Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management Masters

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham's Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management Masters program prepares students for careers in the expanding nuclear industry. The program combines scientific knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing research and industry-based projects. Graduates are highly sought after in the field, with exceptional employment rates and opportunities for PhD study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management Masters programme at the University of Birmingham is designed to prepare students for a career in the nuclear industry. The program aims to equip students with the scientific understanding and practical skills necessary to address the challenges of nuclear decommissioning and waste management. The program emphasizes the development of research skills, which can also serve as a foundation for further postgraduate study towards a PhD.

Outline:

The program consists of 180 credits, with 120 credits awarded for core taught modules and 60 credits for a research project.

Taught Modules:

• Nuclear Radiation, Dosimetry and Shielding, and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle (20 credits)
• Policy, Regulation and Management (20 credits)
• Practical and Applied Studies A (20 credits)
• Practical and Applied Studies B (20 credits)
• Processing, Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Waste (20 credits)
• Site Decommissioning and Environmental Management (20 credits)

Research Project:

• Research Project (60 credits) - This project can be conducted at the University or, more frequently, within industry, providing students with direct interaction and enhancing their employment prospects.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

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

Teaching:

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

Careers:

The program addresses the significant shortage of skilled graduates in the field of nuclear decommissioning and waste management, both within the UK and globally.

• Career Opportunities: The sector is expected to grow, with increasing demand for high-quality graduates as the decommissioning of the current fleet of reactors progresses.
• Employment Outcomes: Typically, two-thirds of students have jobs or PhDs lined up before they graduate.
Most of the remaining one-third secure employment within a few months of graduation, with an overall recruitment rate into the nuclear industry of about 90%.

Other:

The University of Birmingham has a long and established track record of research and education in the nuclear sector, dating back to the earliest days of the nuclear industry. The University has extensive links to the nuclear industry and regulators both within the UK and internationally.

• Annual tuition fees for 2024/25:
UK students: £10,530 full-time, £5,265 part-time International students: £29,340
• All international applicants to this programme will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.