Overview

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

The MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering will prepare you for a career in industry or academia by providing a thorough grounding in the science and engineering that underpins today's nuclear energy systems. It combines the strengths of our science and engineering faculties with an established programme of nationally recognised industrial research through the Bristol-Oxford Nuclear Research Centre. The MSc offers a unique multidisciplinary experience and is a key part of the South West Nuclear Hub.

It has been developed and delivered in partnership with industry, including a focus on nuclear professionalism. After completing the programme, you will be familiar with the nuclear industry and its unique safety culture, which will prepare you to enter the industry or continue in academia.

The MSc offers numerous opportunities to collaborate with partner institutions, such as Institute Polytechnique de Grenoble (INP), École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), the Materials Ageing Institute (MAI) and Hitachi-GE Internships.

Jacobs and EDF Energy sponsor some of our research projects, giving students a bursary towards their study, as well as a three-month research project and a mentor.

More information on the MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering is available on the South West Nuclear Hub Teaching pages.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered full-time over one year. Students will form a cohort attached to the South West Nuclear Hub and will benefit from working with internationally leading research teams.

There are taught and practical elements of the programme. The taught section consists of core units, which provide a solid foundation in the scientific and engineering subjects, and optional units, which offer an opportunity to explore topics of particular interest. Students are encouraged to broaden their studies by selecting at least ten credit points from the faculty outside their individual research project.

The practical programme consists of the group project and the individual research project. The group project brings students together in interdisciplinary teams to tackle current problems facing the nuclear industry. These help develop key skills sought by employers such as innovation, communication and leadership.

The individual research project is supervised by leading academics at the University and is often aligned with key industrial partners, offering an opportunity to experience the industry's technical challenges and professional culture first hand.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in an engineering or science discipline. Applicants must demonstrate mathematical knowledge, which may be demonstrated by modules/content within their undergraduate degree, or in A-level Mathematics (or equivalent). Candidates should supply details of high school qualifications when applying (if relevant). Relevant professional experience or qualifications can also be put forward for consideration as equivalent to the academic entry requirements. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£13,300 per year
Overseas: full-time
£28,600 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2023/24

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates will leave equipped with a familiarity with the nuclear industry and the specialised nature of its safety culture, and they will be prepared to enter the industry or continue towards further research.

Recent graduates have gone to work in the nuclear industry for employers such as Dounreay, EDF Energy, Nuclear Grads, Frazer Nash and Atkins. Others have continued to PhD study, including within the Interface Analysis Centre and the Solid Mechanics Research Group at the University of Bristol.

Contact us