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Master’s in Electrical System Planning and Operation Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in power system planning and operation engineering. 12 modules covering advanced network modelling, steady-state security, operation optimisation, frequency and voltage control, stability and dynamics, forecasting, expansion planning, adequacy and reliability, control centres and operation with high renewable shares, applying the SO GL, EB GL and NC ER network codes and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Model transmission networks using data exchange standards.

02

Assess system security through contingency analysis.

03

Optimise operation with optimal power flow and unit commitment.

04

Analyse frequency and voltage control.

05

Study dynamic stability in low-inertia systems.

06

Plan network expansion using reliability criteria.

07

Design operating strategies for high renewable shares.

Profile

Who it's for

  • System operation engineers at TSOs.
  • Transmission planning engineers.
  • Network security analysts.
  • Dynamic studies engineers.
  • Energy forecasting specialists.
  • Control centre operators.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to join a system operator.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (System Operation Guideline, SO GL)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/2195 (Electricity Balancing Guideline, EB GL)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (Emergency and Restoration network code, NC ER)
  • Regulation (EU) 2015/1222 (CACM)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG)
  • REE Operating Procedures (P.O. 1.1 and 7.4)
  • IEC 61970 (CIM/CGMES)
  • IEC 60909-0 (calculation of short-circuit currents)
  • DIgSILENT PowerFactory
  • PSS/E
  • Pyomo
  • MATPOWER
  • Python (pandapower)
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Long-line models and distributed parameters
  2. 1.2Three-winding and phase-shifting transformers
  3. 1.3Generator models for static studies
  4. 1.4ZIP and exponential load models
  5. 1.5Converters in steady-state studies
  6. 1.6External network equivalents
  7. 1.7CGMES network databases
  8. 1.8Model validation with measurements
  9. 1.9System operator model management
  10. 1.10Lab: building a network model in CGMES format
  1. 2.1N-1 and N-2 security criteria
  2. 2.2Contingency selection
  3. 2.3Fast contingency analysis
  4. 2.4PTDF and LODF distribution factors
  5. 2.5Remedial and topological actions
  6. 2.6Voltage security
  7. 2.7Transfer margins
  8. 2.8Cross-border exchange capacity
  9. 2.9Flow-based capacity calculation
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: PTDF calculation and congestion analysis
  1. 3.1AC and DC optimal power flow
  2. 3.2Security-constrained optimal power flow
  3. 3.3Network-constrained unit commitment
  4. 3.4Mixed-integer linear programming
  5. 3.5Storage dispatch
  6. 3.6Scenario-based stochastic optimisation
  7. 3.7Robust optimisation under uncertainty
  8. 3.8Commercial and open-source solvers
  9. 3.9Computation times and decomposition
  10. 3.10Lab: unit commitment with Pyomo
  1. 4.1Primary response and droop
  2. 4.2Automatic generation control (AGC)
  3. 4.3Secondary and tertiary reserves
  4. 4.4The European PICASSO and MARI platforms
  5. 4.5Imbalances and balancing services
  6. 4.6Inertia and rate of change of frequency
  7. 4.7Fast frequency response
  8. 4.8Under-frequency load shedding
  9. 4.9Frequency quality indicators
  10. 4.10Practical exercise: simulation of frequency response to a loss of generation
  1. 5.1Sources of reactive power
  2. 5.2Hierarchical voltage control
  3. 5.3Compensation with reactors and capacitors
  4. 5.4STATCOMs and synchronous condensers
  5. 5.5Reactive power requirements for renewables
  6. 5.6Voltage collapse and PV curves
  7. 5.7The voltage control service in Spain
  8. 5.8Overvoltages during off-peak periods
  9. 5.9Planning of reactive power resources
  10. 5.10Case study: voltage control with high solar penetration
  1. 6.1Dynamic generator models
  2. 6.2Renewable converter models
  3. 6.3Transient stability and critical clearing time
  4. 6.4Inter-area oscillations in Europe
  5. 6.5Power system stabilisers
  6. 6.6Grid strength and short-circuit ratio
  7. 6.7EMT versus RMS simulation
  8. 6.8Stability with low inertia
  9. 6.9Grid-forming converters
  10. 6.10Lab: modal analysis of inter-area oscillations
  1. 7.1Short-term demand forecasting
  2. 7.2Wind and solar forecasting
  3. 7.3Statistical and machine learning models
  4. 7.4Probabilistic forecasting with quantiles
  5. 7.5Errors and their impact on reserves
  6. 7.6Self-consumption forecasting
  7. 7.7Numerical weather data
  8. 7.8Forecast evaluation
  9. 7.9Forecasting at the system operator
  10. 7.10Practical exercise: demand forecasting model with gradient boosting
  1. 8.1Planning methodology
  2. 8.2Energy scenarios for planning
  3. 8.3Deterministic and probabilistic planning
  4. 8.4ENTSO-E cost-benefit analysis
  5. 8.5Value of lost load
  6. 8.6Network reinforcements and non-conventional alternatives
  7. 8.7Planning with storage
  8. 8.8Coordination between transmission and distribution
  9. 8.9Public participation in planning
  10. 8.10Case study: prioritisation of projects in a network plan
  1. 9.1LOLE, LOLP and EENS indices
  2. 9.2Monte Carlo methods
  3. 9.3Capacity contribution of renewables
  4. 9.4European resource adequacy
  5. 9.5Climate correlations between resources
  6. 9.6Reliability of the transmission network
  7. 9.7Analysis of extreme events
  8. 9.8System defence plans
  9. 9.9Restoration plans
  10. 9.10Lab: LOLE calculation with Monte Carlo simulation
  1. 10.1EMS and SCADA systems
  2. 10.2State estimation
  3. 10.3Synchrophasor measurements (PMU)
  4. 10.4Wide-area monitoring systems
  5. 10.5Regional security coordination
  6. 10.6Operator training with simulators
  7. 10.7Cybersecurity in control centres
  8. 10.8Alarm management
  9. 10.9Decision automation
  10. 10.10Practical exercise: state estimation with redundant measurements
  1. 11.1Operating strategies with low inertia
  2. 11.2Curtailment management
  3. 11.3Storage as a grid resource
  4. 11.4Electrolysers as flexible load
  5. 11.5Interconnections as a resource
  6. 11.6Lessons from the 2025 Iberian blackout
  7. 11.7Future service requirements
  8. 11.8Coordinated operation with distribution companies
  9. 11.9The system operator's roadmap
  10. 11.10Case study: operation plan for a 2030 scenario
  1. 12.1Problem statement
  2. 12.2Network model and data
  3. 12.3Static and security analysis
  4. 12.4Dynamic system analysis
  5. 12.5Optimisation or planning
  6. 12.6Evaluation of results
  7. 12.7Operational recommendations to the system operator
  8. 12.8Conclusions and future lines of work
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

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 is compatible with full-time work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, Pyomo, MATPOWER and Python (pandapower), in free, academic or evaluation versions. You work on real procedures for contingency analysis in transmission networks, dynamic stability simulations and unit commitment models. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2017/1485; Regulation (EU) 2017/2195; Regulation (EU) 2017/2196; Regulation (EU) 2015/1222; Regulation (EU) 2016/631; REE Operating Procedures (P.O. 1.1 and 7.4); IEC 61970; IEC 60909-0.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulations (EU) 2017/1485, 2017/2195 and 2017/2196 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, Pyomo, MATPOWER and Python (pandapower), in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a full planning or operation study of a real transmission system, combining security, dynamic and optimisation analyses with operational recommendations, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

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

CGMES network model
Build and validate a transmission network model in CGMES format.
Security analysis
Run contingency analysis and PTDF-based congestion studies.
Operation optimisation
Solve unit commitment and security-constrained OPF with Pyomo.
Dynamic and adequacy studies
Analyse low-inertia stability and calculate LOLE with Monte Carlo simulation.
Master's Thesis
a full planning or operation study of a real transmission system, combining security, dynamic and optimisation analyses with operational recommendations, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

System operation engineerTransmission planning engineerNetwork security analystDynamic studies engineerEnergy forecasting specialistControl centre operator
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's 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.

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FAQ

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 DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, Pyomo, MATPOWER and Python (pandapower), 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 university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent professional experience, plus 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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