This set of mods stays very close to vanilla but makes some important changes. You have the potential to become a powerful mage, but still have to work hard to level up and spend those perk points on your magic school.
The biggest change is that enchanting no longer provides a path to free casting gear. There is only one enchantment that reduces casting cost, is can only be enchanted on Robes and Armor. Regular Fortify -magic school- enchantments now increase the power of your spells instead of making them lower the cost to cast them.

The Thu'um Mastery mod adds 2 new unique perks that can improve your shouts.

The Master Spell Magicka Perks mod gives you +50 bonus Magicka when you buy a Master level spell perk. This gives you extra incentive to buy that last perk even if you don't use Master level spells.

Magic Skill Scaling: Spell Damage or duration is increased depending on how high your skill is.

Transmute Gems: Adds 6 new Spelltomes to manipulate gemstones and soulgems.