Ranking
5th
Complete Uni Guide 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
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.
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.
Ask us a question or join our mailing list
Ask our subject team a question or sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with our latest events, scholarships and subject news.
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
- 5th
in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
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
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
Laboratory
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 | Summer |
| Nuclear Radiation, Dosimetry and Shielding, and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Policy, Regulation & Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Practical & Applied Studies B | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Processing, Storage & Disposal of Nuclear Waste | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Site Decommissioning & Environmental Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Practical & Applied Studies A | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Professor Paul Norman
Programme Director
Staff profile for Professor Paul Norman
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 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.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
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.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.