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Professional Master's Diploma in Energy and Innovation

Supercharge your career in energy

The Professional Master’s Diploma (PMDip) in Energy and Innovation is intended to provide diverse, meaningful and lucrative career options to participants and address recognized and pressing needs within the public and private sector.

The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to function competently as operators, officers, administrators, managers, technicians, analysts, policy advisors and other key occupations in the fast-growing and rapidly-changing Canadian energy sector.

One of the major benefits of this PMDip is that it is a part-time diploma that requires less commitment than a traditional Master's program. As such, students have the flexibility to complete the diploma around their existing schedule.  

Key features

 University-developed, career-oriented, industry-recognized & graduate-level designation

 Flexible & part-time

 5 courses 

 12 weeks per course

 Meet company HR training & professional development objectives

Developed by the Centre for Urban Energy (CUE), the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) and the Yeates School of Graduate Studies (YSGS) at Toronto Metropolitan University, the PMDip requires the completion of four core 12-week courses covering vital aspects of the modern energy sector and the submission of a final diploma project:

  1. Smart Grids – Electricity, Petroleum and Infrastructure (EE8901)
    This course introduces the concept or promise of smart grids.
  2. Demand Management and Conservation (EE8902)
    This course covers the various methods for peak demand reduction and conserving energy.
  3. Energy Storage and Use (EE8903)
    This course surveys and describes new and promising technologies for energy storage, a vital technology in the quest to build a low-carbon energy sector.
  4. Electricity Markets (EE8904)
    The energy business is driven by economics and this course discusses various forms of electric energy and their economic characteristics.
  5. Final Diploma Project (EE8905)
    The project will focus on comprehension of new technologies and energy innovation in the context of economics, enabling diploma students to make informed decisions in their workplace.

To learn more, please download the  (PDF file) course brochure.

Please refer to a breakdown of fees for domestic and international students via the Graduate Studies website. Questions regarding fees and payment should be directed towards the Office of the Registrar (opens in new window) , where you can also find a detailed breakdown (opens in new window) .

Please contact us if you are an employer interested in sending your employees to take this series as part of ongoing professional development and HR training initiatives. 

Applicants are required to have:

  • graduated from a four-year accredited undergraduate university program in applied science or engineering or equivalent.
  • achieved a minimum grade of 3.0/4.33 (B or equivalent) in the last two years of study.
  • an English language proficiency similar to other graduate programs in engineering. 

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  1. Application submission summary.
  2. Statement of interest.
  3. Resume.
  4. Transcripts.
  5. Proof of English language proficiency.

Bhanu Opathella

Energy Storage Specialist, Amp

Harneet Panesar

Harneet Panesar

Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Energy Board

Jayesh Shah

Senior Manager, Hydro One Networks Inc.

Gary Thompson

Lead, Generation Planning and System Studies, Toronto Hydro

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes moved online, via Zoom, (external link)  through to winter 2022. Following university and public health guidelines, courses are back to in-person classes and are taught at the Centre for Urban Innovation, 44 Gerrard St East, Toronto.

The program makes use of the Centre for Urban Energy’s state-of-the-art Schneider Electric Smart Grid Laboratory, Canada’s first university-based smart grid lab.

Toronto Metropolitan is committed to providing an accessible learning environment. Please contact us if we need to make any accessibility accommodations to ensure your inclusion in this program.

"I have an undergrad from University of Toronto in environmental management and I wanted to upgrade my skills. I wouldn’t have gotten the job I have now had I not taken this diploma program. What I learned is directly applicable to what I do at the City now, like how to reduce the carbon footprint of many of the buildings in downtown."

Catherine Cook, City of Toronto

“I developed a good understanding of how the electrical system works in Canada. The cherry on top was the instructors because they were very experienced and knowledgeable in their field and extremely helpful to me during my studies. I am thankful that I took these courses as they were invaluable in obtaining my current position.”

Karnika Inamdar, Spectrum Power Systems

I know what a Master's is, but what exactly is a Professional Master's Diploma (PMDip)?
Professional Master’s Diplomas are accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. They are sector-specific, narrow in scope and geared towards working professionals. The short, focused graduate-level programs equip students with a unique set of skills and knowledge for today’s real-world industry challenges while providing them with an opportunity to enhance their education while pursuing a career. 

When is the deadline to apply? 
You can apply at any time. Admissions are competitively decided on a rolling basis. You can check the latest application windows on the Graduate Studies website

Do I need to take any refresher courses in electrical engineering, math, statistics etc. to prepare? 
No, this is not required.

Are courses taken in sequence or is it possible to take them all at once? 
This is a part-time program usually lasting one academic year. The courses are offered in sequence (as outlined below). However, once accepted to the program, you can take them in any order you wish and as your schedule allows. Of course, it is recommended that the final diploma project be completed last. 

  • Smart Grids – Electricity, Petroleum and Infrastructure (EE8901) is offered in the fall term, starting in September.
  • Demand Management and Conservation (EE8902) and Energy Storage and Use (EE8903) are offered in the winter term, starting in January.
  • Electricity Markets (EE8904) and Final Diploma Project (EE8905) are offered in the spring term, starting in May. 

Are there opportunities for students to develop their own technologies, software, products or services over the course of the PMDip?
Yes, within the final diploma project (EE8905). PMDip graduates who are interested in developing or commercializing their innovations can apply to join the Clean Energy Zone.

What is the method of assessment? Are there exams at the end of each course? 
Yes, each course has assignments and exams.

What is the course load like?
To complete the PMDip within one year, students must take one to two courses per term. Each course has three hours of lectures per week. 

Can I take one of the five PMDip courses on its own?
No, they cannot be taken as standalone courses. They must be completed as part of the Professional Master's Diploma in Energy and Innovation or a related Toronto Metropolitan engineering program. 

I don't have an engineering degree. Can I still apply?
While an engineering background is preferred, every application is competitively evaluated on an individual basis so other factors, such as work experience, will be taken into account. The Electrical Engineering 101 series is an option for those who want to gain understanding or refresh their knowledge of electrical engineering topics before applying (please note, however, that completion of the 101 series does not guarantee admission into the PMDip). Another option worth exploring is the Certificate in Energy Management and Conservation

Bala Venkatesh

If you have any questions about this program, please contact:

Bala Venkatesh
Academic Director
Centre for Urban Energy at Toronto Metropolitan University
Email: bala@torontomu.ca
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 552974