MSc Nuclear Science and Engineering

Nuclear Science and Engineering is an exciting area of research and industrial investment in the UK. Nuclear energy has historically supplied around 20% of the UK's electricity, and significant investments are underway into the construction of new reactors at Hinkley Point C, with Sizewell C and further new reactors expected in the coming decade. The existing generation of advanced gas-cooled reactors are been decommissioned, and new, advanced fission, such as High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR), fusion reactors, such as the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), and small modular reactors (SMR) are being designed. As a result, there is huge demand for graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in the nuclear industry. Our MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering teaches you the science and engineering background to the operation of nuclear fission and fusion energy. The MSc prepares you for a career in industry or academia, combining the strengths of our science and engineering faculties with an established programme of nationally recognised industrial research. The MSc has been developed and delivered in partnership with industry, including a focus on nuclear professionalism. After completing the programme, you will be familiar with the nuclear industry and its unique safety culture, which will prepare you to enter the industry or continue in academia. The programme offers a unique multidisciplinary experience and is a key part of the Southwest Nuclear Hub. The MSc is endorsed by the Nuclear Institute (NI), the professional body representing nuclear professionals in the UK. Our industrial partners, including EDF Energy, Amentum, UKNNL, Sellafield Ltd., UKAEA, Kyoto Fusioneering, Rolls Royce and many others, sponsor and provide guidance on some of our student research projects. Students can apply for bursaries from industry partners they have worked with during their placement. Additionally, bursaries contributing towards living costs are available for home students, which are funded through UKAEA’s FOSTER Programme, DESNZ and TNIBF. The University of Bristol is ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021), with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Applicants will typically need an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in an Engineering or Science discipline. Applicants with degrees in Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences or any science subject outside of Physics or Chemistry must demonstrate mathematical knowledge either with a Grade C or above in A-level Mathematics (or international equivalent) or a 2.1 in three different quantitative or physics modules from the following units: Advanced Maths (introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements), Analysis, Auditing, Bayesian Modelling, Calculus, Complex Functions, Computer Science (including programming/algorithms), Cosmology, Data Mining/Data Science/Data Analytics, Decision Analysis and Simulation, Decision Maths, Derivatives, Differential Equations / Ordinary Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics, Econometrics (including 'introductory'; 'foundations of'; and 'advanced'), Financial Analysis, Financial Maths, Financial Modelling, Financial Reporting, Game Theory, Geometry, Information Theory, Investment Analysis, Kinematics, Linear Algebra, Linear Programming, Macroeconomics (including intermediate / advanced; could be called Economics III / IV), Management Science, Mathematical Programming, Maths for Business / Business Maths, Maths for Economics, Mechanics, Mechanics (any type of mechanics), Mechatronics, Microeconomics (including intermediate / advanced; could be called Economics III / IV), Multi Variate Analysis, Network Science, Nuclear Physics, Number Theory, Optimisation, Particle Physics, Probability, Proof / Intro to Proof, Properties of Matter, Pure Maths, Quantitative Techniques, Quantitative Methods, Quantum Physics, Research Methods, Semiconductor Physics, Solid State Physics, Statement Analysis, Statistics/Statistical Methods/Statistical Analysis etc, Supply Chain Management/ Logistics Management, Thermal Physics, Thermodynamics, Time Series Analysis, and Vector Calculus. If applicants are currently completing a degree, it is understood that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades achieved during their studies to date. Applications may still be considered if interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, meaning applicants would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree, and specific module requirements would still apply.