model2.3Thévenin equivalent model2.4Arm-averaged model2.5Modelling LCC converters2.6Valves, reactors and transformers2.7Cable modelling with frequency-dependent parameters2.8CIGRE B4 benchmark models2.9Integration time step and efficiency2.10Laboratory: averaged MMC model in PSCAD
3.1Control hierarchy of a link3.2Inner current control3.3Circulating current control in MMC3.4Capacitor voltage balancing3.5Active power and DC voltage control3.6Reactive power and AC voltage control3.7Master-slave control and DC droop3.8Grid-forming control in HVDC3.9Oscillation damping control3.10Laboratory: control of a point-to-point VSC link
4.1Faults on the DC side4.2MMC behaviour under DC faults4.3Full-bridge submodules4.4DC circuit breakers: types4.5DC line and cable protection4.6Faults on the AC side4.7Commutation failures in LCC4.8DC insulation coordination4.9Overvoltage studies4.10Practical exercise: simulation of a pole-to-ground fault
5.1HVDC-AC grid interaction5.2Frequency support from HVDC5.3Damping of inter-area oscillations5.4Stability with weak grids5.5Control interactions and resonances5.6Subsynchronous oscillations5.7Connection of offshore wind farms5.8RMS models for stability studies5.9RMS versus EMT validation5.10Case study: interaction of an HVDC link with an offshore wind farm
6.1Multi-terminal HVDC grid architectures6.2Distributed DC voltage control6.3Load flow in DC grids6.4Protection of multi-terminal grids6.5Interoperability between manufacturers6.6North Sea offshore grid project6.7Standards and specifications under development6.8Case studies from China6.9Technical and regulatory challenges6.10Laboratory: AC/DC load flow of a three-terminal grid
7.1Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 on HVDC requirements7.2Link specification studies7.3Grid integration studies7.4Harmonic and filter studies7.5Real-time simulation and control replicas7.6Control testing with HIL7.7Commissioning of links7.8Operating experience7.9Availability and reliability7.10Case study: requirements of an HVDC link under the grid code
8.1Definition of the link and its function8.2Technology and configuration selection8.3EMT modelling of the system8.4Control strategy design8.5Fault and protection study8.6Dynamic interaction studies8.7Validation of results8.8Technical conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
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 fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), EMTP, PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: simulating DC faults in point-to-point and multi-terminal links, real-time AC/DC interaction studies and validating MMC converter controls. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2016/1447; IEC 62747; IEC 60633; IEC TR 60919-1; IEC 62751-1; IEC 60700-1.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), EMTP, PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, 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 final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), 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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