Masters (Coursework)
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.
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:
*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
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).
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.
A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
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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.
A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
Cognate disciplines |
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A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a Cognate discipline.
Cognate disciplines |
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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:
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.
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.
A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
| Cognate Discipline | |
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|
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.
A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
Cognate disciplines |
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|
|
A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a Cognate discipline.
Cognate disciplines |
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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.
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:
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.
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:
The skills you'll gain as a UNSW Nuclear Engineering graduate are in demand in the defence sector
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.