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MSc Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors

This Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors programme at University of Birmingham began in 1956 with the build of the first nuclear reactor in Britain. Since then we have continually updated the areas of study and degree of specialisation to reflect the increasing sophistication of the field.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £26,640 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

At the same time we have maintained the overall breadth of the Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors programme at University of Birmingham, because we feel this allows new entrants to the field to gain a perspective that will be of continuous help in their future careers. This programme is also available as a 2-year part-time course.

The taught element consists of 180 credits. You will study 120 credits of taught modules and also undertake a 60-credit research project. This project may be conducted at the University, but more frequently in recent years we have arranged for projects to be undertaken within industry, giving students an opportunity for direct interaction and enhancing their employment prospects.

Why study Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors Masters at Birmingham?

  • 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
  • Expand your horizons with visits to a variety of nuclear establishments throughout the academic year visits are made to a variety of nuclear establishments
  • Spend one day at a training reactor where the reactor operators are trained

Courses included:

  • General Nuclear Power Technology
  • Nuclear Instrumentation, Radiation Protection, Reactor Systems and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
  • Radiation Transport, Materials Science and Reactor Control
  • Reactor Engineering, Reactor Systems and Non-Destructive Evaluation
  • Practical Skills for Reactor Physics
  • Research Project

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

This programme is a response to the current skills shortage in this area and trains high quality graduates for the nuclear industry. This is a growing sector and the demand for graduates will increase resulting in an excellent potential or rewarding careers. The research element of the programme also equips our graduates to go on to further study for a PhD.

Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (eg, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or any Physical Science subject). 2.2 degrees may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on modules taken and interview performance etc.

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