Details
This degree course will provide students with the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding in nuclear sciences (nuclear physics and radiochemistry), geosciences (including geochemistry, geophysics and hydrogeology) and materials science, to prepare graduates for a career in nuclear decommissioning, waste management and remediation.
Why study this course
The University of Birmingham has a long and established track record of research and education in the nuclear sector, including reactor technology, metallurgy and materials, decommissioning and waste management, dating back to the earliest days of the nuclear industry. The University runs one of the longest-standing Masters level courses in the nuclear sector (over 50 years), in the Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors (PTNR). The University has extensive links to the nuclear industry and regulators both within the UK and internationally, including National Nuclear Labs, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Idaho National Labs, NAGRA, British Energy, AMEC, Serco, HSE (NII), Atkins, Babcock Marine, Westinghouse, UKAEA, EDF, E.ON and RWE NPower.
Modules
1. Nuclear Radiation and Dosimetry (10 credits) - Semester 1
-
Nuclear Radiation and Decay
-
Radiation Detection
-
Radiation Dosimetry
-
Radiation Protection
2. Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Radiation Shielding (10 credits) - Semester 1
-
Reactor Systems
-
Nuclear Fuel Cycle
-
Radiation Shielding
-
Introduction to radiochemistry
3. Processing, storage and disposal of nuclear wastes (20 credits) - Semester 1
-
Waste forms and classification
-
Waste Processing and Treatment
-
Encapsulation
-
Waste Management and Storage
-
Geological Storage
4. Site Decommissioning and Environmental Management (20 credits)-Semester 2
-
Environmental Impact of Nuclear Power
-
Site Monitoring and Assessment
-
Decommissioning
-
Environmental Remediation
-
Environmental Modelling
5. Policy, Regulation and Management (20 credits) - Semester 2
-
Policy, Public Perception and Accountability
-
Nuclear Regulation for Waste Management
-
Programme Management and Contracts
-
Project Appraisal and Financing
6. Practical & Applied studies A ( 20 credits) - Semester 1
-
Radiation Detection and Measurement Lab
-
Materials & Analysis Lab
-
Computing & Numerical Analysis
7. Practical & Applied studies B ( 20 credits) - Semester 2
-
Materials & Analysis Lab
-
Computing & Numerical Analysis
-
Case Study Exercise
8. Project Work and Thesis (60 credits)
View full module descriptions (PDF 115KB)
Fees and funding
The fees for 2013-14 are:
Full time UK/EU: £5,130
Part time UK/EU: £2,565
Full time overseas (non UK/EU): £16,770
Part time overseas (non UK/EU): £8,385
Learn more about fees and funding.
Scholarships
Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
For further information contact the School directly or get in touch with the Student Funding Office via the online enquiries system.
Entry requirements
2.1 Honours Degree normally required in a related discipline. Lower entry requirements may be acceptable if you demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills.
Candidates with significant relevant industrial experience will be considered.
International students
Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
How to apply
When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages
Apply now