Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors Masters/MSc

Program Overview

The Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors MSc at the University of Birmingham equips students with knowledge and skills for the nuclear industry. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering reactor physics, engineering, and radiation protection, leading to careers as reactor operators, engineers, and more. Students gain practical experience through lab exercises and field trips, and benefit from close industry connections. The program has a strong legacy, having trained professionals for over 60 years.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors Masters/MSc program at the University of Birmingham is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time (modular) program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the nuclear industry. The program is a response to the current skills shortage in this area and trains high-quality graduates for the nuclear industry. The program's objectives are to:

• Develop practical skills in reactor physics, reactor engineering, and radiation protection.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the nuclear industry.
The program began in 1956 with the build of the first nuclear reactor in Britain. Since then, the program has continually updated its areas of study and degree of specialization to reflect the increasing sophistication of the field. At the same time, the program has maintained the overall breadth of the course, allowing new entrants to the field to gain a perspective that will be of continuous help in their future careers.

Outline:

The program consists of 180 credits, including 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit research project. The taught modules cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Nuclear Instrumentation, Radiation Protection, Reactor Systems and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle (20 credits): This module covers the instrumentation and control systems used in nuclear reactors, radiation protection principles, and the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Radiation Transport, Materials Science and Reactor Control (20 credits): This module explores the transport of radiation through matter, the effects of radiation on materials, and the principles of reactor control.
• Practical Skills for Reactor Physics A (20 credits): This module provides practical experience in reactor physics, including the use of simulation software.
• Practical Skills for Reactor Physics B (20 credits): This module builds on the skills learned in Practical Skills for Reactor Physics A, providing further practical experience in reactor physics.
• Research Project (60 credits): This project may be conducted at the University, but more frequently in recent years, projects have been undertaken within industry, giving students an opportunity for direct interaction and enhancing their employment prospects.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Laboratory exercises
• Written coursework
• Case study reports
• Oral presentations
• Standard examinations

Teaching:

The program is taught by world-leading academic staff from different Schools within the University. Learning is via lectures and practical sessions, supported by field trips and industry seminars.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the nuclear industry, including:

• Reactor operator
• Nuclear engineer
• Radiation protection officer
• Nuclear safety specialist
• Nuclear research scientist
Studentships are sponsored by the UK nuclear industry, providing excellent and effective entry routes into careers in this stimulating field for physicists, mathematicians, metallurgists, or engineers.

Other:

• The program includes visits to a variety of nuclear establishments throughout the academic year.
• Students spend one day at a training reactor where the reactor operators are trained.