Master’s in DC Networks and Nano/Microgrids
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in DC networks and nano/microgrids, with 12 modules covering distributed energy resources, power electronics, hierarchical control, energy management, DC nanogrids, islanding and reconnection, protection, communications and cybersecurity, sizing and business models (IEEE 2030.7, IEEE 2030.8, IEEE 1547-2018), with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in DC Networks and Nano/Microgrids — studying from the United Kingdom
Energy engineering in the United Kingdom spans offshore wind, nuclear, gas, grid infrastructure and energy storage, with regional hubs in Aberdeen, Teesside, Humberside and the South West. The transition to net zero drives investment in transmission and distribution networks, renewable generation and digital grid management. Operators such as National Grid, SSE and Scottish Power employ engineers in planning, operations and asset management. The energy regulator Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator shape market rules and system planning.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £5,770 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Which UK bodies are relevant to energy and networks engineering qualifications?
In the UK, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Energy Institute are the main professional bodies for energy and networks, and the Engineering Council handles chartered registration. Regulation of the sector is by Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so recognition is for the relevant body and employers to decide.
Do UK energy and network operators value private online qualifications?
UK energy utilities, network operators and grid contractors typically hire on the basis of competence, safety training, professional registration and project experience. A private qualification may support your profile, but its relevance is decided by each employer. Demonstrated practical work and progress towards professional registration usually matter most.
How does online study fit a UK working life, and what about funding?
Programmes are fully online, so you can study around your UK job and no student visa is needed to study from home. Teaching is in English, and an assigned technical tutor supports your progress. Fees are payable in instalments, and some employers sponsor job-related training, which varies by employer. Check the programme hours and funding options before enrolling.
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 types and components of microgrids and nanogrids.
Integrate distributed energy resources.
Design hierarchical control for microgrids.
Implement energy management systems.
Manage the transition between grid-connected and island mode.
Design protection and communications for microgrids.
Size microgrids and assess their viability.
Who it's for
- Microgrid engineers
- Energy storage systems engineers
- Converter control engineers
- Distributed energy systems designers
- Rural electrification engineers
- Energy project managers
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into distributed energy
What you'll work with
- IEEE 2030.7 (specification of microgrid controllers)
- IEEE 2030.8 (testing of microgrid controllers)
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed energy resources)
- IEC TS 62898-1 (microgrid planning and specification)
- IEC TS 62898-2 (microgrid operation)
- IEC 61850-7-420 (communication for distributed energy resources)
- Royal Decree 244/2019 (Spanish self-consumption regulation)
- IEC 62257 (renewable and hybrid systems for rural electrification)
- HOMER Pro
- MATLAB/Simulink
- PLECS
- DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- Typhoon HIL
12 modules
1.1Definitions of microgrid and nanogrid1.2AC, DC and hybrid microgrids1.3Grid-connected and island mode1.4Components of a microgrid1.5Benefits for users and the grid1.6Community and neighbourhood microgrids1.7Industrial process microgrids1.8Campus microgrids1.9Market and reference cases1.10Case study: analysis of a university microgrid
2.1Distributed photovoltaic generation2.2Small wind in microgrids2.3Diesel backup generation2.4Fuel cells2.5Lithium-ion batteries2.6Supercapacitors for fast response2.7Electric vehicles as a resource2.8Controllable and shiftable loads2.9Resource characterisation2.10Lab: characterisation of a battery bank
3.1Grid-forming and grid-following inverters3.2DC/DC converters for nanogrids3.3Interlinking converters3.4Integrated multiport inverters3.5Bidirectional vehicle chargers3.6Solid-state transformers3.7Converter protection3.8Conversion efficiency3.9Converter selection3.10Practical exercise: grid-forming inverter in simulation
4.1Hierarchical control of microgrids4.2AC droop control4.3DC droop control4.4Virtual impedance in inverters4.5Secondary frequency and voltage control4.6Distributed secondary control4.7Reactive power sharing4.8Microgrid stability4.9Controller tuning4.10Lab: hierarchical control of a microgrid
5.1Tertiary control and EMS5.2Economic dispatch of resources5.3Forecast-based optimisation5.4Model predictive control5.5State-of-charge management5.6Demand management5.7Island-mode operation5.8Heuristic and optimisation algorithms5.9Real-time management5.10Practical exercise: EMS with linear optimisation
6.1The DC nanogrid concept6.2Residential DC nanogrids6.3Solar home nanogrids6.4Interconnection of nanogrids6.5Rural electrification with nanogrids6.6DC bus signalling6.7Distributed energy management6.8Peer-to-peer energy trading6.9Cases in developing countries6.10Lab: 48 V nanogrid with batteries
7.1Island detection7.2Intentional islanding7.3Synchronisation with the grid7.4Seamless reconnection7.5Black start of the microgrid7.6Critical load management7.7Point of common coupling switch7.8IEEE 1547 requirements7.9Transition testing7.10Practical exercise: islanding and reconnection sequence
8.1Protection challenges in microgrids8.2Limited fault currents8.3Adaptive protection schemes8.4Line differential protection8.5Protection in DC networks8.6Coordination with the distribution network8.7Earthing in island mode8.8High-impedance fault detection8.9Communication schemes8.10Lab: adaptive protection in island mode
9.1Communication architectures9.2IEC 61850 protocols in microgrids9.3Modbus and DNP3 protocols9.4IoT monitoring platforms9.5Latency and reliability9.6Microgrid cybersecurity9.7Network segmentation9.8Identity management9.9Incident response9.10Practical exercise: monitoring a microgrid with SCADA
10.1Demand analysis10.2Resource assessment10.3Generation sizing10.4Storage sizing10.5Configuration optimisation10.6Security of supply10.7Scenario analysis10.8Sizing tools10.9Expansion planning10.10Workshop: sizing with HOMER Pro
11.1Regulatory framework for microgrids11.2Collective self-consumption in microgrids11.3Microgrids in energy communities11.4Microgrids as a service11.5Ownership models11.6Contracts with users11.7Microgrid financing11.8Economic analysis of the microgrid11.9Current regulatory barriers11.10Case study: business model for an industrial microgrid
12.1Site selection12.2Demand and resource analysis12.3Architecture design12.4Control design12.5Energy management strategy12.6Protection and communications12.7Economic evaluation of the project12.8Conclusions and future lines of work12.9Master'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 HOMER Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, DIgSILENT PowerFactory and Typhoon HIL, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for mode transition tests, HIL validation of controllers and island-mode protection tests. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: IEEE 2030.7, IEEE 2030.8, IEEE 1547-2018, IEC TS 62898-1, IEC TS 62898-2, IEC 61850-7-420, Spanish Royal Decree 244/2019 on self-consumption, IEC 62257.
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 HOMER Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, DIgSILENT PowerFactory and Typhoon HIL, 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.
Related programmes
Master’s in Smart Metering and AMI Data Quality
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in smart metering and AMI data quality — metering, fraud and analytics. 12 modules covering advanced metering infrastructure, smart meters,…
Master’s in Heavy Transport Electrification Engineering and Charging Hubs
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in heavy transport electrification and charging hub engineering: 12 modules covering heavy electric vehicles, charging technologies, fleet demand planning, hub…
Master’s in Cybersecurity for Energy Systems (NIS2/NERC CIP)
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in cybersecurity for energy systems (NIS2/NERC CIP) — CSMS, OT SOC and incident response. 12 modules covering energy systems as…
More in Energy and Networks
All Energy and Networks programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships