Ranking
5th
Complete Uni Guide 2025
Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management MSc / PGDip
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptemberDuration1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Diploma
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours degree
- Fees£10,900 (full-time) / £5,450 (part-time)
Page contents
Page contents
Course overview
Prepare for a career in the nuclear industry through our Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management Masters programme. Develop the scientific understanding and practical skills to address challenges in nuclear decommissioning, waste management and remediation.
Enhance your understanding of nuclear sciences, geosciences and materials science, preparing you for an exciting job or research role. There’s a high demand for skilled graduates in this field as work continues to decommission the current fleet of reactors.
Course Structure
You'll complete this advanced course in nuclear decomissioning either full time in one year or part time over two years. Learn in a variety of ways including lectures, laboratory work, computing and a research project
You'll begin the programme with an intro/induction day and then focus on gaining fundamentals in nuclear science and technology in terms of gaining knowledge and experience of practical and computing skills. Later on in the term you'll begin to learn specialist knowledge in your chosen area.
Course highlights
We blend foundational knowledge and practical skill which you'll be taught by our experts. you'll also benefit from our extensive links into industry and regulators, both in the UK and internationally, so you’ll be well placed for an exciting future. Our course teaches a broad range of topics and you can also specialise in your chosen area of interest with a research project.
- Dive into exciting modules spanning Physics and Chemistry disciplines, covering areas such as radiation transport, health physics, and fuel cycles
- Explore cutting-edge environmental topics including decommissioning, groundwater hydraulics, and site investigation & remediation
- Tailor your summer project to your interests in industry, and transform it into a thesis by the end of the programme
Benefit from the University's distinguished history in nuclear research and education since the industry's inception.
Course delivery
You'll be 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.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Engage in tutorials and seminars that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Engage in projects and pratical assignments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing your understanding and retention of concepts
- Experience increased engagement and motivation with 1:1 supervision, held in a supportive environment where you feel valued throughout your academic journey
- Develop, critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work
Module information
You'll complete 180 credits. 120 credits are assessed through the core taught modules and 60 credits are awarded following the successful completion of your research project.
2025/26
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Research Project in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management | 60 | |
| LM Nuclear Radiation, Dosimetry and Shielding, and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Policy, Regulation & Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Practical & Applied Studies B | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Processing, Storage & Disposal of Nuclear Waste | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Site Decommissioning & Environmental Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Practical & Applied Studies A | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (eg, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, mathematics, geoscience or any physical sciences subject). 2.2 degrees may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on modules taken. Learn more about entry requirements.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Career opportunities
You'll be in high demand thanks to the significant shortage of skilled graduates in nuclear decommissioning and waste management, both in the UK and globally. You'll graduate as a highly trained professional ready to make an impact in the Nuclear Industry. The research skills you'll acquire during this course will also lay a strong foundation for pursuing further postgraduate study towards a PhD.