Programme Structure
From September 2023, all students taking the MSc and PG Diploma MUST complete TWO of the THREE compulsory course units available in order to complete their chosen programme. For students registering for the PG Certificate ONE of the THREE compulsory course units must be taken.
The three units to choose from are:
- N03 – Radiation and Radiological Protection
- N10 – Processing, Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Waste
- N11 – Radiation Shielding
Course Structure
The qualifications offered are available on a full-time or part-time basis.
Part-time MSc taken over 3 years:
Year 1: 4 modules (Successful completion attains Postgraduate Certificate)
Year 2: 4 modules (Successful completion attains Postgraduate Diploma)
Year 3: Project & Dissertation (Successful completion attains MSc)
Part-time MSc taken over 2 years:
8 modules are taken over the two year period with the project and dissertation also being completed in the second year.
Full-time MSc taken over 1 year:
8 modules are taken over a period of approximately 9 months. The project and dissertation then follows.
Short course attendance
Any module may be taken as a short course for Continuing Professional Development purposes. Students attending a short course will be given an appropriate certificate but will not achieve a formal qualification from the institution presenting the module. Students successfully completing an individual module may transfer to the full programme subject to acceptance by their chosen university.
Module Selection.
Modules have been grouped in streams to align with the anticipated interests of students as shown below. Each module will accrue 15 credits, requiring approximately 150 hours application by the student.
NOTE: If students decide to take modules from both streams, there is a possibility of overlap in material.
Suggested Module Streams
Due to unforeseen exceptional circumstances, the N07 - Nuclear Safety Case Development course unit will not be available in 2023-24
Decomissioning
N04 Decommissioning, Radioactive Waste and Environmental Management
N07 Nuclear Safety Case Development
N10 Processing, Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Wastes
N31 Management of the Decommissioning Process
Nuclear Technology
N01 Reactor Physics, Criticality & Design
N02 Nuclear Fuel Cycle
N03 Radiation & Radiological Protection
N07 Nuclear Safety Case Development
N13 Criticality Safety Management
Elective Modules - Suggested Streams
Decommissioning
N08 Particle Engineering in the Nuclear Industry
N09 Policy, Regulation & Licensing
Environment & Safety
N09 Policy, Regulation & Licensing
N10 Processing, Disposal & Storage of Nuclear Wastes
Nuclear Technology
N06 Reactor Materials & Lifetime Behaviour
N09 Policy, Regulation & Licensing
N11 Radiation Shielding
N12 Reactor Thermal Hydraulics
N15 Severe Accidents
N16 Chemical Aspects of Nuclear Technology
N32 Experimental Reactor Physics
Module format
The core of each module is one week’s direct teaching at the institution delivering the module. This may include some group exercises which require the students to work together, undertake research and make a presentation to the module leader and the rest of the cohort.
Prior to the concentrated week of teaching, students undertake approximately 20 hours of pre-module preparation & pre-reading. The purpose of this is to enhance the effectiveness of the direct taught week by bringing students, who may be from varying academic backgrounds and disciplines, up to the same basic level of knowledge.
A post-module assignment follows the taught week, is based upon the subject matter of the direct taught element, and is undertaken at the student’s place of work or home. The assignment is gauged to require approximately 70 hours’ input by the student and is assessed and marked. It is submitted about 8 weeks after completion of the taught week.
If a module examination is incorporated, this is taken some weeks after the taught section of module
Pass marks
The pass mark is 50% for all modules and is the same for students taking an MSc, PG Diploma, or PG Certificate.
Module availability
Modules may be withdrawn if insufficient students register to attend.