Program Overview
The MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering at the University of Bristol offers a comprehensive education in the principles of nuclear energy. The program combines core units with flexible options, practical research placements, and industry partnerships. Graduates are prepared for careers in nuclear science, engineering, or academia, with a focus on innovation and nuclear safety culture.
Program Outline
The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in the nuclear industry or academia.
Objectives:
- Provide a solid foundation in the scientific and engineering subjects relevant to nuclear energy.
- Develop key skills sought by employers, such as innovation, communication, and leadership.
- Familiarize students with the nuclear industry and its unique safety culture.
Outline:
The program is delivered full-time over one year. Students form a cohort attached to the South West Nuclear Hub and work with internationally leading research teams in the School of Physics, School of Engineering, and School of Earth Sciences.
Content:
- Core units provide a foundation in nuclear science and engineering.
- Optional units allow students to explore topics of interest.
- Students select at least ten credit points from a faculty outside their individual research project.
Course Schedule:
- Taught units take place during the traditional academic terms.
- Practical work takes place during the academic year and over a three-month dedicated research placement in the summer.
- The individual research project is supervised by leading academics and often aligned with key industrial partners.
Individual Modules:
Teaching:
- The program is taught by leading academics in the field.
- Students benefit from working with internationally leading research teams.
- The program emphasizes practical experience through research placements and group projects.
Careers:
Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in the nuclear industry or academia.
Opportunities:
- Recent graduates have gone on to work for employers such as EDF Energy, UKAEA, Jacobs, Frazer Nash, Dounreay, NNL, Mott McDonald, IAEA, Sellafield, and Atkins.
- Around a third of graduates continue in academia through PhD study.
Other:
- The program is ranked fifth for research in the UK by the Times Higher Education.
- 94% of the program's research is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
- The program is delivered in partnership with industry, including a focus on nuclear professionalism.
- Students may receive a bursary from partners they have worked with during their placement.
UK: full-time £14,700 per year Overseas: full-time £33,600 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
Entry Requirements:
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in an engineering or science discipline. Applicants outside of Engineering, Physics or Chemistry must demonstrate mathematical knowledge either with a Grade C or above in A-level Mathematics (or international equivalent) or three degree-level maths modules at grade 2:1 or above. For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies. We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. Specific module requirements may still apply. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following: evidence of significant, relevant work experience; a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
