EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Power Networks and Smart Grids
A Partnership between the University of Strathclyde and Imperial College, London

Two of the leading research institutions for power systems, Strathclyde and Imperial College, have combined their expertise and unique laboratory facilities to train at least 55 doctoral level engineers who can realise the future low carbon smart grid. The training and research programme will blend together leading edge information and communications technology solutions, radical new power systems architectures and innovative market mechanisms to support increasing renewable energy deployment and the electrification of transportation and heating. The combination of specialised laboratory facilities, academic expertise, and industrial and international partners will deliver a unique training environment and significant impact from the research.

All students will study for the first year at Strathclyde, with visits to Imperial College and academics from both institutions teaching and supporting the programme. Based on the selection of your PhD topic, you will complete your studies at Strathclyde or Imperial College.

Training Programme

At the heart of the Centre is a training programme designed to ensure that you are equipped to undertake a PhD in the area of power networks and smart grids. The training, wider experiential activities and Continual Professional Development (CPD) together provide an essential foundation and advanced level of understanding to allow novelty, impact and value to be achieved during the PhD research project.

As part of the training programme you will undertake advanced modules in:

• Future Power Networks and the Smart Grid Paradigm
• Control and Protection of Future Networks
• Asset Management and Condition Monitoring
• Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Grid Operation
• Offshore and Pan European Supergrids
• Role of Demand and Customers in Smart Grid Operation
• Cyber Security and Data Privacy
• Communications for Power Networks
• Power Electronics for Transmission and Distribution Networks

Experiential Learning

Strathclyde and Imperial College have invested heavily in facilities to test and verify key smart grid technologies and so have our industrial partners. This provides a unique opportunity for you to gain a wide range of experience of testing and prototyping new smart grid technologies.

Industrial and International Secondments

Your research project and experience will be augmented through an appropriate industrial or international secondment for up to three months. This is available to every student.

Applications Now Open – 10 funded PhD places available

Studentships are available to UK citizens with (or about to obtain) a 1st class or 2.1 degree or a Masters degree in a Physical Science or Engineering discipline. The studentships will begin on 1st of October each year and cover University fees and a highly competitive stipend for four years.

Outline applications are welcomed now. Please send your CV, academic transcripts and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in studying within the Centre to eee-cdtadmissions@strath.ac.uk.

Further information can be found here.