Power up: Upskill in power engineering with the smarter energy focus

While the world continues to ask critical questions about issues of sustainability and climate change, we increasingly look to the power industry for answers.

A progressive new series of courses in power engineering is leading the way, educating and re-educating engineers and industry professionals.

With its focus on renewable energy, Victoria University is offering both a six-month Graduate Certificate in Power Engineering, the only short course of its kind in Australia, and a Master of Engineering.

Students are using these courses to enhance their expertise, skills and employability.

Taking the lead in renewable energy

Making the electricity grid “smart” has become a priority throughout the world – as is ensuring we have enough adequately skilled specialists in the field.

Power Engineering course chair and lecturer Professor Akhtar Kalam says the new Graduate Certificate was designed for industry professionals ready to upskill, while the Masters is a more in-depth degree with a research component. His passion for renewable energy has helped shape these courses.

This work is so exciting, everyone’s talking about Smart Energy. We’re teaching people from diverse backgrounds – those with engineering degrees and a range of industry experience.
I’m determined to promote, educate and change the mindset of our conventional past and contribute to solving CO₂ emissions and climate change. Power systems have been a major contributor to polluting the planet. At VU we are committed to growing knowledge in renewable energy systems.

The Victoria University difference

Hands-on approach

A practical, industry-focused approach sets VU above and beyond other institutions. Using case studies and a project-based curriculum in workshop-style classes immerses students in real problems, and an expectation that energy resources will come from non-fossil fuels.

Unique facilities

VU students learn in world-class facilities, including the $3.5 million industry-based Victoria Zone Substation Simulator Centre, not available anywhere else in the academic world.

Revolutionary learning model

This course is taught in a postgraduate-modified version of the award-winning VU Block Model®. It is taught one unit at a time in eight-week blocks. This means more regular feedback and reduced study load so you can better manage work and other commitments, and no impact to the timing of the course’s completion.

Global leaders in Planetary Health

VU’s commitment to Planetary Health – through research, teaching and community engagement – was formally recognised with membership of the Planetary Health Alliance, and a ranking of #1 in Australia and #10 in the world for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021).

Power engineering student success

Studying VU’s Master of Engineering (Power Engineering), product development engineer Chabilal Mongar says he chose VU for its reputation, but soon discovered the hands-on approach and supportive environment that elevated his career.

“I had the opportunity to learn from the best and be a part of this amazing institution which is ranked among the world’s top 3% of universities.

My coursework not only covered all types of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, biomass and fuel cells including energy storage technologies) but also provided in-depth understanding of the technology through mathematical modelling and simulation using software tools.

The skills I gained made me job-ready and gave me the necessary confidence to practice engineering and solve real-world problems. The unwavering support I received from my professors was invaluable in my success.”