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Postgraduate DiplomaEnergy and Networks Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics

Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (system operation, SOGL), Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (emergency and restoration, NC ER) and PSS/E. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the security criteria of the electrical system.

02

Carry out N-1 and N-k contingency analyses.

03

Model cascading failure mechanisms.

04

Analyse historical blackouts and their lessons.

05

Apply forensic methodologies to network incidents.

06

Design defence and restoration plans.

07

Incorporate resilience into network planning.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Electrical system security engineer looking to specialise in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics.
  • Contingency analyst looking to specialise in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics.
  • Real-time operations engineer looking to specialise in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics.
  • Electrical incident investigator looking to specialise in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics.
  • Service restoration planner looking to specialise in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics.
  • Grid resilience consultant looking to specialise in N-k Contingencies and Blackout Forensics.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to join system operators.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (system operation, SOGL)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (emergency and restoration, NC ER)
  • Regulation (EU) 2019/941 (risk preparedness)
  • NERC TPL-001 (transmission system planning)
  • NERC EOP-005 (system restoration)
  • IEC 61970 (CIM model)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1System states: normal, alert and emergency
  2. 1.2N-1 criterion and its application
  3. 1.3N-2 and N-k contingencies
  4. 1.4Common-mode contingencies
  5. 1.5Security operating procedures
  6. 1.6SOGL Regulation and defence plans
  7. 1.7ER Regulation on emergency and restoration
  8. 1.8ENTSO-E ICS incident classification
  9. 1.9System security indicators
  10. 1.10Case study: security analysis of an area
  1. 2.1AC and DC load flows for contingencies
  2. 2.2PTDF and LODF distribution factors
  3. 2.3Contingency screening and classification
  4. 2.4Double-circuit and busbar contingencies
  5. 2.5Multiple contingency analysis
  6. 2.6High-impact, low-probability events
  7. 2.7Probabilistic risk analysis
  8. 2.8PSS/E and PowerFactory tools
  9. 2.9Automation with Python
  10. 2.10Laboratory: N-2 screening with LODF factors
  1. 3.1Cascade propagation mechanisms
  2. 3.2Successive line overloads
  3. 3.3Voltage collapse
  4. 3.4Loss of synchronism and separation
  5. 3.5Generation tripping by protection
  6. 3.6OPA and similar cascade models
  7. 3.7Network theory and vulnerability
  8. 3.8Self-organised criticality
  9. 3.9Cascade risk indicators
  10. 3.10Practice: simulation of an overload cascade
  1. 4.12003 northeast US blackout
  2. 4.22003 Italian blackout
  3. 4.3November 2006 European incident
  4. 4.42012 India blackout
  5. 4.52016 South Australia blackout
  6. 4.62021 European system separation
  7. 4.72025 Iberian blackout
  8. 4.8Common lessons from the reports
  9. 4.9Regulatory changes following the incidents
  10. 4.10Case study: critical reading of the 2006 report
  1. 5.1Data sources: SCADA, PMU and recorders
  2. 5.2Record synchronisation
  3. 5.3Reconstruction of the sequence of events
  4. 5.4Protection operation analysis
  5. 5.5COMTRADE oscillography analysis
  6. 5.6Incident reconstruction simulation
  7. 5.7Root cause analysis
  8. 5.8Human and organisational factors
  9. 5.9Writing the technical report
  10. 5.10Workshop: reconstruction of an incident sequence
  1. 6.1Frequency load shedding
  2. 6.2Undervoltage load shedding
  3. 6.3Special action schemes
  4. 6.4Controlled islanding
  5. 6.5Service restoration plans
  6. 6.6Black start and restoration paths
  7. 6.7Restoration with renewables
  8. 6.8Restoration drills
  9. 6.9Coordination between operators
  10. 6.10Laboratory: simulation of a restoration plan
  1. 7.1Resilience to extreme events
  2. 7.2Climate and weather risks
  3. 7.3Cyberattacks on the electrical system
  4. 7.4Resilience indicators
  5. 7.5Network reinforcement planning
  6. 7.6Cost-benefit assessment of security
  7. 7.7Operator training with simulators
  8. 7.8Situational awareness tools
  9. 7.9Crisis management
  10. 7.10Practice: high-impact risk matrix
  1. 8.1Definition of the system under study
  2. 8.2N-1 and N-k contingency analysis
  3. 8.3Identification of cascade scenarios
  4. 8.4Incident simulation
  5. 8.5Forensic analysis of the case
  6. 8.6Evaluation of defence plans
  7. 8.7Proposal of resilience measures
  8. 8.8Operational recommendations
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Fully 100 % online study on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, 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 PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PowerWorld Simulator, MATPOWER, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real N-1 and N-2 contingency analysis procedures, simulation of cascading failures and reconstruction of blackout sequences. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, OT cyber, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

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

Definition of the system under study

Explain the security criteria of the electrical system.

N-1 and N-k contingency analysis

Carry out N-1 and N-k contingency analyses.

Identification of cascade scenarios

Model cascading failure mechanisms.

Simulation of an incident

Analyse historical blackouts and their lessons.

Forensic analysis of the case

Apply forensic methodologies to network incidents.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Electrical system security engineerContingency analystReal-time operations engineerElectrical incident investigatorService restoration plannerGrid resilience consultant
Admissions & scholarships

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 Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

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 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.

You work with PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PowerWorld Simulator and MATPOWER. 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 integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area can be credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.

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