Master of Engineering Science (Nuclear Engineering)
#1 in Australia for Engineering and Technology*
Domestic
International
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this program
Check the Fees & Scholarships tab for details
Prepare for global employment opportunities in the energy sector as well as a variety of nuclear careers.
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Engineering Science
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
1 - 2 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Master of Engineering Science (Nuclear Engineering) is designed for students who want to understand nuclear concepts that form the foundation of our universe. Through this degree you’ll develop the skills to apply these concepts to a variety of industries today and the technologies of the future. This postgraduate degree teaches you the underpinning theory behind nuclear engineering techniques, technologies and processes.
This degree also provides a stream that allows graduates from traditional engineering disciplines to pursue a career in high-tech industries including nuclear science, nuclear medicine, mining and resources, energy, manufacturing, aerospace, space exploration and defence. You’ll learn from national and international experts in the sector, including nuclear researchers from UNSW Sydney and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, plus shared courses with the UNSW-ASU-King’s College PLuS Alliance.
The two-year postgraduate degree, taught by the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, features complex, open-ended, enquiry-based projects. You’ll develop knowledge and skills in topics such as:
- Societal, economic and environmental considerations
- Nuclear reactor theory
- Nuclear engineering design
- Nuclear materials
- Systems engineering
- The uranium and thorium fuel cycles
- Life cycle management
- Nuclear safety
- Nuclear security and safeguards
- Societal, economic and environmental considerations
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is the largest Mechanical Engineering school in Australia ranked No.1 in Australia in Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing engineering, offering the only nuclear engineering program in the country.
We’re a leading provider of world class education and research, working closely with industry and government across the globe.
By studying at UNSW, you’ll have access to many cutting-edge laboratory facilities. These include a combustion laboratory and an energy storage laboratory and a network of Maker Spaces where you can get hands-on with your learning.
UNSW has partnerships with industry and research organisations, both in Australia and internationally, to provide students with opportunities for industry placements, career development, and research projects. We have built strong partnerships with organisations in the nuclear energy and medical sectors, including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
Program Code
8338
CRICOS Code
084282A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
2,383
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Entry requirements
Admission to the standard 2-year program requires one of the following:
- 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from Australia or accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines below with a minimum 65% average*.
- Graduate Diploma in one of the below cognate disciplines with a minimum 65% average*.
| Cognate Discipline | |
Aerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Chemistry Manufacturing Engineering Material Engineering Mechanical Engineering |
Mechatronic Engineering Mining Engineering Naval Engineering Photovoltaic Engineering Renewable Energy Telecommunications Engineering Nuclear Engineering Nuclear Science/Technology Energy Engineering Aeronautical Engineering |
To confirm if your degree is accredited under the Washington Accord, please use the Qualification Checker on the Washington Accord homepage.
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
1 – 1.7 Year Program: If you have a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum 65% average*, including a minimum of 4 courses in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and/or Mining Engineering, you may be given up to 48 Units of Credit
*Please note that Chinese degrees from non-211 universities will require a minimum 70% average.
Admission pathways
Our Engineering Postgraduate Admissions Scheme (EPAS) is an alternative pathway for students considering postgraduate study. It applies to students who don’t quite make the cut-off weighted average mark, across all UNSW Engineering schools.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Admission to the standard 2-year program requires one of the following:
- 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from Australia or accredited under the Washington Accord in one of the cognate disciplines below with a minimum 65% average*.
- Graduate Diploma in one of the below cognate disciplines with a minimum 65% average*.
| Cognate Discipline | |
Aerospace Engineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Chemistry Manufacturing Engineering Material Engineering Mechanical Engineering |
Mechatronic Engineering Mining Engineering Naval Engineering Photovoltaic Engineering Renewable Energy Telecommunications Engineering Nuclear Engineering Nuclear Science/Technology Energy Engineering Aeronautical Engineering |
To confirm if your degree is accredited under the Washington Accord, please use the Qualification Checker on the Washington Accord homepage.
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.
1 – 1.7 Year Program: If you have a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum 65% average*, including a minimum of 4 courses in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and/or Mining Engineering, you may be given up to 48 Units of Credit
*Please note that Chinese degrees from non-211 universities will require a minimum 70% average.
Admission pathways
Our Engineering Postgraduate Admissions Scheme (EPAS) is an alternative pathway for students considering postgraduate study. It applies to students who don’t quite make the cut-off weighted average mark, across all UNSW Engineering schools.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
When you choose to study a Master of Engineering Science, you’ll choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.
Within these specialisations your study will include:
- Enquiry-based courses
- Disciplinary courses
- Engineering and Technical Management Courses.
You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.
You’ll also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:
- At least 4 Disciplinary Courses
- At least 4 Advanced Disciplinary Courses
- At least 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
- At least 3 enquiry-based courses (which includes a research project)
- At least 4 elective courses (across Disciplinary, Advanced Disciplinary and Engineering and Technical Management courses)
Through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses you’ll learn the technical knowledge and skills you need for your chosen specialisation. You’ll also update your knowledge in cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.
Engineering and Technical Management courses help you build skills in communicating and justifying professional decisions, employing ethical approaches to practice, and developing the abilities required for roles more focused on project and or staff management, leadership and strategy.
You’ll complete a research project in this degree within the enquiry-based courses. In this you can choose to develop your Postgraduate Research skills to assist with the research project component of the degree or as your first step towards a Higher Degree Research (PhD) program. Or you can complete a “Launching a Startup” course where you will be equipped with the skills necessary to successfully commercialise your ideas.
Future careers
There is a global skills shortage in qualified nuclear engineers and nuclear graduates are highly employable.
This degree will prepare you for global employment opportunities in the energy sector, as well as a variety of nuclear careers in Australia. In addition to the increasing number of new generation nuclear energy plants, existing reactors require maintenance, servicing, operations and eventual decommissioning.
You’ll also have the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in:
- Nuclear medicine
- Nuclear science research
- Mining and resources
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Defence
The skills you'll gain as a UNSW Nuclear Engineering graduate are in demand in the defence sector, where nuclear engineering applications are continually evolving.
UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative CSP First Year Fee
$8,010*
2023 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree
$16,285*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$36,480*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$73,205*
Full Fees are the cost of the degree for students who do not receive a CSP place.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$47,700*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$96,845*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
The UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. UNSW Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.
Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.
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Top 20WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2024.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
