University of Birmingham - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
MSc Physics and Technology of Nuclear ReactorsBirmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
29 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 10,900 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for UK students|£30,370 for international students
Key Summary
Visit our Postgraduate Open Day - Saturday 28 June 2025
Discover why we are the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers ('Graduate Market in 2024' High Fliers report) at our on-campus Postgraduate Open Day.
Introduction
Deepen your understanding of reactor physics and get set for a career in the growing nuclear industry.
From radiation transport to reactor systems and fusion, you’ll study a broad range of physics and engineering topics that will open up a world of opportunities. You’ll also take part in field trips, including a day at a training reactor.
You'll be taught by experts and benefit from our extensive links into industry and regulators, both in the UK and internationally. Our course launched in 1956, with the construction of Britain’s first nuclear reactor. We’ve continually evolved to keep pace with this increasingly sophisticated field so you’ll benefit from a well-established programme that will expand your horizons.
- Get hands-on experience by spending a day at a training reactor, where reactor operators are trained.
- Learn from world-leading academic staff across different Schools within the University, gaining expert knowledge in the field.
- Engage in a summer project, typically based in the industry, and culminate your experience by writing it up as an MSc thesis.
Admissions
Curriculum
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.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
Core Modules
Module Title
- General Nuclear Power Technology
- Nuclear Instrumentation, Radiation Protection, Reactor Systems and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
- Practical Skills for Reactor Physics A
- Practical Skills for Reactor Physics B
- Radiation Transport, Materials Science and Reactor Control
- Reactor Engineering, Reactor Systems and Non-Destructive Evaluation
- PTNR Research Project
Scholarships and Funding
Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Masters students
UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Master's programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).
The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account. It is intended to provide a contribution towards the costs of Masters study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs is at your own discretion.
Scholarships
We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at the postgraduate level.
Program Tuition Fee
Gallery
Career Opportunities
This programme tackles the current skills shortage by cultivating high-quality graduates for a rapidly expanding sector. With increasing demand for graduates, exciting career opportunities await. Moreover, the research component of the program primes you for advanced studies, potentially including a PhD.
Program delivery
You'll be taught by top 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 hands-on 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.