Applications are invited for a Master’s Student to work in collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering on the project “Decarbonisation of Ports using microgrid technologies with shore and offshore power (DISTRICT)” funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), through the SINO-MALTA Fund 2023 Call (Science and Technology Cooperation). The student will join the supervisory team, which will be composed of Prof. Alexander Micallef (main supervisor) and Prof. Maurice Apap (co-supervisor). The role of the M.Sc. by Research student will be primarily to design, model and simulate an MVDC to MVAC Convertor for a Cold Ironing application.

1. The DISTRICT project, which is led by Prof. Alexander Micallef, aims to contribute to the green transition of ports by developing strategies to decarbonize the present and future port activities. The activities in this project will be focused on two fronts: (1) Port microgrids shall be designed to support port onshore activities including green shore power for berthed ships. (2) Offshore charging stations powered from renewable energy sources shall be designed to supply ships that are anchored off the coast waiting to unload and to support the shore microgrid. Both strategies shall lead to higher penetrations of renewables resulting in a significant leap towards carbon neutrality in future shipping operations.
   
   
2. Applicants must be in possession of a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, with a final classification of Second-Class Upper Division or higher. Preference will be given to candidates providing evidence of proficiency with control of power electronic converters, MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS. Students who are currently in their final year of the undergraduate programme will also be considered, subject to successful completion of their programme of studies in line with the requirements outlined here.
   
   
3. The scholarship has a duration of one year. The selected candidate will be required to start their studies on a full-time basis in October 2024 and will be receiving a stipend of €500 per month for one year. The enrolment fee of €400 for the first year of studies for local candidates will be covered from the DISTRICT project. Further information on applicable fees is available online.
   
   
4. The Scholarship will be subject to the eligibility of the candidates to meet the entry requirements set out by the University of Malta and the conditions for enrolling in the Master of Science in Engineering (Electrical) (Mainly by Research) programme.
   
   
5. International applicants are required to present an internationally recognized English Language proficiency Certificate at the required level. Further details are available online. International applicants are also advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office, particularly to the sections concerning visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. International candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay in Malta. The stipend awarded for this scholarship is to be considered as a form of allowance and will not cover all the costs attached to studying and living in Malta.
   
   The degree has an annual enrolment fee of €400 for EU/EEA applicants and total tuition fees of €13,400 for Non-EU/EEA applicants. The University of Malta is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to attract top quality students from countries outside the European Union/EEA. Following acceptance to read for the MSc (on a full-time basis), Non-EU/EEA applicants may apply for a tuition fee waiver scholarship. Following scrutiny of the application, deserving students may enjoy a tuition fee waiver of 40% to 100%. The fee waiver will apply for the normal duration of the programme being followed. If extensions of the period of study are required, these may not necessarily be eligible for a fee waiver. Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for the Master by research on a full-time basis are eligible to apply. Getting a fee waiver is not an automatic right for the selected candidate. Further information on fee waiver scholarships is available online.
   
   
6. Candidates should submit their letter of application, a copy of their curriculum vitae, copies of their certificates and contact details (including email address) of 2 referees. Applications may be sent by email. Applications should be received by not later than Wednesday 31 August 2024. International candidates are required to present certified translations of their qualifications into English. Late applications will not be considered.
   
   Note: The scholarship awardee will be required to complete a Master’s by Research application, which is considered separately.
   
   
7. The selection procedure will involve:
   
       - scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed, supported by testimonials and/or certificates;
       - shortlisting; and
       - an interview and/or extended interview.
   
   
8. Further information may be obtained by contacting Prof. Alexander Micallef by email.