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Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors Masters\MSc

Start date
September/October
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time (modular)
Course Type
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Taught
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25:
£10,530 UK students
£29,430 International Students
Further fee information is available.

The environmental impact from the use of fossil fuels and the uncertainties in their sources of supply has led to many alternative energy sources being investigated. But of these, only nuclear fission power is at present sufficiently developed to provide an economically viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

This programme 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. At the same time we have maintained the overall breadth of the course, 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

Modules

This course consists of 180 credits. You will study all of the core modules below which
comprise 120 credits and undertake a 60-credit research project.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25

  • UK students: £10,530 full-time, £5,265 part-time
  • International students: £29,340

Learn more about fees and funding.

 

Are you an international applicant?

All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.

Find out more about the deposit >>.

Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Masters students

UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Masters programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).

The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account. It is intended to provide a contribution towards the costs of Masters study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs is at your own discretion.

Learn more about applying for PGL 

  

Scholarships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

University scholarships

Birmingham Masters Scholarship

Our Birmingham Masters Scholarship offers £2,000 via a tuition fee discount, to support the brightest and best applicants from UK or Ireland undertaking Masters study at Birmingham during 2024-2025.

  

How To Apply

International applicants requiring visas

Applications to this programme from students who are international for fees will close 7 May 2024. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

UK and non-Tier 4 applicants

Applications will close 31 August 2024. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard 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. Learn more about entry requirements. 

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

This programme covers a wide range of the skills required to work in the nuclear industry and is co-taught with world-leading academic staff from different Schools within the University.

Learning is via lectures and practical sessions, supported by field trips and industry seminars.

A variety of assessment methods are used, including laboratory exercises, written coursework, case study reports, oral presentations and standard examinations.

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.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.