Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Months
Mode Online
Level Undergraduate
Degree Undergraduate Certificate
Closing soon February 2027

Course Overview

The Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection from the Engineering Institute of Technology is designed for engineers and technicians seeking to gain essential practical skills in safeguarding electrical infrastructure. You will explore the critical aspects of power system protection, including how to identify various fault types, understand protection system components, and perform fundamental fault and design calculations. This online, part-time certificate is ideal for professionals aiming to enhance their ability to interpret existing protection systems, detect shortcomings, and resolve coordination issues.

Delivered online over three months part-time, this certificate programme consists of 12 modules that delve into the intricacies of electrical power protection. You will learn to perform simple relay settings and select appropriate protective devices for diverse equipment. Through engaging content and practical application, you will develop the confidence to make informed decisions regarding the protection of electrical power systems, ultimately improving site safety and operational reliability. You will graduate with a Certificate of Competency, ready to apply your enhanced skills in real-world industrial settings.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This professional certificate program provides a comprehensive understanding of electrical power system protection. You will explore power system fundamentals, the necessity of protective apparatus, and fault analysis including short circuit current calculations. The course covers various protection devices such as fuses, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, and relays, along with their operational principles and applications. Additionally, you will learn about protection grading, relay coordination, and specialized protection schemes for feeders, lines, transformers, and rotating machinery.

1 Module 1: Power System Overview

Electrical distribution system
Reading single line diagrams
LV, MV AND HV equipment
Function and types of electrical switchgear
Basic circuit breaker design

2 Module 2: Basics of Power System Protection

Need for protective apparatus
Basic requirements and components

3 Module 3: Types of Faults and Short Circuit Current Calculations

The development of simple distribution systems
Faults-types, effects, and calculations
Equivalent diagrams for reduction of system impedance
Calculation of short circuit MVA
Unbalanced faults and earth faults
Symmetrical components

4 Module 4: System Earthing and Earth Fault Current

Phase and earth faults
Comparison of earthing methods
Protective earthing
Effect of electric shock on human beings
Sensitive earth leakage protection
System classification

5 Module 5: Fuses and Circuit Breakers With Builtin Protection

Fuse operating characteristics, ratings and selection
Energy ‘let through’
General rules of thumb
IS-limiter
Circuit breakers – types, purpose and arc quenching
Behavior under fault conditions
Protective relay-circuit breaker combination
Circuit breakers with in-built protection
Conventional and electronic releases

6 Module 6: Instrument Transformers Transformer Ratio and Errors of Ratio and Phase Angle

'Class' of instrument transformers
Voltage and current transformers
Applications

7 Module 7: Relays and Auxiliary Power Equipment

Principle of construction and operation of protective relays
Special focus on IDMTL relays
Factors influencing the choice of plug setting
The new era in protection – microprocessor, static and traditional
Universal microprocessor overcurrent relay
Technical features of a modern microprocessor relay
Future of protection for distribution systems
The era of the IED
Substation automation
Communication capability
Need for reliable auxiliary power for protection systems
Batteries and battery chargers
Trip circuit supervision
Why breakers and contactors fail to trip
Capacity storage trip units

8 Module 8: Protection Grading and Relay Coordination

Protection design parameters on MV and LV networks
Coordination – the basis of selectivity
Current, time and earth fault grading
Time-current grading
Grading through IDMT protection relay
Coordination between secondary and primary circuits of transformers
Current transformers – coordination
Importance of settings and coordination curves

9 Module 9: Unit Protection and Applications

Protective relay systems
Main, unit and back-up protection
Methods of obtaining selectivity
Differential protection
Machine, transformer and switchgear differential protection
Feeder pilot-wire protection
Time taken to clear faults
Unit protection systems – recommendations and advantages

10 Module 10: Protection of Feeders and Lines

Over-current and earth fault protection
Application of DMT/IDMT protection for radial feeders
Directional overcurrent relays in line protection
DMT and IDMT schemes applied to large systems
Unit and impedance protection of lines
Use of carrier signals in line protections
Transient faults and use of auto reclosing as a means of reducing outage time
Auto-reclosing in circuits with customer-owned generation
Auto-reclosing relays for transmission and distribution lines

11 Module 11: Protection of Transformers

Winding polarity
Transformer connections and magnetizing characteristics
In-rush current
Neutral earthing
On-load tap changers
Mismatch of current transformers
Types of faults
Differential protection
Restricted earth fault
HV overcurrent
Protection by gas sensing and pressure detection
Overloading

12 Module 12: Protection of Rotating Machinery

Motor protection basics
Transient and steady-state temperature rise
Thermal time constant
Motor current during start and stall conditions
Stalling of motors
Unbalanced supply voltages and rotor failures
Electrical faults in stator windings earth fault phase-phase faults
Typical protective settings for motors
An introduction to generator protection

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 979.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 979.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 641.00 - USD 1,522.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,400.00 - USD 8,000.00
Transport USD 1,061.00 - USD 1,350.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,206.00 - USD 1,359.00
Estimated Total USD 8,667.00 - USD 9,109.00

Living cost estimates are based on Melbourne Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

79%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Power Generation & UtilitiesProject & Construction ManagementQuality Assurance & TestingRefining & PetrochemicalsResidential ConstructionSatellite CommunicationsSoftware Development & EngineeringSupply Chain & Freight ManagementSupply Chain & ProcurementTransport Engineering & Infrastructure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Acwa Operations

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

BHP

Botswana Power Corporation

Cementation Africa

Chevron

Debswana Diamond Company

Energy Queensland

Why Study Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection at Engineering Institute of Technology

What makes this program stand out

February 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in February 2027

Life at Engineering Institute of Technology in Australia

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection at Engineering Institute of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet specific English language requirements. This includes an IELTS listening score of 5.0, an overall score of 5.5, and minimums of 5.0 in reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include Electrical Engineer, Protection Engineer, System Designer, and Technical Consultant.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on practical skills for safeguarding electrical infrastructure, including identifying fault types and understanding protection system components. You'll also learn to perform fundamental fault and design calculations.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake months for the Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection are February and July. Plan to apply in advance to secure your spot.
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