MEng Materials Science with Nuclear Engineering (UCAS code F2H8)
Why nuclear engineering?
Nuclear is an increasingly important area of Engineering and offers a chance to make a real difference. The UK is committed to an expansion of nuclear power generation, requiring an estimated 1000 graduate jobs to be created each year to 2025 from science and engineering subjects. The UK is also committed to a £70 billion programme of decommissioning and clean up of historic nuclear sites, and geological disposal of radioactive wastes. This will require a further 1,000 new skilled entrants to the profession each year. Worldwide, the development of new nuclear power and geological disposal programmes will ensure a high demand for nuclear engineers in the coming decades.
Why Materials Science & Nuclear Engineering at Sheffield?
Our programme will provide you with a sound knowledge of materials engineering and process technologies, combined with an in-depth specialisation in nuclear science and engineering principles. Because our staff are leaders in the field of nuclear materials and engineering, we are able to offer you high quality taught courses that teach you the latest developments.
- A five month paid industry placement which will provide you with real experience of working in the nuclear sector before you graduate
- Hands on experience of working safely with radioactive sources, combined with an understanding of regulatory and safety principles, through our nuclear engineering laboratory module
- A programme of supporting events and seminars to build your professional skills, industry awareness, and networking capability as a cohort of nuclear engineers
- Our course is fully accredited by The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
How does it work?
Our course was designed in consultation with the nuclear industry and provides the skills and knowledge needed to develop the next generation of leaders in this field. In the first two years, you will follow the core programme of materials science and engineering modules. In the third year you will take core modules, and taught and laboratory modules in nuclear science and technology, together with a work placement in the nuclear sector. In the final year, you will take advanced nuclear engineering modules and a research project under the guidance of a member of academic staff.
Is Materials Science & Nuclear Engineering for me?
If you are interested in developing a broad understanding of materials and engineering principles and how you can apply them to nuclear technology, then our course is for you. We are seeking able, imaginative and ambitious students who will graduate with the knowledge and skills required to advance the international nuclear industry of the future.
Our courses are designed to offer students flexibility in choice of degree programme and students may transfer to or from the Materials Science & Engineering programme up to the start of their third year.
What about future careers?
A recent report from the Cogent Sector Skills Council estimated “Job creation on the scale of three London Olympics” would be generated by the anticipated nuclear new build programme. Combined with the needs of national and international nuclear defence, decommissioning and geological disposal programmes, the demand for high quality nuclear materials engineers is assured for decades to come. We are committed to supporting your transition from higher education to employment, launching you on your path to technical leadership or management in your chosen field.
“I find working in the nuclear industry incredibly rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone. On a daily basis I am challenged to use the full range of my engineering skills and experience. The range of issues I have to deal with include meeting legal requirements, setting technical strategy, problem solving and managing the full design cycle for new plant” - Mark Bateman PhD, Group Head, Nuclear Fuel Handling and Transportation (EDF Energy Plc).